I’ve also wrestled with this before but I don’t have the IBC commentary Craig mentions in my notes, but see the following references…
IFC 2012 903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems. Where the provisions of this code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 except as provided in Section 903.3.1.1.1. NFPA 13, 2013 ed. Chapter 8 Installation Requirements 8.1* Basic Requirements. 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. (2) Sprinklers shall be located so as not to exceed the maximum protection area per sprinkler. (3)*Sprinklers shall be positioned and located so as to provide satisfactory performance with respect to activation time and distribution. (4) Sprinklers shall be permitted to be omitted from areas specifically allowed by this standard. (5) When sprinklers are specifically tested and test results demonstrate that deviations from clearance requirements to structural members do not impair the ability of the sprinkler to control or suppress a fire, their positioning and locating in accordance with the test results shall be permitted. (6) Clearance between sprinklers and ceilings exceeding the maximums specified in this standard shall be permitted, provided that tests or calculations demonstrate comparable sensitivity and performance of the sprinklers to those installed in conformance with these sections. (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. (8)*Sprinklers shall not be required to be installed within electrical equipment, mechanical equipment, or air handling units not intended for occupancy. 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. 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. Reed A. Roisum, SET | KFI Engineers | Senior Fire Protection Designer | Fargo, ND | direct: 701.552.9903 | mobile: 701.388.1352 | KFIengineers.com<http://www.kfiengineers.com> From: Sprinklerforum <[email protected]> On Behalf Of James Litvak via Sprinklerforum Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2019 12:14 PM To: Prahl, Craig/GVL <[email protected]> Cc: James Litvak <[email protected]>; [email protected] Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Trying to determine hydrant locations per IFC, wondering how sprinkler coverage omissions will affect distances. Interesting. I don't have access to a copy of the Code and Commentary. Would you be able to copy/paste the relevant section, or tell me where to find it? I will try to get access to it. Thanks. On Thu, Oct 24, 2019 at 12:35 PM Prahl, Craig/GVL <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Nope, the omission of sprinklers by any means or allowances null and voids the “sprinklered throughout” classification. That is addressed within the IBC Commentary. Just had this discussion on a project myself. It is the same if you substitute a clean agent for sprinklers in an area. No longer considered sprinklered throughout. Craig Prahl | Jacobs | Group Lead/SME – Fire Protection | 864.676.5252 | [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> | www.jacobs.com<http://www.jacobs.com/> 1041 East Butler Road Greenville, South Carolina 29606 From: Sprinklerforum <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> On Behalf Of James Litvak via Sprinklerforum Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2019 12:18 PM To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Cc: James Litvak <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Trying to determine hydrant locations per IFC, wondering how sprinkler coverage omissions will affect distances. I'm working on a manufacturing facility that is building type IIB. Per the fire-flow requirement of 8,000 gpm, the average spacing of hydrants will need to be 200 feet, per IFC Table C102.1. However, note f will allow a 50-percent spacing increase if "the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of the International Fire Code" (emphasis mine). The reason I bolded throughout is because approximately 2/3 of the building has sprinklers omitted in accordance with exceptions from Section 903.3.1.1. So my question is, if Section 903.3.1.1 is being followed such that it is being applied throughout the building, and the areas of the building that aren't being sprinklered are allowed by that section, does this count as "equipped throughout"? ________________________________ 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. 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