I've dealt with these things before and the problem is there is no space to put a sprinkler anywhere within the pocket. Just not physically possible. The track fills the top of the pocket and the space beside the curtain is minimal at best (usually inches). If you were to do anything it would be to come into the space from the side and spray downward with a pattern similar to a window or cornice style sprinkler. And that's based on there being ANY access from the sides which in most cases, there is none. Whether the 55sf rule can be applied is questionable. Since the space is not ABOVE any room but actually within the occupied space and OPEN to the occupied space it doesn't appear to be applicable.
The better option would be to establish the flame/smoke rating for the curtains, establish that the pocket area is constructed completely of non-combustible materials and than make a case for the application where conditions are similar to either 8.14.1.2.10 or 8.14.1.2.12. (2002 ed. as referenced) Whether the "combustible" component within the space is a curtain or insulation shouldn't make that much difference if the curtain can meet the same requirements as the insulation. Craig L. Prahl, CET Fire Protection Group Mechanical Department CH2MHILL Lockwood Greene 1500 International Drive PO Box 491, Spartanburg, SC 29304-0491 Direct - 864.599.4102 Fax - 864.599.8439 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.lg.com -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tom Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 3:44 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: RE: folding door alcove If the space is more than 55 sq.ft you could possibly put an upright head above the ceiling track? Tom Berry Precision Fire Protection Inc From: "A.P.Silva" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: 2007/05/28 Mon PM 12:01:10 CDT To: [email protected] Subject: RE: folding door alcove I design with concealed sprinklers in such pockets. If the contractor feels it is not required, I let him negotiate with the AHJ. NFPA always had a section that permits deletion of heads in a concealed space above an isolated small room not exceeding 55 sq.ft. (NFPA 13, 2002, 8.14.1.2.9) I have never come across a situation where it could be applied. But many times the folding partition pockets and similar linen closets. Could it be this section would apply? Just thinking. Tony -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Todd Williams - work Sent: May 28, 2007 6:34 AM To: [email protected] Subject: folding door alcove A question came up on a hotel with a meeting room that could be divided in two by a folding partition. The partition folds into a space roughly the size of a closet. The ceiling of this space is mostly track that partition runs on. Does this space need to be sprinklered? If so, does anyone have any good ideas how to do it? Todd G. Williams, PE Fire Protection Design/Consulting Stonington, Connecticut 860-535-2080 www.fpdc.com _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
