Vertical Openings-When Are Closely Spaced Sprinklers Needed?

[bmlxd40]

So, NFPA 13, 8.15.4, 2013ed. states that certain types of unenclosed floor openings are to be protected with closely spaced sprinklers where sprinkler protection serves as the alternative to enclosure of the vertical opening. What method do you guys use to determine if the opening requires enclosure, and thus the closely spaced sprinklers? As a sprinkler guy, I may overlook something in the Building Code that allows the unprotected opening, or vice versa.



It seems to me that a quick RFI to let the Architect clarify for us would be the way to go, but with openings between floors becoming very popular, it would be nice to be able to have something to hang our hat on before the bid goes in.

 

[cdafd]

It is strictly a NFPA 13 question

I do not have the book in front of me,

But I think it is based on sq ft and width length of opening.

 

[bmlxd40]

8.15.4.4 allows you to eliminate the sprinklers if all the exceptions are met. What openings are required to be protected with sprinklers in lieu of being enclosed? The annex clarifies it further by stating the following:

"It is the intent of this section to require closely spaced sprinklers and draft stops where protection or enclosure is required by the building and life safety codes"

I am not familiar with the LSC or IBC requirements for protection or enclosure of the opening. I apologize for my lack of clarity in the first post.

 

[UFT12]

8.15.4.4 is self explanatory. Do your openings have the size stated? If not, you must consider the following options, a) enclosure, b) closed spaced sprinklers as equivaent measure. Your architect should make the decision for an enclosure, not you.

See also par. 8.6 of NFPA 101. Even if not applicable, still worth the read as the intent of 13 & 101 is the same and one supports the other.

 

[cdafd]

Just a thought

If the building is not required to have a fire sprinkler system, it could still have the openings.

The openings do not create a requirement for a fire sprinkler system.

I am hoping some words of wisdom from Stookey.