Unless the cooler is considered by the Building Official as a separate building [and ALL appropriate ramifications of the building codes are then applied], why would adding the cooler or freezer [regardless of the door being a communicating opening or not] not be treated as part of the building?
Note the IBC applies to any appurtenances connected or attached to a building per (2012) IBC: [A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures. Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code. The 2012 IBC defines a building in Section 202: [A] BUILDING. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. *The code uses this term to identify those structures that provide shelter for a function or activity. See the definition for “Area, building” for situations when a single structure may be two or more “Buildings” created by fire walls.* It is interesting to note this section of the IBC: 2603.4.1.2 Cooler and freezer walls. Foam plastic installed in a maximum thickness of 10 inches (254 mm) in cooler and freezer walls shall: 1. Have a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke developed index of not more than 450, where tested in a minimum 4-inch (102 mm) thickness. 2. Have flash ignition and self-ignition temperatures of not less than 600°F and 800°F (316°C and 427°C), respectively. 3. Have a covering of not less than 0.032-inch (0.8 mm) aluminum or corrosion-resistant steel having a base metal thickness not less than 0.0160 inch (0.4 mm) at any point. 4. Be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Where the cooler or freezer is within a building, both the cooler or freezer and that part of the building in which it is located shall be sprinklered. From the 2010 NFPA 13 note these sections: 8.1.1* The requirements for spacing, location, and position of sprinklers shall be based on the following principles: (1)Sprinklers shall be installed throughout the premises. [...] (4)Sprinklers shall be permitted to be omitted from areas specifically allowed by this standard. [...] (7)Furniture, such as portable wardrobe units, cabinets, trophy cases, and similar features not intended for occupancy, does not require sprinklers to be installed in them. This type of feature shall be permitted to be attached to the finished structure. A.8.1.1 This standard contemplates full sprinkler protection for all areas including walk-in coolers, freezers, bank vaults, and similar areas. Other NFPA standards that mandate sprinkler installation might not require sprinklers in certain areas. Based upon experience and testing, sprinklers have been found to be effective and necessary at heights in excess of 50 ft (15.2 m). For a building to meet the intended level of protection afforded by NFPA 13, sprinklers must not be omitted from such high ceiling spaces. The requirements of this standard should be used insofar as they are applicable. The authority having jurisdiction should be consulted in each case. A building is considered sprinklered throughout when protected in accordance with the requirements of this standard. 8.2.4 Multiple buildings attached by canopies, covered breezeways, common roofs, or a common wall(s) shall be permitted to be supplied by a single fire sprinkler riser. The maximum system size shall comply with 8.2.1. 8.2.5* Detached Buildings. 8.2.5.1 Unless the requirements of 8.2.5.2 apply, detached buildings, regardless of separation distance, that do not meet the criteria of 8.2.4 shall be provided with separate fire sprinkler systems. 8.2.5.2 When acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, detached structures shall be permitted to be supplied by the fire sprinkler system of an adjacent building. Respectfully, David W. S. Blackwell, II, PE, CFPE, CFI I Chief Engineer Office of State Fire Marshal SC Department of Labor, Licensing, & Regulation, 141 Monticello Trail, Columbia, SC 29203 Telephone: 803.896.9800 [Office] 803.896.9833 [Direct] Fax: 803.896.9806 [Office] Email: david.blackw...@llr.sc.gov Website: http://www.scfiremarshal.llronline.com/ Please note that you can sign up to receive automatic information on SC Division of Fire and Life Safety current events, policies, laws and procedures by visiting our Web site at: http://www.scfiremarshal.llronline.com/ -----Original Message----- From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:sprinklerforum-boun...@lists.firesprinkler.org] On Behalf Of Tom Wellen Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 11:30 AM To: sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org Subject: Re: exterior cooler/freezer Interesting argument that when an attached cooler or freezer with no direct access to the interior, the AHJs say no sprinklers. Try that theory with an attached noncombustible canopy with storage with no door access direct to the interior nearby - I bet the AHJ says sprinklers are required. Tom > On Mar 10, 2015, at 9:48 AM, Todd - Work <t...@fpdc.com> wrote: > > No, because if it is inside the building, it is part of the building. If the > doorway from the building to the outside cooler remains, then it is another > room and has to be sprinklered. No question. However, if the direct doorway > is removed and the only access is from outside, then it becomes an exposure > issue. > > Sent from my iPad > >> On Mar 10, 2015, at 10:27 AM, rongreenman . <rongreen...@gmail.com> wrote: >> >> If it were just on the inside of the wall and rotated 180 degrees >> would you sprinklers it? Could you could argue it wasn't a part of >> the building because the door into it led directly outside? >> >>> On Tue, Mar 10, 2015 at 6:45 AM, Todd - Work <t...@fpdc.com> wrote: >>> >>> No offense taken from anyone. I was merely looking for any specific >>> fire history to use as a talking point. I find that is an effective >>> method when trying to convince owners to do something. >>> >>> Sent from my iPad >>> >>>> On Mar 10, 2015, at 8:21 AM, Greg McGahan <g...@livingwaterfp.com> wrote: >>>> >>>> NFPA #13 is not based on IF there is a a fire - it is based on WHEN >>>> there is a fire.....That has been hammered into my head since I got >>>> in this industry... >>>> >>>> WHEN there is a fire in that space - in this case the cooler, what >>> happens? >>>> >>>> The IBC is clear - if it is attached (by definition within the IBC) >>>> to a protected building then sprinklers are required.....We have >>>> seen the aftermath of multiple compressors catching on fire inside >>> coolers/freezers >>>> - so fires do happen in them. >>>> >>>> >>>> Greg McGahan >>>> Living Water Fire Protection, LLC <http://www.livingwaterfp.com> >>>> 1160 McKenzie Road >>>> Cantonment, FL 32533 >>>> 850-937-1850 >>>> fax 850-937-1852 >>>> >>>> On Tue, Mar 10, 2015 at 7:10 AM, Matthew J Willis < >>> ma...@rapidfireinc.com> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Also, >>>>> >>>>> Lest we forget, the materials used in the construction of these "Boxes" >>>>> help a fire along regardless of the contents. >>>>> >>>>> R/ >>>>> Matt >>>>> >>>>> Matthew J. Willis >>>>> Project Manager >>>>> Rapid Fire Protection Inc. >>>>> 1805 Samco Road >>>>> Rapid City, SD 57702 >>>>> Office-605.348.2342 >>>>> Cell-605.391.2733 >>>>> Fax:-605.348.0108 >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Sprinklerforum mailing list >>> Sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org >>> >>> http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprin >>> kler.org >> >> >> >> -- >> 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) >> >> A problem well stated is a problem half solved. -Charles F. >> Kettering, inventor and engineer (1876-1958) >> _______________________________________________ >> Sprinklerforum mailing list >> Sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org >> http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprink >> ler.org > _______________________________________________ > Sprinklerforum mailing list > Sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org > http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkl > er.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list Sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list Sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
