Standard-Response Sprinklers in Small Rooms
“We recently modified an existing fire protection system in a multi-floor office building. The occupancy would be classified as light hazard for offices. All the existing sprinklers are standard-response. We had to relocate or add approximately a total of 12 sprinklers. Any sprinklers added should match the existing sprinklers response type. We utilized the small room rule in areas where we were allowed per the standard. The local AHJ is stating that we cannot use the small room rule unless the sprinklers are quick-response. Where is that requirement in the standard?” We have reviewed NFPA 13, 2010 edition that you indicated as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is that quick-response sprinklers are not required. In 3.3.17 there is no requirement for quick-response sprinklers. The definition for a small room is, “A room of light hazard occupancy classification having unobstructed construction, with a floor area that cannot exceed 800 sq. ft. that is enclosed by walls and a ceiling. Each wall in the small room is permitted to have openings to an adjoining space if the openings have a minimum lintel depth of 8 in. from the ceiling and the total width of the openings in each wall does not exceed 8 ft. A single opening of 36 in. or less in width without a lintel is permitted.” Now in 8.3.3.1, it indicates four types of sprinklers for light hazard occupancies. Allowances number 1 and 2 are quick-response or residential sprinklers. Allowance number 3 says standard-response sprinklers can be used for modifications or additions to existing light hazard systems equipped with standard-response sprinklers. Furthermore, allowance number 4 says standard-response sprinklers can be used where individual standard-response sprinklers are replaced in existing light hazard systems. The Annex material further elaborates in A.8.3.3.1 that states, “When renovations occur in an existing building and no changes are made in the existing sprinkler system, this section is not intended to require the replacement of existing standard sprinklers with quick-response sprinklers.” ========= Technical Update is prepared by the Technical Services Dept. of the AFSA: Roland Huggins, a PE registered in fire protection engineering, Vice President of Engineering and Technical Services; and Tom Wellen, a PE registered in fire protection engineering and Tom Noble E.T., a Technical Programs Specialist. 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 2017, American Fire Sprinkler Association. All Rights Reserved. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.firesprinkler.org/private.cgi/sprinklernotes-firesprinkler.org/attachments/20170424/6d2f5fed/attachment.htm>
