Summary: Authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) play a crucial role in the NFSA (National Fire Sprinkler Association) community. They are responsible for making sure rules and standards are followed in the fire protection industry. NFSA receives many questions every year from AHJs about the meaning of codes and standards that directly influence the fire sprinkler industry.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the common questions AHJs ask the NFSA’s code officials and how they impact everyone involved.
States may require the involvement of a responsible design professional to ensure project-specific details are recognized, as generic approaches may not be adequate. Since sprinkler protection is based on building activities and storage criteria depend on the product, packaging, and pallet types, NFSA may find it challenging to give specific answers. NFSA doesn’t provide hazard or commodity classifications unless listed in NFPA 13, as this determination is the responsibility of the registered design professional. However, NFSA aims to always offer guidance.
In the 2019 version of NFPA 13, sprinklers were mandated for any conveyor wider than 2 feet. The 2022 version added a new section (14.2.11.4) specifically addressing conveyors when ESFR sprinklers are used. If there’s high-stacked storage under conveyors, sprinklers on the ceiling are needed.
When there’s no high-stacked storage under conveyors:
- Quick-response standard spray sprinklers are allowed below conveyors without high-stacked storage.
- Ceiling-level sprinklers aren’t needed below conveyors with a horizontal profile that’s at least 70% open.
- Sprinklers aren’t required below conveyors up to 4 feet wide.
- Sprinklers aren’t required below roller conveyors if the space between rollers is equal to or greater than the roller width.
- Additional sprinklers aren’t needed below roller conveyors if the space below is free of high-stacked storage.
The 2022 version of NFPA 13 will be referred to in the 2024 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and Fire Codes (IFC and NFPA 1), available in the fall. Until then, many communities may still follow the 2019 or older versions of NFPA 13. However, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) can approve and accept sections from newer editions using the equivalency criteria in Section 1.5.
The IBC (International Building Code) also has a say in this matter. Specifically for this case, the fire area for a Group A-2 occupancy includes both the indoor space and the outdoor seating area. It’s crucial to know that building and fire codes often make exceptions or allow compromises for buildings that are fully equipped with sprinklers. However, these exceptions won’t apply if there are no sprinklers under the canopy area or if they are overlooked.
According to Section 9.2.3.1, you can skip sprinkler protection under the part sticking out if it’s made of noncombustible materials, limited-combustible materials, or fire-retardant treated wood (as defined in NFPA 703). The wood needs to have fire-resistant material impregnated during manufacturing. Painted or added later won’t meet NFPA 13 requirements.
Section 9.2.3.2 says you can also skip sprinklers under a part made of combustible materials if the exposed finish material is noncombustible, limited-combustible, or fire-retardant treated wood (as defined in NFPA 703). This applies only if the exterior part either has sprinkled hidden spaces or certain unsprinkled concealed spaces. Examples include spaces filled with noncombustible insulation or light/ordinary hazard areas where noncombustible or limited-combustible ceilings are attached directly to the bottom of solid wood joists, creating enclosed joist spaces of 160 cubic feet or less. Also, concealed spaces over small exterior parts not bigger than 55 square feet can be excluded from sprinkler protection.
Condition #6 in Section 510.2 says the commercial space or the part of the building below this separation must have sprinkler protection according to NFPA 13 (Section 903.3.1.1). The apartments above the separation can use NFPA 13R, but not throughout both areas because IBC Section 510.2 #6 requires the space below the separation to be sprinklered according to NFPA 13.
- Hangers must support five times the weight of the water-filled pipe, plus 250 lbs. at each support point.
- Support points must be strong enough for the entire piping system.
- Spacing between hangers should meet Chapter 17 values in NFPA 13.
- Components for hanging must be made of iron/steel.
- Detailed calculations must be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for approval.
For unique setups like this, it’s suggested that the design professional work with the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) to figure out the right coverage—above, below, or both. The main goal is to make sure that sprinklers are in the right positions to work well when they need to, according to Section 9.1.1 (3) in the 2022 edition of NFPA 13.
It’s crucial to know that NFPA 13 doesn’t require meeting storage rules for items displayed for sale. The height of the stored products matters. If the stacked items go beyond 12 feet, the storage rules apply. This might be why the landlord is concerned about Group A plastics. But if the stored products stay at 12 feet or below, then the regular hazard designation is enough.
It’s important to note that building codes, like the IBC, often offer exceptions for fully sprinklered buildings. These exceptions might include reduced fire-resistant construction. However, if sprinklers are excluded from certain areas, the exceptions may not apply anymore, as the building is no longer considered fully sprinklered according to NFPA 13.
It’s crucial to note that currently, there are no criteria for listing automated control valves. None of the valves available are listed, so they don’t comply with Section 7.6.2.1.
Courtesy: Roland Asp, CET, TechNotes
