Based on NFPA 13, 2010 edition and NFPA 101, 2009 edition.

Annex D is not part of the enforceable section of NFPA 13, unless a 
jurisdiction specifically adopts it (see section heading). In this case, Annex 
D is copied from NFPA 101, so if a jurisdiction adopts NFPA 101, it is 
enforceable from that perspective, but I would go do NFPA 101 directly, not 
Annex D of NFPA 13.

As for the differences in requirements, per NFPA 101:1.2 the purpose of this 
code is to provide safety to life from fire while NFPA 13:1.2 has a purpose to 
provide a reasonable degree of protection for life and property. The two codes 
have slightly different purposes, hence they may have different design 
requirements for sprinklers. The committee agreed in the 2009 ROP to move NFPA 
101 requirements to the Annex (see proposal 13-444).

More importantly, the paragraphs you mention are for different occupancies. The 
exception from NFPA 13:8.15.8.2 to eliminate sprinklers in closets not 
exceeding 24 sq. ft. is for Hotels and Motels only. The exception from Annex D 
or NFPA 101:30.3.5.4 to exclude sprinklers in closets 12 sq. ft. or less is for 
New Apartments only. Interestingly, NFPA 101:31.3.5.4 permits the exclusion of 
sprinklers in closets not exceeding 24 sq. ft. for Existing Apartments. So, in 
reality, the NFPA 13 and Annex D references you cited do not contradict because 
they are for different occupancies. However, if you look at NFPA 101:29.3.5.5, 
Existing hotels and Dorms have the exception to exclude sprinklers in closets 
not exceeding 24 sq. ft. But this is for Existing Hotels and Dorms only, there 
is not an exception in NFPA 101 for New Hotels and Dorms. This is arguably a 
difference from NFPA 13 to NFPA 101.

Duane Johnson, PE
Program Manager
Division of the Fire Marshal (Support Contractor)
Office of Research Services 
National Institutes of Health 
301-496-0487

"Protecting Science - One Sprinkler at a Time"


-----Original Message-----
From: Curtis Tower [mailto:cur...@centralfireprotection.net] 
Sent: Monday, October 01, 2012 2:49 PM
To: sprinklerforum@firesprinkler.org
Subject: Re: Stupid closet question...

Of course, I was only speaking of "adopted" codes.  I'm not familiar with 
all of the various code sets available for a jurisdiction to consider; 
however, the prevalent code set in Texas is IFC.  IFC references NFPA 13 and 
13R specifically for its installation requirements.  What I was ultimately 
alluding to was that if a jurisdiction had adopted NFPA 101, then it 
appeared that closets < 12s.f. could be omitted.  This question came up from 
a chapter contained in NFPA 2007, Special Occupancy Requirements, Section 
21.20.13.2.1.  At the end of the sub-section NFPA 101, 30.3.5.4 was 
bracketed.  It is my understanding that a fair amount within that chapter 
was erroneously included in the 2007 standard.  Fast forward to the 2010 
Edition, and it was moved to a new Annex D.  I think this was to try to 
alleviate any confusion on what was required.  Annex D was titled Sprinkler 
System Information from the 2009 Edition of the Life Safety Code.  My 
understanding is that if the adopted code is anything other than NFPA 101, 
then the exceptions and omissions stated withing Annex D may and probably do 
not apply.  Of course, I'm always open to debate.

Curtis


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ron Greenman" <rongreen...@gmail.com>
To: <sprinklerforum@firesprinkler.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2012 6:26 PM
Subject: Re: Stupid closet question...


This is the conventional wisdom Curtis but I disagree. All model codes and
standards are simply books until adopted, no matter what they are called.
I'll use Washington as an example: The Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
stipulates there will be a building code. The Building Code itself derives
from the International Building Code (currently the 2009 edition) and all
the references and amendments as proposed by the State Building Code
Council as submitted to the governor and adopted by the legislature. In its
final form it is called the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter
51-50, although we'll refer to it as the IBC in conversation. In the end
though, before adoption it has no power of enforcement and after after
adoption a referenced standard is a part of the WAC. So when chapter 9 of
IBC references NFPA 13 and is adopted that way then NFPA 13 is a very long
part of WAC 51-50, not some child of a lesser god. Had the legislature
decided to not adopt the chapter 9 reference to NFPA 13 in IBC, but instead
had replaced it with Hop On Pop or Cat In the Hat then that would be the
sprinkler rules and criterion within 51-50. That a "code" tells you when
and a "standard" tells you how is essentially a correct statement that only
applies as separate and hierarchical as long as they are co-joined as one
thing under the Law. Once adopted chapter 9, section X (I forget the number
off-hand) is the code and, if sprinklers are required per Chapters 3 & 6,
contains the how rules for installation. NFPA 101 unadopted is merely a
very boring book and has no force of law no matter what the title may say
about code, standard, what have you.


On Thu, Sep 27, 2012 at 2:13 PM, Curtis Tower <
cur...@centralfireprotection.net> wrote:

> I believe that the root of the confusion stems from semantics.  NFPA 101
> is referred to as a code, where NFPA 13, 13R, etc., is referred to as a
> standard.  Many times, I have heard those of us in the business use the
> term 'code' interchangeably with the term 'standard'.  This is technically
> incorrect.
>
> Gov't entities have a plethora of code sets to choose from when deciding
> what to adopt.  Most incorporated cities in Texas have adopted one version
> or another of IFC, most with local amendments.  Tarrant County, which
> oversees the unincorporated sections surrounding the Fort Wort area, has
> adopted NFPA 101.
>
> To simplify things a bit...
>
> Code says WHAT gets sprinklered.
>
> The Standard says HOW.
>
> Example:  NFPA 13R does not require balconies to be sprinklered; however,
> if the adopted code is IFC 2006, for example, then the balconies will be
> sprinklered.
>
> In summation, your honor.
>
> If a jurisdiction has adopted NFPA 101, then it appears that the 12 s.f.
> closet can be omitted.  By most other codes that I'm aware of, under NFPA
> 13, the closets will be sprinklered regardless of size, with the exception
> of hotels and motels under the stated criteria.
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "C&H Fire - Mike Gallello" <
> mgalle...@chfireinc.com>
> To: <sprinklerforum@firesprinkler.**org <sprinklerforum@firesprinkler.org>
> >
> Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 3:25 PM
> Subject: Stupid closet question...
>
>
> It's likely been asked before, but I don't recall - so please excuse my
> possible ignorance!
>
> NFPA 13, 2010 - 8.15.8.2 Dwelling units, closets - hotels and motels
> they can be deleted, conditionally regarding the 24sf and 3ft rule.
>
> Annex D (Pulled from NFPA 101) in two separate areas (D1.1.6.1 &
> D2.19.2.1) states that closets under 12sf in dwelling units shall not be
> required to be sprinklered.  The referenced 101 code is stated there as
> well...
>
> I'm looking at it that the paragraphs of 101 referencing closets under
> 12sf in dwelling units permits the omitting of sprinklers within these
> closets.  (Not any with equipment of course).  There are some others
> here that disagree, stating that since 13 addresses it, 101 isn't
> applicable and that heads are required in the closets period.
>
> Anyone else have this kind of throw down in your offices?
>
>
>
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> Sprinklerforum@firesprinkler.**org <Sprinklerforum@firesprinkler.org>
> http://fireball.firesprinkler.**org/mailman/listinfo/**sprinklerforum<http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum>
>



-- 
Ron Greenman
Instructor
Fire Protection Engineering Technology
Bates Technical College
1101 So. Yakima Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98405

rgreen...@bates.ctc.edu

http://www.bates.ctc.edu/fireprotection/

253.680.7346
253.576.9700 (cell)

Member:
ASEE, SFPE, ASCET, NFPA, AFSA, NFSA, AFAA, NIBS, WSAFM, WFC, WFSC

They are happy men whose natures sort with their vocations. -Francis Bacon,
essayist, philosopher, and statesman (1561-1626)
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