Loaded question Dan. The intent of the exception has to do with unconditioned spaces that might be subject to freezing. The TC did not want to force an anti-freeze loop (touchy subject) or dry pipe system into an otherwise wet residential application, based just on the potential for freezing in selected compartments that are separated from the dwelling unit and legitimately outside of the envelope. But the way you word your question is open-ended. Just because a compartment isn't accessed from within a particular dwelling unit, doesn't mean it's excepted if it's accessed from some other compartment that may not be considered as "exterior" or on a balcony, breezeway, corridor, etc.
So assuming it's a truly exterior compartment and separated without openings to the dwelling unit as Pete alluded to, then yes. But if there's some other condition that isn't truly exterior, just because it's not accessed from a dwelling unit doesn't arbitrarily exempt the space from sprinkler protection. The foregoing is my opinion only and does not necessarily represent the opinion or intent of the NFPA Technical Committee on Residential Sprinkler Systems. Steve Leyton Protection Design & Consulting San Diego, CA -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dan Adams Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 12:52 PM To: [email protected] Subject: NFPA 13R closet question In NFPA 13R (2013) , paragraph 6.6.4 notes: 6.6.4* Sprinklers shall be installed in any closet used for heating or air-conditioning equipment, washers, dryers, or water heaters except as permitted by 6.6.7. Paragraph 6.6.7 notes: 6.6.7 Sprinklers shall not be required in closets (regardless of size) on exterior balconies and exterior breezeways/corridors, regardless of size, as long as the closet does not have doors or unprotected penetrations directly into the dwelling unit. So, is it correct that an exterior closet which contains a furnace or water heater doesn't require protection if the door to access the closet is not located inside the unit ? _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler .org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
