American Fire Sprinkler Association 12750 Merit Dr., Suite 350 Dallas TX 75251
Ph: (214) 349-5965 Fax: (214) 276-0908 --------------------------------- TECHNICAL UPDATE July 31, 2009 --------------------------------- ╥NFPA 13R does not provide a definition of a corridor. Webster╒s Dictionary defines a corridor as a passageway (as in a hotel or office building) in which compartments or rooms open. There has been substantial debate as to what actually constitutes a corridor for determination of sprinkler protection. There is nothing in the definition that would differentiate a breezeway from an open and attached corridor. The typical breezeway is open to the atmosphere at both ends and is attached to a part of the structure itself. Are there size requirements for the opening or is it just the lack of a barrier (door, window, etc.) between the corridor and the outside?╙ We have reviewed the 2002 and 2007 Edition of NFPA 13 as the applicable standards. Our informal interpretation is that NFPA 13R will not require sprinkler protection for open and attached corridors. The IBC likewise will not require sprinkler protection as long as sprinklers are not being used to reduce the rated separation from the interior of the building. The 6.8.4 2002 Edition) of NFPA 13R indicates that sprinklers are not required in any porches, balconies, corridors, and stairs that are open and attached. The corridor for your application is open at both ends and would meet this requirement. NFPA's Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook provides an explanation of an open corridor as being one that empties to an outside stairway and has no doors. They also use the wraparound corridor that is typical of a two- or three-story motel as an example where sprinklers are not required. The open and attached corridors issue was addressed during the A2009 Report on Comments. A comment was made to add figures to clarify the application of this section in 13R-18 Log #6 to the 2010 Edition of NFPA 13R but the committee rejected that comment. However, the Committee Statement was that the figures show corridors that are open to the outside, exposed to freezing temperatures and these are spaces where sprinklers can be omitted. The committee did accept annex material in the A2009 Report on Comments in 13R-19 with an Accept in Principle that will state, ╥An example of an open corridor or breezeway is one that is exposed to the outside atmosphere (temperature) and empties to an unenclosed stairway and has no doors attached to it. Another example is an exterior wraparound corridor that is typical in a two- to three-story motel.╙ The wording was commentary text from the handbook and was brought forward as annex material for clarification. The committee did not specify a size requirement for the opening. ----------------- Technical Update is prepared by the Technical Services Dept. of the AFSA: Vice President of Engineering and Technical Services Roland Huggins, a PE registered in fire protection engineering; Phill Brown, a NICET IV certified automatic sprinkler technician and NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) and Tom Wellen, a degreed fire protection engineering technologist. This is provided with the understanding that the AFSA assumes no liability for this opinion or actions taken on it and they are not to be considered the official position of the NFPA or its technical committees. Copyright ⌐ 2009, American Fire Sprinkler Association. All Rights Reserved -------------------------- If you╒d rather not receive future faxes from AFSA, fax your removal request to Linda Dawson at Efax (214) 242-3155 or call toll free (888) 839-4830 or send e-mail request @ [email protected]. Please include your company name and the specific fax numbers(s) at which you do not wish to receive faxes from us. Our failure to comply with your request may be unlawful. _______________________________________________ Sprinklernotes mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklernotes
