What is the tunnel for? When you say utility, what kinds of systems conveying materials are being run through the tunnels?
Either way, a utility tunnel typically won’t meet the whole definition of 8.15.1.2.2. Since it is accessible, it is really no different than a utility room or other similar use area. If the rest of the building requires sprinklers, the tunnels would as well. Craig Prahl | Jacobs | Group Lead – Fire Protection | 864.676.5252 | craig.pr...@jacobs.com | www.jacobs.com<http://www.jacobs.com/> From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:sprinklerforum-boun...@lists.firesprinkler.org] On Behalf Of Reed A. Roisum, SET Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2018 11:15 AM To: sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org Subject: [EXTERNAL] Building Utility Tunnels NFPA 13, 2013 ed, 8.15.1.2.2 says, “Concealed spaces of noncombustible and limited-combustible construction with limited access and not permitting occupancy or storage of combustibles shall not require sprinkler protection.” Would a utility tunnel that is under the footprint of the building meet the requirements of the above reference to omit sprinklers? Does limited access mean locked doors? I am looking at a building tunnel that is “accessible” via climbing a ladder from a basement corridor…no door. Another tunnel is accessed from a mechanical room but there is no door to get into the tunnel from the mechanical room, but the mechanical room door is locked. Trying to determine which tunnels would require sprinkler protection...or really I am starting with the assumption that the tunnels are required to be sprinklered but wondering if certain tunnels would meet requirements to omit sprinklers. The AHJ actually floated the idea of installing sprinklers from the sprinklered corridor 15’ into the tunnel, but he also said I have to find a clear code/standard reference that allows the omission of sprinkler protection in the tunnels otherwise we will need to protect them. I’m not necessarily looking for opinions on whether we should or shouldn’t protect the tunnels, but more so, what the intent of 8.15 is in regards to tunnels or if there are other references in the IBC (2012) or elsewhere that would shed more light. Thank you. Reed Roisum Reed A. Roisum, SET | Karges-Faulconbridge, Inc. | Senior Fire Protection Designer | Fargo, ND | direct: 701.552.9903 | mobile: 701.388.1352 | KFIengineers.com<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.kfiengineers.com&d=DwMGaQ&c=OgZOSER8c1RLeytEexU279Q2qk0jVwkrOdYe5iSi-kk&r=6qYbbLx8x0UrMujmEGNoh-2hzoFD2d1EB5d2sQF0_OI&m=VV3grN9Eee5XQEiZIqxYfwWTAcBlxDKORV32YmpJp7g&s=w_EtZRiEj_lMmKp7DwzezEuLdzZ1H4rZ3MjvGdYHD2w&e=> ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.symanteccloud.com&d=DwQGaQ&c=OgZOSER8c1RLeytEexU279Q2qk0jVwkrOdYe5iSi-kk&r=6qYbbLx8x0UrMujmEGNoh-2hzoFD2d1EB5d2sQF0_OI&m=VV3grN9Eee5XQEiZIqxYfwWTAcBlxDKORV32YmpJp7g&s=sa0zBySn2SEvRx_JtNj-rRotDPeFsY7nqhM_Fs3FQ8c&e=> ______________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ NOTICE - This communication may contain confidential and privileged information that is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any viewing, copying or distribution of, or reliance on this message by unintended recipients is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer.
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