There are 3 components to this discuss (so far anyways)

1 - First off, the starting point I the driving section: 8.15.1.1.  It states - 
Concealed spaces of EXPOSED COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION shall be protected.  
Pretty explicit.  It gets a little gray when the structural members are covered 
by a single layer of batt insulation.  Although I have not personally confirmed 
it, the PI that answered this question for the 2017 as batt insurance;ation 
being adequate was accepted.

2 - can any other combustibles be in the space?  That’s not quantified but the 
Handbook talks about allowing a bunch of cable that is scattered with no 
protection whereas the same amount bundled would require protection.  The base 
questions is - will it propagate a fire.  This one is wide open to a variety of 
AHJ interpretations so TALK TALK TALK to the AHJ beforehand.

3 - Protected throughout in the IBC means per the installation standard.  For 
instance, a 13R system provides protection throughout despite the attic and 
concealed space not being protected. 


Roland Huggins, PE - Senior VP Engineering
American Fire Sprinkler Assn.    
Dallas, TX
http://www.firesprinkler.org <http://www.firesprinkler.org/>

Fire Sprinklers Saves Lives




> On Apr 3, 2017, at 12:32 PM, Brian Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
> 
> There’s a debate in house about whether the space above a drop ceiling and 
> the drywall attached to wood joist above in an all wood building requires 
> protection (please see link below).
> What say the forum?
>  
> https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ltbo57nmi4wh7p/Concealed%20Space.pdf?dl=0 
> <https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ltbo57nmi4wh7p/Concealed%20Space.pdf?dl=0>
>  
> Brian Harris, CET
> BVS Systems Inc.
> Design Manager
> bvssystemsinc.com <http://bvssystemsinc.com/>
> Phone: 704.896.9989
> Fax: 704.896.1935
>  
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