sprinklernotes
ESFR Sprinklers and Obstructed Combustible Construction
Previously before the 2019 edition of NFPA 13, ESFR sprinklers were not permitted to be installed in combustible obstruction per section 8.4.6.3. For the 2019 Edition Section, 8.4.6.3 was moved to section 14.2.4 and revised to say ESFR sprinklers shall be permitted for use in buildings with unobstructed or obstructed construction. Additionally, a subsection of 14.2.4.1 was added that states: Where depths of the solid structural members (beams, stem, and so forth) exceed 12 in. (300 mm), ESFR sprinklers shall be installed in each channel formed by the solid structural members. Unfortunately, the technical committee didn’t update Table 14.2.8.2.1 to reflect that ESFR sprinklers are now allowed in combustible obstructed construction which created a conflict within the standard. The Tech Services department at the AFSA noticed the conflict during a review of the changes and submitted a TIA 19-4 for table 14.2.8.2.1 to be modified and resolve the conflict the committee created. On August 5-7, 2019, during the standards council meeting, they voted to approve TIA # 19-4. The document can be found here <https://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/AboutTheCodes/13/TIA_13_19_4.pdf>.
