I meant to say, "... EVEN if said equipment is gas fired" in the last sentence.
Steve -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Steve Leyton Sent: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 11:32 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: NFPA 13R closet question I agree with the gist of what you're saying as far as a good practice, and personally do not agree with the blanket exception for "exterior" closets. However, this issue has been discussed at many levels (AFSA may have published an informal on this topic) and it's my belief that the intent of the standard is to allow the exception even if there are washer/dryer sets or other equipment in the space. Arguably, storing BBQ supplies and potentially reactive chemicals and cleaners is more hazardous than most equipment, especially if said equipment is gas fired. The foregoing is my opinion only and does not necessarily represent the opinion or intent of the NFPA 13D/13R 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 [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 11:20 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: NFPA 13R closet question I could be off base here, but I think the issue is with the existence of an ignition source (which is what most AHJ's will allude to when making their determination). I haven't gleaned through commentary; however, it is common practice for us to pop a dry sidewall into "exterior" closets containing mechanical or heating equipment. Curtis Tower Central Fire Protection -----Original Message----- From: Steve Leyton [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 3:28 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: NFPA 13R closet question 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 _______________________________________________ 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
