"Fire Sprinklered Throughout"
"Fire Sprinklered Throughout"
(OP)
Well, I'm having another conversation about what NFPA/IBC means when it says "protected (of provided) throughout" an I'm hoping others will either confirm my analysis or tell me where I'm wrong. Here are the bullet points:
This is a dormitory in this discussion but it could be any occupancy.
• The NFPA 101 28.3.5 section quoted by the Fire Marshal requires this occupancy to be “protected throughout”.
• IBC 903.2.8 requires that fire sprinklers be “provided throughout all buildings with a group R fire area”.
• “Protected (or provided) throughout” terminology is used both in NFPA 101 and IBC and is always followed by what is to be protected throughout. In this case it is the "building" but it could be the "fire area" or other qualifications depending on the use. Note the variety of requirements in the IBC 903 sections and sections XX.3.5 in NPFA 101 as to what must be “protected throughout”.
• “Protected or provided throughout” means the what (building; area; etc.) is in compliance with the code and appropriate standard.
Thanks in advance!
This is a dormitory in this discussion but it could be any occupancy.
• The NFPA 101 28.3.5 section quoted by the Fire Marshal requires this occupancy to be “protected throughout”.
• IBC 903.2.8 requires that fire sprinklers be “provided throughout all buildings with a group R fire area”.
• “Protected (or provided) throughout” terminology is used both in NFPA 101 and IBC and is always followed by what is to be protected throughout. In this case it is the "building" but it could be the "fire area" or other qualifications depending on the use. Note the variety of requirements in the IBC 903 sections and sections XX.3.5 in NPFA 101 as to what must be “protected throughout”.
• “Protected or provided throughout” means the what (building; area; etc.) is in compliance with the code and appropriate standard.
Thanks in advance!
Steve C at APS





RE: "Fire Sprinklered Throughout"
4.2.1 When partial sprinkler systems are installed, the requirements of this standard shall be used insofar as they are applicable.
4.2.2 The authority having jurisdiction shall be consulted in each case.
So when I see "Protected throughout”. I see para 4.1 and the only omission are comming from chapter 8 of NFPA 13.
PS. I'm not an expert by any means just my 00.02$
RE: "Fire Sprinklered Throughout"
I think we're on the same page. The problem we run into is an interpretation that when the code says "fully sprinklered" that it means everything. But the code says it's fully sprinklered if it's in compliance with the standard and each standard includes areas that can be omitted.
This particular discussion is about the differences in what is allowed to be omitted in a 13R vs. a full 13. Of course, the AHJ is going to have the final say.
Thanks!
Steve C at APS
RE: "Fire Sprinklered Throughout"
In the IBC, the requirements for automatic sprinklers are driven by one or more of the following:
A) The building's height or area
B) The number of occupants and their location in relation to the lowest level of FD access
C) The occupant's ability (or inability) to initiate self-rescue in the event of a fire
D) The amount and classification of contents inside the building
In the IBC the term fire area is employed. Fire area is the aggregate floor area enclosed and bound by fire walls, fire barriers, exterior walls or horizontal assemblies. Under the IBC, automatic sprinkler protection can be required throughout a fire area or a building. In the case of Group R, I and H-5 occupancies, automatic sprinkler protection is required throughout the buildings. In all other occupancies, sprinkler protection is only required throughout the fire area. See IBC Section 902.1 for the FIRE AREA definition.
It appears the LSC applies a similiar strategy - they just use different terms.
RE: "Fire Sprinklered Throughout"
The ahj
The building code adopted
The nfpa standard adopted
Basically that order
And what stookey said
RE: "Fire Sprinklered Throughout"
RE: "Fire Sprinklered Throughout"
I value your input and I'm sure you've heard this multiple times over the years.
Thanks.
Steve C at APS