sprinklernotes
Sprinkler Temperature Ratings for Attics.
You asked the following questions: “I have a two-story assisted living facility with a sprinklered attic. What temperature classification for the sprinklers is required in the attic?” In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 13, 2016 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is intermediate temperature rated sprinklers shall be used. There are two sections in NFPA 13 that address sprinkler temperature rating requirements with regard to the conditioning of the environment in which they are installed. In your case, we are discussing an attic. Section 8.3.2.5 addresses the issue by giving you eight common situations. Number 5 tells us the sprinklers in an unventilated attic require intermediate temperature classification. Now, there is also table 8.3.25(b) which indicates that intermediate temperature rated sprinklers are to be used in both ventilated and unventilated attics. So, in applying these two provisions - intermediate temperature rated sprinklers should be installed unless the maximum ambient temperature in the space exceeds 150 degrees F per Table 6.2.5.1 in which case high temperature rated sprinklers are required.
