Although the intent (as I remember the discussions) is NOT to replace the sprinklers when making changes to a building with an existing system, the Annex adds an unintended restriction by saying “ and NO changes to the sprinkler system”. IF one is making substantial changes to the system, updating the sprinkler RTI is a reasonable expectation. But simply removing drops etc, such a strict application makes no sense. This conflicts with the allowance to MODIFY an existing system. This includes adding a new portion to an existing system (that can be a separate compartment) and the new extension can be SR sprinklers. Body trumps annex but it’s still a potential hurdle.
Another hurdle is the misunderstanding regarding bringing the system up to current standards when there are substantial changes to the building. The current standard allows existing systems to retain the SR sprinklers. Another one for the ole NFPA caveat for committee members - this is my opinion and is not a formal interpretation by NFPA or any of its technical committee. 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 Jun 1, 2017, at 3:00 PM, Rocci Cetani 3 <[email protected]> wrote: > > Question for all my NFPA 13 committee members (and anyone else who wants to > chime in). We have (4) building that have had the offices and ceilings > demolished leaving it a market ready warm shell. AHJ is now stating that all > existing uprights need to be removed and replaced with QR sprinklers. > A.8.3.3.1 states ”when renovations occur in an existing building and no > changes are made in the existing sprinkler system, this section is not > intended to require the replacement of existing standard response sprinklers > with quick-response sprinklers” does the removal of the existing drops due > to the removal of the ceiling constitute “changes made to the existing > system” ?? My feeling is this wasn’t the intent of the committee (and I’m > probably wrong) but I’d like to hear everyone’s comments/thoughts. > > Thank you!! > > Rocci Cetani III, CET > Senior Designer > Water-Based Fire Protections Systems Layout, Nicet Level III > > Northern California Fire Protection Services Inc. > 16840 Joleen Way Bldg. A > Morgan Hill, CA 93037 > P-(408) 776-1580 EXT.111 > F-(408) 776-1590 > > > [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > www.norcalfire.com <http://www.norcalfire.com/> > > CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any document accompanying it may > contain confidential information > belonging to the sender. The information is intended only for the use of > individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, or > the employee or agent responsible to deliver this message to the intended > recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying or taking of > any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly > prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please > immediately notify us by telephone to arrange for return of the documents. > > _______________________________________________ > Sprinklerforum mailing list > [email protected] > <mailto:[email protected]> > http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org > <http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org>
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