Every three years, the International Code Council (ICC) revises the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) to ensure that these critical standards remain in line with modern construction processes and safety developments.

The changes for the 2027 edition incorporate the most recent advances in fire safety, materials, and building practices, with a focus on increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of fire prevention systems. These modifications are crucial for protecting people, property, and the built environment in an age of fast changing technology and construction processes. This blog highlights major proposed amendments to the IBC and IFC, particularly those affecting the fire sprinkler sector, to keep stakeholders informed about impending code enhancements.

Updates to the 2027 IBC and IFC

Every three years, the International Code Council (ICC) updates its codes and standards to reflect current methods, practices, and techniques, with the purpose of increasing safety in the built environment. It’s vital to update building codes and standards to reflect new construction techniques and practices. However, technological advancements can occur rapidly. A lot can and does change in three years.

This Technotes will examine the proposed revisions to the model codes for the 2027 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) that affect the sprinkler sector.

Ducts Conveying Hazardous Exhaust

Since 2000, IBC and IFC rules require fire sprinklers to cover ducts carrying hazardous exhaust. Section 903.2.11.4 of the IBC and IFC now specifies when automatic sprinklers must be installed in conveying ducts.

Hazardous exhaust. Sprinklers with a maximum cross-sectional diameter of less than 10 inches are exempt from this section’s requirements. The term “diameter” applies to circular ducts. However, we know that ducts occur in a variety of diameters, not simply circular.

As a result, the diameter was altered to “dimension” to cover square and rectangular ducts.

Without this adjustment, the code would exempt sprinklers in square and rectangular ducts carrying hazardous exhaust.

Ducts Conveying Hazardous Exhaust
Ducts Conveying Hazardous Exhaust

Fire Department Connection Mounting Height

Section 912 of the IBC and IFC addresses fire department connections (FDCs). However, the code did not specify the FDC’s mounting height. Language from NFPA 13 and 14 was incorporated into the IBC and IFC. The IBC and IFC now mandate fire department connections to be 18 inches to 4 feet above the neighbouring grade of access level. The IFC committee unanimously approved this code modification.

Definition of High-Piled Combustible Storage

The IFC defines high-piled combustible storage as Class I-IV flammable materials stored on pallets.

On racks or on shelves where the storage height exceeds 12 feet. The fire code specifies that high-piled combustible storage may contain high-hazard commodities stacked higher than 6 feet. The phrase “where required by the fire code official” might potentially exclude certain occupancies from high-piled storage rules for Group A plastics or other high-hazard commodities with approval from the fire code official.

High-hazard commodities are identified by their burning properties and heat release rate. The NFSA advocated eliminating the phrase “where required by the code official” as assessing fire protection criteria for an occupancy should not be subjective or reliant on the judgement of a fire code official.

Definition of High-Piled Combustible Storage
Definition of High-Piled Combustible Storage

Open Parking Garages and Sprinklers

The 2021 IBC and IFC mandate sprinkler protection in open parking garages over 48,000 square feet. The NFSA proposed updating sprinkler requirements in the 2027 codes, citing a literal interpretation of Section 406 in the IBC that exempts sprinklers in open parking garages of Type I or II construction.

Section 903.2.10 requires sprinklers in open parking garages over 48,000 square feet in size.

Storage Sprinklers and Smoke and Heat Vents

Section 910 in the IBC and IFC has also been clarified with regard to heat and smoke vents in storage spaces. Since there are many various kinds of cold storage than freezers, “frozen” was modified to “refrigerated” in Exception #1 of Section 910.2. CMSA sprinklers with a reaction time index (RTI) of 50 1⁄2 or less were added as an exception #2 to the same section. These sprinklers are specified to control a fire in stored commodities with 12 or less sprinklers. This exception is identical to that found in Table 3206.2’s Footnote H.

Storage Sprinklers and Smoke and Heat Vents
Storage Sprinklers and Smoke and Heat Vents

Sprinkler System Supervision and Alarms

Section 903.4.1 replaced the phrase “electronic” with “electrical”. Although the names are commonly used interchangeably, these devices are classified as electrical or electronic. Changing the phrase to fit the listing assures conformance with codes, cited standards, and listing requirements.

Standpipes in Storage Occupancies

Section 905 now requires standpipes in storage occupancies, as per an editorial revision. Chapter 32 (High-Piled Combustible Storage) mandates standpipes for evacuation routes in high-piled storage warehouses.

However, Section 905 of the IBC and IFC does not explicitly state this requirement. NFPA suggested a new provision in 905, requiring standpipes as per IFC provision 3206.9. The IFC committee approved the proposal.

Pressure Restricting Devices

Section 905.12 now allows for the replacement of pressure regulating devices on Class I or Class III standpipes with a static pressure of up to 175 psi with conventional hose valves if permitted by the fire code official. The update was made to align with the 2024 edition of NFPA 14.

Post-Fire Reconstruction and Sprinklers

Several fires have happened in the same residential building, however they were repaired or reconstructed without sprinkler protection. The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) covers repairs and adjustments to existing buildings. Some have viewed post-fire construction or adjustments as repairs under the IEBC. According to IEBC Section 403, repairs must preserve the building’s fire protection. If sprinklers were not previously installed, they are not necessary for fire repair.

The 2027 IFC proposes installing an automatic sprinkler system in non-sprinklered Group I, Group R-1, Group R-2, and Group R-4 buildings that have been unoccupied for more than 60 days due to a fire.

Post-Fire Reconstruction and Sprinklers
Post-Fire Reconstruction and Sprinklers

Pet Boarding and Fire Sprinklers

Following many fires in pet boarding facilities across the US, a proposal was accepted to require a minimum degree of fire protection for specific establishments in the IFC. The 2027 IFC requires fire sprinklers in pet boarding places with 10 or more dogs or cats staying for more than 12 hours per day.

Pet Boarding and Fire Sprinklers
Pet Boarding and Fire Sprinklers

Short Term Rental Housing

The proposal contains a new Appendix P, which outlines fire safety and occupancy rules for short-term rental buildings. Maintaining and inspecting automated sprinkler systems is crucial for fire safety. This includes checking control valves, sprinklers for damage, and water supplies. The appendix requires a permit for each property and a posted safety plan with emergency procedures, escape routes, and safety equipment placements. Safety measures include smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency escape ladders, and frequent inspections by responsible parties and officials to verify compliance.

 

Conclusion

The proposed revisions to the 2027 IBC and IFC demonstrate the ICC’s commitment to improving fire safety standards in response to changing challenges and technological breakthroughs. These amendments attempt to make the built environment safer by addressing significant issues such as hazardous exhaust ducts, fire department connection mounting heights, and sprinkler standards in varied occupancies. Keeping up with these changes is critical for stakeholders in the fire protection and construction industries to ensure compliance and best practices. As these changes are implemented, they will play an important role in preventing fires and improving safety measures across a variety of building types.

 

Technote Courtesy: John Swanson, Codes and Standards Specialist for the NFSA