2006 IBC/IFC 901.2 Fire protection systems. Fire protection systems shall be installed, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance with this code and the International Fire Code. Any fire protection system for which an exception or reduction to the provisions of this code has been granted shall be considered to be a required system.
[F] 903.1.1 Alternative protection. Alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems complying with Section 904 shall be permitted in lieu of automatic sprinkler protection where recognized by the applicable standard and approved by the fire code official. TABLE 601 FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ELEMENTS (hours) e. An approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be allowed to be substituted for 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction, provided such system is not otherwise required by other provisions of the code or used for an allowable area increase in accordance with Section 506.3 or an allowable height increase in accordance with Section 504.2. The 1-hour substitution for the fire resistance of exterior walls shall not be permitted. Hope that helps, John Drucker Jr CET Fire Protection Subcode Official Fire/Building/Electrical Inspector Borough of Red Bank, NJ -----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) CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY: This email message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged and confidential, nor is it, unless specifically stated, intended to be relied upon by any person or persons other than the individual or entity named above and no warranties or representations are made or intended to persons or entities not named above. If the reader is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone, return this message to the address above and delete all copies. Thank you. _______________________________________________ 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)
