sprinklernotes
NFPA 13D and Sprinkler Protection in Open and Attached Patios
You have asked the following question: “We have been required to install dry pendent sprinklers over an outdoor gas grill and a separate fireplace in an outdoor living area on the first floor of a 13D installation. The AHJ is requiring the sprinkler per NFPA 13D Section 8.3.5.1.2. We calculated these sprinklers at a 0.05 gpm/ft density in accordance with Section 10.1.1.1. The calculations were rejected during plan review because we did not calculate these two sprinklers at a 0.1 gpm/ft density. The section being referenced for this requirement was Section 8.1.2 since we are installing non-residential sprinklers. Would a single sprinkler be required to protect both the gas grill and fireplace in this outdoor living area since they are considered fuel-fired equipment, or would separate sprinklers be required for the gas grill and fireplace? Also, would the 0.05 gpm/ft density apply to the outdoor living space or would the 0.1 gpm/ft density apply? In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 13D, 2013 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is sprinkler protection is not required for open attached porches in one- and two-family dwellings. Section 1.2.1 contains the purpose of NFPA 13D, which states: The purpose of this standard shall be to provide a sprinkler system that aids in the detection and control of residential fires and thus provides improved protection against injury and life loss. Then the NFPA 13D and R Handbook, Automatic Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies Handbook commentary clarifies this by stating “the standard’s focus is life safety at a reduced overall system cost and therefore does not require sprinkler protection in all areas of the home. In line with this philosophy, the standard also only requires two operating sprinklers discharging for a period of 10 minutes to control the fire — a time period considered sufficient for occupant evacuation. At the end of this time period, if the fire has not been extinguished it will continue to burn and cause greater property damage. As a result, the standard does not specifically address property protection as its purpose." The purpose of NFPA 13D needs to be kept in mind when determining the sprinkler installation requirements for one- and two-family dwellings. Since the purpose is to focus on life safety at a reduced overall system cost Section 8.3.4 states: Sprinklers shall not be required in garages, open attached porches, carports, and similar structures. Thus, sprinklers are not required for open attached porches, regardless of the contents on the porch. Section 8.3.5.1.2 does not apply to this situation because Section 8.3.5.1.2 only applies to the locations listed in Section 8.3.5 since it is underneath Section 8.3.5. Section 8.3.5 states: Sprinklers shall not be required in attics with or without storage, penthouse equipment rooms, elevator machine rooms, concealed spaces dedicated exclusively to and containing only dwelling unit ventilation equipment, floor/ceiling spaces, elevator shafts, crawl spaces, and other concealed spaces that are not used or intended for living purposes. Section 8.3.5.1.2 can only be applied to the listed locations. The NFPA 13D and R Handbook commentary for Section 8.3.5.1.2 only refers to fuel-fire equipment in the locations listed in Section 8.3.5, further illustrating Section 8.3.5.1.2 can only be applied in the locations listed in Section 8.3.5.
