Didn't we just visit this question or is my e-mail system doing something funky?
Aaron, the consensus from the last time we discussed this was that the building code is what governs whether you can make the substitution or not along with approval by the AHJ. NFPA has no preference. You need to know if the architect took some of the allowances for area increases or egress or other things that were based on the building being fully sprinklered before attempting to omit sprinklers from any area. Craig L. Prahl, CET Fire Protection Specialist 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.ch2m.com -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Michael J. Ricks Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2010 9:38 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Gas systems replacing sprinklers Does anyone know if NFPA specifically states that a gas fire suppression system can replace a fire sprinkler in a room, or rooms? I scanned and searched and the only section it addresses that issue is in marine systems 25.1.5, partial systems. Section 1.5 possibly covers it but convincing a fire marshal of that could be a bit tough. Thanks. Aaron Johnson Northwest Consulting, Inc. Aaron: NFPA 13 2002 edition A.8.1.1 states: "This standard contemplates full sprinkler protection for all areas..Other NFPA standard that mandate sprinkler installation might not require sprinklers in certain areas. The requirements of this standard should be used insofar as they are applicable. The AHJ should be consulted in each case. A building is considered sprinklered throughout when protected in accordance with the requirements of this standard." It seems to me that you need to request a modification based on alternative materials and methods (see IFC 104.8 and 104.9). In short, you will need to show the AHJ why there are practical difficulties involved in providing sprinklers in the area in question and show him that the proposed system provides an equivalent level of protection. If I were presenting it I would be ready to offer a minimum design area to 3000 sq. ft. and maybe a rated enclosure around the unsprinklered area. I think most AHJ's would go for that. Michael Ricks Katco Fire Sprinkler Design P.O. Box 607 555 South 100 East Salem, UT 84653 801-423-3096 Cell: 801-380-4651 [email protected] _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
