Matt, As an example the space between a suspended ceiling and the floor above is often considered an interstitial space.
Frankly as an AHJ if an Architect wants the Interstitials sprinklered without consideration of NFPA-13's special situations, no argument here. Perhaps these code references will help. 2006 / 2009 IBC 709.4 / 710.4 Continuity. Smoke barriers shall form an effective membrane continuous from outside wall to outside wall and from the top of the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly below to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or slab above, including continuity through concealed spaces, such as those found above suspended ceilings, and interstitial structural and mechanical spaces. The supporting construction shall be protected to afford the required fire-resistance rating of the wall or floor supported in buildings of other than Type IIB, IIIB or VB construction. Exception: Smoke-barrier walls are not required in interstitial spaces where such spaces are designed and constructed with ceilings that provide resistance to the passage of fire and smoke equivalent to that provided by the smoke-barrier walls. 2009 NFPA-5000 Table of Contents; Interstitial spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .see Concealed spaces 7.4.3.3.1 Interstitial spaces used solely for building or process systems directly related to the level above or below shall not be considered a separate story. 2010 NFPA-72 A.8.15.1.2.1 Minor quantities of combustible materials such as but not limited to: cabling, nonmetallic plumbing piping, non-structural wood, etc. can be present in concealed spaces constructed of limited or noncombustible materials but should not typically be viewed as requiring sprinklers (see 8.15.1.1). For example, it is not the intent of this section to require sprinklers, which would not otherwise be required, in the interstitial space of a typical office building solely due to the presence of the usual amount of cabling within the space. The threshold value at which sprinklers become necessary in the concealed space is not defined. John Drucker, CET Fire Protection Subcode Official Fire/Building/Electrical Inspector Fire Marshals Office Borough of Red Bank, NJ Not the official position of any agency, association, committee or otherwise. Obtain required applications, permits, inspections and approvals from Authority(s) Having Jurisdiction. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Martin, Matthew Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 1:39 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Interstitial Space Can anyone tell me what the NFPA says about the requirements of sprinklers in the interstitial space. What is the definition of " Interstitial Space"? Also where in the NFPA is the term Interstitial Space used. We have an Architect who says that a fully sprinklered building includes sprinklers in all the interstitial spaces. Thanks in advance, Matthew Martin CQC Manager Suffolk Construction Company, Inc. Direct: 323-781-1778 Cell: 949-892-7419 www.suffolkconstruction.com Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail _______________________________________________ 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)
