Sprinkler system in school ( Educational Facility)

[Ahmedbadr87]

I'm asking if sprinkler system is required in schools " Educational Facility " ?
I'm based in country where IBC is the governing Code?

As per IBC , Clause no.903.2.3, sprinkler system is required If fire area is greater than 1115 m2

An automatic sprinkler system shall be
provided for Group E occupancies as follows:
1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 12,000
square feet (1115 m2) in area.
2. Throughout every portion of educational buildings
below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that
portion of the building.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not
required in any area below the lowest level of exit
discharge serving that area where every classroom
throughout the building has not fewer than one exterior
exit door at ground level

My question is if other assembly occupancy like gymnasium , auditorium are existing in schools , would they be identified as Group A or GROUP E?...AS per IBC , If those occupancies are supportive to the educational purpose , they would be classified as Group E,

303.1.3 Associated with Group E occupancies. A room or
space used for assembly purposes that is associated with a
Group E occupancy is not considered a separate occupancy.


Am I Getting it right?....that means if fire area does not exceed 12,000 ft2, then no sprinkler system is required , even there are gymnasium , auditorium , libraries ....etc.

 

[stookeyfpe]

Yes. If the fire area is < 12,000 square feet, automatic sprinkler protection isn't required.

 

[Ahmedbadr87]

stookeyfpe
Thanks for answer

 

[chicopee]

Even if the IBC is the governing code, review the details with your jurisdiction fire marshal.