10-12 years back, apt complex called the Rosecliff 1/2 mile south down Willard Street from NFPA. BBQ on 2nd level (called a Balcony in the news), up the exterior and into the unsprinklered attic (13R). Nobody died thankfully. I've had Owners argue that the plan says 'deck', so why do I need to sprinkler? Wishing I was in HI... TD
Chris, in Eastern CT, we had 2 fires (in the same city) where unprotected porches added significantly to the extent of fire damage. That was one of the deciding factors here. At 08:53 AM 10/15/2012, you wrote: >Curious on the addition of balconies. It has been that way (without balconies) in 13R for 20 years...what caused the change now? > > >The 2009 edition of the IBC added the balcony must have a roof or deck >above regarding required sprinkler protection. Nothing regarding >whether the overhang on the top floor is a driver. Additionally, the >2013 edition of NFOA 13R finally acknowledge the supremacy of the code over standards in driving such matters and added the below text. > > >6.6.5* Except as provided for in 6.6.5.1, sprinklers shall not be required in any porches, balconies, corridors, carports, porte cocheres, and stairs that are open and attached. > >6.6.5.1 Where a roof or deck is provided above, sprinklers shall be installed to protect attached exterior balconies, attached exterior decks, and ground floor patios serving dwelling units in buildings of Construction Type V. > >6.6.5.1.1 Where sidewall sprinklers are installed beneath decks or balconies constructed with open wood joists, sprinklers shall be permitted to be installed with deflectors not less than 1 in. (25 mm) or more than 6 in. (152 mm) below the structural members, provided that the deflector is not more than 14 in. (356 mm) below the underside surface of the deck. systems, or other reliable means capable of maintaining a minimum temperature between 40°F and 120°F (4°C and 48.9°C). > >Roland > > > > >On Oct 8, 2012, at 4:50 AM, Todd Williams wrote: > >> The Connecticut Fire Safety Code (at least the part that is based on >> the IFC) includes a requirement that exterior balconies and patios be >> sprinkelred in 13R occupancies. However, this is being interpreted >> that they have to be protected regardless if there is any structure >> above or not. Consequently, we have to install sidewall sprinklers >> under 9" door moldings because they open on to a patio or deck (just >> got a plan rejected for this). This make no sense to me because they >> would most likely never activate, but this is being enforced as the >> law. Anybody else run into this? >> _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum
