sprinklernotes
Balconies as Part of a Dwelling Unit
You have asked the following questions: “Are balconies accessed from dwelling
units considered part of the dwelling unit? Would sprinklers on dry pipe
systems protecting these balconies be required to meet the 15 second water
discharge test?” In response to your questions, we have reviewed NFPA 13, 2016
edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is that the
balconies of dwelling units are not part of the dwelling unit and does not have
to meet the 15-second water discharge test.
Balconies attached to occupancies are addressed as a separate section as 8.15.7
Exterior Projections. A balcony is not included as part of a dwelling unit
although a balcony is attached and accessed similar to a corridor. The
definition in Section 3.3.10 Dwelling Unit (for sprinkler system installations)
states, “One or more rooms arranged for the use of one or more individuals
living together, as in a single housekeeping unit normally having cooking,
living, sanitary, and sleeping facilities that include, but are not limited to,
hotel rooms, dormitory rooms, apartments, condominiums, sleeping rooms in
nursing homes, and similar living units.” This definition focuses on “rooms”
for living. We also see in Section 8.15.8 Dwelling Units that it addresses
bathrooms as 8.15.8.1 and closets and pantries as 8.15.8.2. Exterior
projections are not included as part of the dwelling unit since they are
addressed in Section 8.15.7. Location has meaning. With that said, a balcony
can be protected by a residential sprinkler. Section 8.4.5.1 says that
residential sprinklers shall be permitted in dwelling units and their adjoining
corridors, provided they are installed in conformance with their listing.
Although a balcony is not referenced, the balcony is similar to the contents
and use of a dwelling unit. The annex A.8.4.5.1 indicates that the response
and water distribution pattern of listed residential sprinklers have been shown
by extensive fire testing to provide better control than spray sprinklers in
residential occupancies. These sprinklers are intended to prevent flashover in
the room of fire origin, thus improving the chance for occupants to escape or
be evacuated. Section 7.2.3.1.1 states, “For dry pipe systems protecting
dwelling unit portions of any occupancy, system size shall be such that initial
water is discharged from the system test connection in not more than 15
seconds, starting at the normal air pressure on the system and at the time of
fully opened inspection test connection.” This references “dwelling unit
portions of any occupancy” and could be argued that a balcony is part of or not
part of a dwelling unit. Since the balcony in open to the atmosphere, the
likelihood of the balcony reaching the condition of flashover or someone
becoming trapped by fire is very remote. As such, the water delivery within 15
seconds is not imperative since sprinkler protection of balconies is provided
primarily for property preservation.
