American Fire Sprinkler Association
12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350 † Dallas, Texas 75251
Ph: (214) 349-5965 Fax: (214) 276-0908
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TECHTALK
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2007
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IMPROVING THE STANDARDS
The Standard Council issued TIA 05-2 (SC 07-10-9/Log 889) on the 2005
edition of NFPA 11, Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion
Foam" modified section 4.7.3.4 as follows: "rubber or elastomeric-
gasketed fittings shall not be used in fire-exposed areas hazards
unless the foam system is automatically actuated, or test data is
submitted to show acceptable performance under fire conditions within
a fire exposed hazard."
IBC FOR THE PROTECTION OF BALCONIES AND DECKS FOR NFPA 13R SYSTEMS.
AFSA Technical Services fielded a number of calls concerning the
protection of balconies and decks according to the IBC. There was a
question regarding whether a sprinkler head is required to be located
in the eave of the building for the protection of the balcony or
deck. A head is needed according the last paragraph in the
commentary. The protection for balconies and decks according to the
2006 edition in Section 903.3.1.2.1 states, "Sprinkler protection
shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks and ground floor
patios of dwelling units where the building is of Type V
construction. Sidewall sprinklers that are used to protect such areas
shall be permitted to be located such that their deflectors are
within 1 inch (25mm) to 6 inches (152 mm) below the structural
members and a maximum distance of 14 inches (356 mm) below the deck
of the exterior balconies and decks that are constructed of open wood
joist construction."
The commentary further explains this requirement that states,
"Balconies, decks and patios in buildings of Type V construction and
used for Group R occupancies are required to have sprinkler
protection. This is in addition to the requirements of NFPA 13R,
which primarily addresses the life safety of occupants and not
property protection. The intent is to address hazards such as
grilling and similar activities. Since NFPA 13R does not require such
coverage, there is potential that a fire on a balcony could grow much
too large for the system within the building to handle. The concern
is that a potential exterior balcony fire could spread to unprotected
floor/ceiling assemblies and attic spaces and result in major
property damage. Section 308.3.1 specifically addresses restrictions
on open flame cooking devices used on combustible balconies.
Regardless of whether the exterior walking surface is attached to the
building and called a balcony or is a freestanding structure such as
a deck or patio the concern for fire ignition in the area adjacent to
the exterior wall is the same. Sidewall sprinklers should be selected
based on the area of coverage and climate. If the potential for
freezing exists, dry sidewall sprinkler should be used. Where the
overhanging deck or balcony is extensive, an extended coverage
sprinkler should be selected.
The requirement is for protection of the balcony or deck. If there is
not ceiling or overhead projecting above the area, a sidewall
sprinkler must still be installed to comply with the requirements. A
properly located horizontal dry sidewall sprinkler, even without
typical heat collection considerations, still provides protection for
these exterior areas even if the sprinkler is assumed to only be
activated by radiant heat effects."
Note in the requirement that the protection of balconies and decks
only applies to buildings of Type V construction regardless of the
balcony or deck construction. The IBC commentary indicates that type
V construction allows the use of all types of materials, both
noncombustible and combustible, but is not most commonly constructed
of dimensional lumber.
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It's a Lot More Than Project
Management
December 18, 2007
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OSU/AFSA FIRE SPRINKLER INSPECTION TRAINING & CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Stillwater, OK
November 15-17, 2007
AFSA CAROLINAS CHAPTER WEEKLONG SEMINAR SERIES
Greensboro, NC
November 12-16, 2007
AFSA ON-LINE SCHOLARSHIP 2007-2008
Begins August 28, 2007 through April 11, 2008. 10 Lucky high school
seniors will win a $2000 scholarship. Go to www.afsascholarship.org
for more information.
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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, 12750 Merit
Drive, Ste 350, Dallas, TX 75250 Voice (214) 349-5965 ext 124 or
Fax (214) 343-8898. All rights reserved.
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