Be careful, you can't automatically just eliminate the sprinklers by providing an alternate approved method. There are more issues at hand such as I had mentioned in the last post.
Sometimes architects will take certain allowances that the building code provides when the building is fully sprinklered. Eliminating those sprinklers will void the archtects allowances. So tread very carefully understanding that sprinkler requirements can go beyond what is written in just NFPA 13. Craig Prahl ________________________________________ From: [email protected] [[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] [[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2010 12:20 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Gas systems replacing sprinklers That does help. Thanks. 903.1.1 That states specifically that the "water based sprinklers" can be eliminated if an approved alternative method( gas system in this case) is used and approved by the AHJ. Some AHJ's really get hung up on a specific section and will not see past a single paragraph no matter what else you show them in the book. Thank you Aaron Johnson Northwest Consulting, Inc. formally in the Northwest now based in Palm Springs, CA -----Original Message----- From: John Drucker <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Thu, Feb 11, 2010 7:31 am Subject: RE: Gas systems replacing sprinklers 2006 IBC/IFC 901.2 Fire protection systems. Fire protection systems shall be nstalled, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance with this ode and the International Fire Code. Any fire protection system for hich an exception or reduction to the provisions of this code has been ranted shall be considered to be a required system. [F] 903.1.1 Alternative protection. Alternative automatic ire-extinguishing systems complying with Section 904 shall be permitted n lieu of automatic sprinkler protection here recognized by the applicable standard and approved by the fire ode official. TABLE 601 IRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ELEMENTS (hours) . An approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 03.3.1.1 shall be allowed to be substituted for 1-hour ire-resistance-rated construction, provided uch system is not otherwise required by other provisions of the code or sed for an allowable area increase in accordance with Section 506.3 or n allowable eight increase in accordance with Section 504.2. The 1-hour ubstitution for the fire resistance of exterior walls shall not be ermitted. Hope that helps, John Drucker Jr CET ire Protection Subcode Official ire/Building/Electrical Inspector orough of Red Bank, NJ -----Original Message----- rom: [email protected] mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Michael . Ricks ent: Thursday, February 11, 2010 9:38 AM o: [email protected] ubject: Gas systems replacing sprinklers Does anyone know if NFPA specifically states that a gas fire suppression ystem can replace a fire sprinkler in a room, or rooms? I scanned and earched and the only section it addresses that issue is in marine ystems 25.1.5, partial systems. Section 1.5 possibly covers it but onvincing a fire marshal of that could be a bit tough. Thanks. aron Johnson orthwest Consulting, Inc. Aaron: NFPA 13 2002 edition A.8.1.1 states: "This standard contemplates full prinkler protection for all areas..Other NFPA standard that mandate prinkler installation might not require sprinklers in certain areas. he requirements of this standard should be used insofar as they are pplicable. he AHJ should be consulted in each case. A building is considered prinklered throughout when protected in accordance with the equirements of this standard." It seems to me that you need to request a modification based on lternative materials and methods (see IFC 104.8 and 104.9). In short, ou will need to show the AHJ why there are practical difficulties nvolved in providing sprinklers in the area in question and show him hat the proposed system provides an equivalent level of protection. If were presenting it I would be ready to offer a minimum design area to 000 sq. ft. and maybe a rated enclosure around the unsprinklered area. think most AHJ's would go for that. Michael Ricks Katco Fire Sprinkler Design P.O. 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