The insurance carrier is not FM he is just quoting FM and the GC spec's did not require FM only NFPA-13. I just wanted to have my ducks in a row before I responded.
They already had the HVAC Eng. calculate the airflow and they say it requires me to be 30" from the edge of all 7 of the exhaust fans (for heat removal--no AC). My thinking was in line with yours Craig, if all of the sudden they want to follow FM - that would be a change to perform the work. One of the resolutions, according to FM, is as follows; 2.2.6.2 If it is not possible to meet 2.2.6.1, chose one of the following >options to ensure proper operation >of suppression mode sprinklers in buildings with ceiling-level ventilation: > > >a) Sprinklers Beneath Vent Openings > >Install suppression mode sprinklers of the same type used elsewhere in the >building centered in vent openings >having a maximum dimension of 4.5 ft (1.37 m). This option does not apply >to storage of commodities >greater in hazard than cartoned unexpanded plastic, such as uncartoned >plastic, aerosols or rolled tissue >in buildings higher than 30 ft (9.14 m). I would have to put a sprinkler in the vent opening, due to spacing there is no way to move over and be 30" away. I believe this would act like an obstruction and the one we added would not have an affect on the other sprinkler spacing-correct? Bobby Gillett Project Manager [EMAIL PROTECTED] (731)-424-0130 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 8:27 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: ESFR heads at airflow openings The closest thing to that requirement is the table 8.3.2.5(a) which is dealing with temperature of heads in relation to heat sources, not specifically ESFR and air velocity. Other than that I couldn't find anything related to adjacent air velocities. (I've got electronic search capabilities) First thing I'd do is go back to the GC and state that your contract directs you to design to NFPA NOT FM. If the client wants to adhere to FM standards and did not indicate that in any of the project bid documents then any extra effort required on your part to meet those requirements should be an add to your contract. If you're using ESFR, are you in a open ceiling warehouse or mfg. space? If that's the case most of your air distribution is probably below your sprinklers and if so, the discharge velocity of the diffusers should be inconsequential to your sprinklers as they should be discharging air downward. If you have areas where there are either intake or exhaust louvers or diffusers and they look like they will draw air across your sprinklers then you'll need the HVAC plans showing the discharge information on those outlets so you can space heads accordingly. But even with that, it's really not up to the sprinkler contractor to determine what the air velocity is at a given point in space. You as the sprinkler contractor shouldn't have to undergo the exercise of determining when the air velocity drops to or below 5 fps. Other question is, does the FM guy know what the terminal velocities are of the air devices in relation to the location of your sprinklers? 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 Bobby Gillett Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 8:27 AM To: [email protected] Subject: ESFR heads at airflow openings In designing an ESFR system the following is one of the FM requirements; >2.2.6.1 Coordinate the location of sprinklers and the design of powered >heating, ventilation and air conditioning >for buildings protected by suppression mode sprinklers so that the air >velocity at sprinklers does not >exceed 5 ft/sec (1.52 m/sec). I am required, according to job specifications, to design to NFPA-13. I don't see such a requirement in NFPA-13 or in the listing of the sprinkler. Am I missing something? The Insurance agent is now throwing the above section from FM at us. Suggestions/comments, please. Bobby Gillett Project Manager [EMAIL PROTECTED] (731)-424-0130 _______________________________________________ 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)
