sprinklernotes
Vertical Openings and Draft Stops
You asked the following questions: “I have a vertical opening that is 21’ x 16’ that sprinklers are serving as an alternative to enclosure of the vertical opening. Is a draft stop as outlined in section 8.15.4.2 needed in combination with sprinklers? The architect is pushing back regarding the draft stop requirement; are there any alternatives concerning the draft stops?” In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 13, 2013 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is that Section 8.15.4 is applied when sprinkler protection is serving as the alternative to the enclosure of the vertical opening. Section 8.15.4.1 indicates that where moving stairways, staircases, or similar floor openings are unenclosed and where sprinkler protection is serving as the alternative to enclosure of the vertical opening, the floor openings involved shall be protected by closely spaced sprinklers in combination with draft stops in accordance with 8.15.4.2 and 8.15.4.3. The key phrase of this section is where sprinkler protection is serving as the alternative to enclosure of the vertical opening. The annex for this section clarifies that it is the intent of this section to require closely spaced sprinklers and draft stops to openings where protection or enclosure is required by building and life safety codes. The Sprinkler Systems Handbook commentary indicates that closely spaced sprinklers and draft stops are required around a vertical opening only when it would otherwise be required to be protected by a barrier by the building code or NFPA 101. As a general rule, vertical openings in buildings are required to be separated from the rest of the building by rated barriers in order to protect against the vertical spread of the products of combustion. However, not all vertical openings require such protection. The building code and/or the Life Safety Code dictate that decision. When applying 8.15.4.4 for Large Openings, this is an exception to the requirement of 8.15.4.1. If you don’t meet the requirements of 8.15.4.4, then 8.15.4.1 has to be applied, but only if required by the building code and/or the Life Safety Code. In closing, the draft stop is required in addition to the sprinkler protection when using the criteria in section 8.15.4.
