When the IBC/IFC doesn't provide a specific definition we are told (ref. 2018 
IFC) 201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined
through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have 
ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies. Merriam Webster's 
Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition, shall be considered as providing 
ordinarily accepted meanings.

Throughout means throughout.

We've just been through this definition issue with a local architect.  Omission 
of sprinklers in a Control room with Sapphire provided is acceptable as an 
alternative by the AHJ but the building loses all advantages or allowances that 
are given to a fully sprinklered building since taking out sprinklers and 
substituting a gaseous system no longer qualifies as being sprinklered 
throughout.  Basically any part of the code that allows you to do something a 
little more risky or bigger, higher, wider or of greater quantity or whatever 
based on a fully sprinklered building or where sprinklers are installed 
throughout, now goes away and you can't do those things.

The Commentary spells this out in great detail.  2018, IFC Commentary, 903.1.1.

Craig Prahl | Jacobs | Group Lead/SME - Fire Protection | 864.676.5252 | 
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> | 
www.jacobs.com<http://www.jacobs.com/>
1041 East Butler Road   Greenville, South Carolina  29606

From: Sprinklerforum <[email protected]> On Behalf 
Of Ed Kramer via Sprinklerforum
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2020 2:38 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Ed Kramer <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] IBC "throughout"

There are countless sections in the IBC that say sprinklers shall be  " . . 
.installed throughout . ." or ". . .provided throughout . ." or  ". .equipped 
throughout . ." or something similar.  But I don't' see where the IBC tells me 
what "throughout" means.  I've assumed it meant sprinklers in all areas that 
the applicable NFPA standard (NFPA 13 in this case) requires them, but not in 
areas that the applicable NFPA standard allows them to be omitted.  I've 
learned, since the IBC doesn't define the term, there are jurisdictions that 
define it differently - more specifically they don't recognize the omissions 
that NFPA 13 allows, only the exempt locations listed in IBC section 
903.3.1.1.1.

Is anyone aware of an IBC document that would shed some light on this?  I've 
found a number of articles from consultants, associations, etc., but something 
directly from the IBC would carry a lot more weight.

Ed Kramer
Bamford Fire Sprinkler


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