sprinklernotes
Sprinkler Omissions in Bathrooms
You have asked the following questions:
"Question 1: Is it the intent of NFPA 13D to require a sprinkler in a shower,
that is fully enclosed with glass partitions floor to ceiling, 30" glass door?
Question 2: Is it acceptable to exclude this shower area from the sq. ft. area
of the bath? Just as if we are talking about an enclosed toilet area?"
In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 13D, 2016 edition as the
applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is you have asked multiple
questions; I’ll address them below.
It is not the intent of the standard to require a sprinkler directly in the
shower area, but to require sprinklers in the bathroom if you exceed 55 sq. ft.
per section 8.3.2. If the shower area can be considered a separate compartment
in accordance with the definition in section 3.3.1 from the remainder of the
bathroom and is less than 55 sq. ft. in area, a sprinkler would not be
required. It is a perceived obstruction problem when the shower enclosure goes
to the ceiling. The standard does not provide an exemption for the shower
enclosure to be treated as a compartment, but it’s completely reasonable to
treat it as one. There are no combustibles that would be stored within the
shower and it would be reasonable to ignore the obstruction within the shower
area. Additionally, it’s appropriate to mention sprinkler shadowing in section
8.2.5.6. “Shadow areas shall be permitted in the protection area of a sprinkler
as long as the cumulative dry areas do not exceed 15 sq. ft. per sprinkler.”
Regarding how to determine the bathroom area, if you can consider the shower
enclosure a separate compartment, you will not have to include it into the area
calculation when determining if you can omit sprinkler protection from the
individual bathroom compartments. Now, if the shower enclosure cannot be
considered a compartment, you will still have to include it in the area
calculation for the bathroom. That measurement is taken around the interior
perimeter of the bathroom compartment walls and includes the area of tubs,
showers, vanities, etc.
