There is no conflict between the documents. The 2018 IFC commentary is indeed very explicit, but it does NOT say that the allowable omission of sprinklers in certain areas negates the building as being considered sprinklered throughout. In fact, it says the opposite.
From 2018 IFC with Commentary: 903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems. “Because installation is required to be in accordance with NFPA 13, if the standard allows for the omission of sprinklers in any location, then the building is still considered as sprinklered throughout.” 903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations. “This section allows the omission of sprinkler protection in certain locations if an approved automatic fire detection system is installed. Buildings in compliance with one of the six listed conditions would still be considered fully sprinklered throughout in compliance with the code and NFPA 13 and thus are eligible for all applicable code alternatives, exceptions or reductions.” Richard Kaiser PE From: Sprinklerforum <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Prahl, Craig/GVL via Sprinklerforum Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2019 1:20 PM To: [email protected]; James Litvak <[email protected]> Cc: Prahl, Craig/GVL <[email protected]>; Hinson, Ryan <[email protected]> Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Trying to determine hydrant locations per IFC, wondering how sprinkler coverage omissions will affect distances. In the 2018 IFC commentary the language is very explicit in that omission of sprinklers no longer qualifies a building as being fully sprinklered and you lose the ability to apply any allowances the code gives if the building was fully sprinklered. Installed throughout means installed 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 Hinson, Ryan via Sprinklerforum Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2019 1:57 PM To: James Litvak <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Cc: Hinson, Ryan <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Trying to determine hydrant locations per IFC, wondering how sprinkler coverage omissions will affect distances. James, From IBC 2018 commentary: Section 202 DEFINITIONS [F] AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM. An automatic sprinkler system, for fire protection purposes, is an integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards. The system includes a suitable water supply. The portion of the system above the ground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically designed piping installed in a structure or area, generally overhead, and to which automatic sprinklers are connected in a systematic pattern. The system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the fire area. * An automatic sprinkler system is one type of automatic fire-extinguishing system. Automatic sprinkler systems are the most common, and their life safety attributes are widely recognized. The code specifies three types of automatic sprinkler systems: one installed in accordance with NFPA 13, one in accordance with NFPA 13R and the other in accordance with NFPA 13D. To be considered for most code design alternatives, a building’s automatic sprinkler system must be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 (see Section 903.3.1.1). In a fire, sprinklers automatically open and discharge water onto the fire in a spray pattern that is designed to contain or extinguish the fire. Originally, automatic sprinkler systems were developed just for the protection of buildings and their contents. Because of the development and improvements in sprinkler head response time and water distribution, however, automatic sprinkler systems are now also considered life safety systems. Proper operation of an automatic sprinkler system requires careful selection of the sprinkler heads so that water in sufficient quantity, at adequate pressure and properly distributed will be available to suppress the fire. Note that he use of the term “fire area” in the last sentence of the definition refers to the area in which the fire is occurring, not to the defined term “Fire area.” There are many different types of automatic sprinkler systems—wet pipe, dry pipe, preaction, anti-freeze and various combinations. Sprinklers can be pendant, upright or sidewall and can be designed for standard or extended coverage. Additional information can be found in NFPA 13. Section 903 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS [F] 903.3 Installation requirements. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 903.3.1 through 903.3.8. [F] 903.3.1 Standards. Sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 unless otherwise permitted by Sections 903.3.1.2 and 903.3.1.3 and other chapters of this code, as applicable. [F] 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 Sections 903.3.1.1.1 and 903.3.1.1.2. * NFPA 13 contains the minimum requirements for the design and installation of automatic water sprinkler systems and exposure protection sprinkler systems. The requirements contained in the standard include the character and adequacy of the water supply and the selection of sprinklers, piping, valves and all of the materials and accessories. The standard does not include requirements for installation of private fire service mains and their appurtenances, installation of fire pumps, or construction and installation of gravity and pressure tanks and towers. NFPA 13 defines seven classifications or types of water sprinkler systems: wet pipe [see Commentary Figure 903.3.1.1], dry pipe, preaction or deluge, combined dry pipe and preaction, antifreeze systems, sprinkler systems that are designed for a special purpose and outside sprinklers for exposure protection. While numerous variables must be considered in selecting the proper type of sprinkler system, the wet-pipe sprinkler system is recognized as the most effective and efficient. The wet-pipe system is also the most reliable type of sprinkler system because water under pressure is available at the sprinkler. Therefore, wet-pipe sprinkler systems are recommended wherever possible. The extent of coverage and distribution of sprinklers is based on the NFPA 13 standard. Numerous conditions exist in the standard where sprinklers are specifically required and also where they may or may not be located. Once it is determined that the sprinkler system is to be in accordance with NFPA 13, that standard must be reviewed for installation details. For example, exterior spaces such as combustible canopies are required to be equipped with sprinklers according to Section 8.15.7 of NFPA 13 where the canopy extends for a distance of 4 feet (1219 mm) or more. A 3-foot (914 mm) combustible canopy would not require sprinklers nor would a 6-foot (1829 mm) canopy constructed of noncombustible materials, provided there is no combustible storage under the canopy. Because installation is required to be in accordance with NFPA 13, if the standard allows for the omission of sprinklers in any location, then the building is still considered as sprinklered throughout. For example, Section 8.15.8.1.1 of NFPA 13 allows sprinklers to be omitted from bathrooms in dwelling units in motels and hotels. If sprinklers are not provided in the bathrooms because of the conditions stipulated in NFPA 13, the building would still be considered as sprinklered throughout in accordance with the code, NFPA 13 and the IFC. Exceptions for the use of NFPA 13R and 13D systems are addressed throughout the code when exceptions based on the use of sprinklers are provided. More specifically, if the use of these other standards is appropriate, it will be noted within the exception. For a building to be considered “equipped throughout” with an NFPA 13 sprinkler system, complete protection must be provided in accordance with the referenced standard, subject to the exempt locations indicated in Section 903.3.1.1.1. See Commentary Figure 904.2.1 for examples of requirements modified through the use of sprinkler systems. [F] 903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations. Automatic sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such rooms or areas are protected with an approved automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 that will respond to visible or invisible particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from a room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistance-rated construction or contains electrical equipment. 1. A room where the application of water, or flame and water, constitutes a serious life or fire hazard. 2. A room or space where sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature of the contents, where approved by the fire code official. 3. Generator and transformer rooms separated from the remainder of the building by walls and floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. 4. Rooms or areas that are of noncombustible construction with wholly noncombustible contents. 5. Fire service access elevator machine rooms and machinery spaces. 6. Machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms and control spaces associated with occupant evacuation elevators designed in accordance with Section 3008. * This section allows the omission of sprinkler protection in certain locations if an approved automatic fire detection system is installed. Buildings in compliance with one of the six listed conditions would still be considered fully sprinklered throughout in compliance with the code and NFPA 13 and thus are eligible for all applicable code alternatives, exceptions or reductions. Elimination of the sprinkler system in a sensitive area is subject to the approval of the fire code official. Condition 1 addresses restrictions where the application of water could create a hazardous condition. For example, sprinkler protection is to be avoided where it is not compatible with certain stored materials (i.e., some water-reactive hazardous materials such as calcium carbide). Combustible metals, such as magnesium and aluminum, may burn so intensely that the use of water to attempt fire control will only intensify the reaction. It is not the intent of Condition 2 to omit sprinklers solely because of a potential for water damage. A desire to not sprinkler a certain area (such as a computer room or operating room) does not fall within the limitations of the exception unless there is something unique about the space that would result in water being incompatible. A computer room can be adequately protected using an automatic sprinkler system or an alternative gaseous suppression agent system or a combination of these systems. The intent of Condition 2 is to consider whether the contents would react adversely to the application of water. It is important to note that the fire code official must approve the use of this item. Note also that with respect to computer rooms, NFPA 75 (Protection of Information Technology Equipment) (not a referenced standard) recognizes automatic sprinklers as the primary fire protection system for computer rooms. Condition 3 recognizes the low fuel load and low occupancy hazards associated with generator and transformer rooms and, therefore, allows the omission of sprinkler protection if the rooms are separated from adjacent areas by 2-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. This condition assumes the room is not used for any combustible storage. This condition is similar to Section 8.15.11.3 of NFPA 13, which exempts electrical equipment rooms from sprinkler protection, provided the room is dedicated to the use of dry-type electrical equipment, is constructed as a 2-hour fire-resistance-rated enclosure, and is not used for combustible storage. Condition 4 requires the construction of the room or area, as well as the contents, to be noncombustible. An example would be an area in an unprotected steel-frame building (Type IIB construction) used for steel or concrete block storage. Neither involves any significant combustible packaging or sources of ignition, and few combustibles are present (see Commentary Figure 903.3.1). Condition 5 addresses the concern for elevator machine rooms and machinery spaces associated with fire service access elevators as required by Sections 403.6.1 and 3007, for buildings with occupied floors greater than 120 feet (36.58 m) from the lowest level of fire department access. These elevators need to work during fire situations and their operation cannot be threatened by the activation of a sprinkler in a machine room or space that may affect the operation of the elevators. Fire service access elevators are required to be continuously monitored at the fire command center in accordance with Section 3007.7. Condition 6, similar to Condition 5, exempts sprinklers from the machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms and control spaces for occupant evacuation elevators. Like fire service access elevators, these elevators need to work during fire situations and their operation cannot be threatened by the activation of a sprinkler in machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms and control spaces. Such elevators are required to be monitored at the fire command center in accordance with Section 3008.7. Hope this helps, Ryan L. Hinson, PE*, SET** \ Burns & McDonnell Senior Fire Protection Engineer O 952-656-3662 \ M 320-250-5404 \ F 952-229-2923 [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> \ burnsmcd.com<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.burnsmcd.com/__;!dEgXJxch11IPYA!RT2Dan24-blBx6PbP9F5YSqsHwudRJtCo63dneAwp5Cc666fkjRZNtqDijCxSbl2lA$> 8201 Norman Center Drive, Suite 300 \ Bloomington, MN 55437 *Registered in: LA, MD, MN, PA, TX, & UT **NICET IV - Water-Based Systems Layout From: Sprinklerforum <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> On Behalf Of James Litvak via Sprinklerforum Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2019 12:14 PM To: Prahl, Craig/GVL <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Cc: James Litvak <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Trying to determine hydrant locations per IFC, wondering how sprinkler coverage omissions will affect distances. Interesting. I don't have access to a copy of the Code and Commentary. Would you be able to copy/paste the relevant section, or tell me where to find it? I will try to get access to it. Thanks. On Thu, Oct 24, 2019 at 12:35 PM Prahl, Craig/GVL <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Nope, the omission of sprinklers by any means or allowances null and voids the “sprinklered throughout” classification. That is addressed within the IBC Commentary. Just had this discussion on a project myself. It is the same if you substitute a clean agent for sprinklers in an area. No longer considered sprinklered throughout. Craig Prahl | Jacobs | Group Lead/SME – Fire Protection | 864.676.5252 | [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> | www.jacobs.com<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http*3A*2F*2Fwww.jacobs.com*2F&data=02*7C01*7Crhinson*40burnsmcd.com*7Ce32d5bc887a341f2e32708d758a5924a*7Cbfbb9a2b6d994e78b3c795005d555c8b*7C0*7C0*7C637075340466060912&sdata=hvSGYJcGlCnfvsXoOBaFMYhCH4mN5A9nvyQMHKaHSgM*3D&reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!dEgXJxch11IPYA!RT2Dan24-blBx6PbP9F5YSqsHwudRJtCo63dneAwp5Cc666fkjRZNtqDijBwRS198A$> 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. 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