American Fire Sprinkler Association
12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350 - Dallas, Texas 75251
Ph: (214) 349-5965 Fax: (214 276-0908
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Tech Talk
May 2007
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SMALL ORIFICE SPRINKLERS IN ORDINARY HAZARD OCCUPANCIES
Can sprinklers with a 4.2 K-factor in Ordinary Hazard (Group 1)
occupancies be used? The answer is no since small orifice sprinklers
are limited to light hazard occupancies.
Section 8.3.4.1 in the 2007 and 2002 editions state, "For light
hazard occupancies not requiring as much water as is discharged by a
sprinkler with a nominal K-factor of 5.6 operating at 7 psi,
sprinklers having a smaller orifice shall be permitted..." The
handbook commentary for the two editions indicate that small orifice
sprinklers are restricted to light hazard occupancies because they
are not as effective in controlling a fire as are sprinklers with a
nominal K-factor of at least 5.6. Section 22.4.4.8.2 of NFPA 13
allows smaller orifices to be used, but also limited to light hazard
applications. Section 22.4.4.8.2 states, "Sprinklers with differing
orifice sizes shall be acceptable for special use such as exposure
protection, small rooms or enclosures, or directional discharge. (See
3.3.15 for definition of small rooms and 3.3.20 in the 2002
edition.)" When looking at the definition of small rooms, it
references light hazard occupancies. Once again, the wording is
similar for the 2002 in section 14.4.4.6.2. The commentary also
indicates that the exception does recognize that certain arrangements
can require a reduced sprinkler discharge, thus a sprinkler with a
smaller orifice is permitted. However, since the application is
Ordinary Hazard (Group I) Occupancies, the use of a smaller orifice
cannot be used.
COMBUSTIBLE CONCEALED SPACE WITH INSULATION
The technical committee cleaned up some language concerning the use
of insulation in section 8.15.1.2.13 (8.14.1.2.13 in the 2002
edition). In addition, the substrate and facing of the insulation
should also be considered. Section 8.15.1.2.13 was modified in the
2007 edition that states, "Concealed spaces below insulation that is
laid directly on top of or within wood joists or composite wood
joists used as ceiling joists in an otherwise sprinklered concealed
space, with the ceiling attached directly to the bottom of the
joists, shall not require sprinkler protection." This section now
indicates that the composite wood joists can be the ceiling joists
and that the ceiling is attached directly to the joists. This
indicates that there is a very small gap below the insulation where
sprinkler protection is not required.
The poly sheeting or paper facing of the insulation can impact
concealed spaces. Insulation installed in a noncombustible concealed
space may create a combustible concealed space due to the facing on
the insulation. Section 8.15.1.2.12 previously required that the
concealed space between the poly sheeting or paper and the suspended
ceiling to be protected if the heat content of the poly sheeting or
paper exceeds 1000 BTU/ft_. To ensure no misunderstandings, this was
repeated within the new 8.15.1.2.16. You will have to confirm this
with the manufacturer of the insulation when the poly sheeting and
paper is attached to the insulation.
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May 30, 2007
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June 20, 2007
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July 11, 2007
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TechTalk is prepared by the Technical Services Department of the
American Fire Sprinkler Association: Vice President of Engineering
and Technical Services, Roland Huggins, a PE registered in fire
protection engineering; Phill Brown, a CFPS and a NICET IV certified
automatic sprinkler technician, and Tom Wellen, a degreed fire
protection-engineering technologist. Opinions are provided with the
understanding that AFSA assumes no liability for the opinions or
actions taken on them and they are not to be considered the official
interpretation of the NFPA or that of its technical committees.
Copyright (c) 2007, American Fire Sprinkler Association, 9696
Skillman St., Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75243. Voice (214) 349-5965 ext
124 or Fax (214) 343-8898. All rights reserved.
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