This week's breakout is a summary of fire protection requirements for elevators under the International Building Code, NFPA 13, and ASME A17.1. While there are some staples across all elevator types, there's also a number of exceptions and opportunities for flexible design approach, depending upon which edition of NFPA 13 and 72 are applicable.

Sprinkler Elevator Requirements

Sprinkler at the Top of Shaft
Provide when:

• elevators utilizes polyurethane-coated steel belts or other similar combustible belt material, unless tested as an FT-1 rating per UL 62 (NFPA 13 2010 Section 8.15.5.6, 2013-2016 Section 8.15.5.7)

Not required where:

• the hoistway is noncombustible or limited-combustible and the car enclosure materials meet the requirements of ASME A17.1. (NFPA 13 2002 Section 8.14.5.5, 2007-2013 Section 8.15.5.5, 2016 Section 8.15.5.6)
• elevators are Fire Service Access Elevators (IBC 2009-2015 Section 903.3.1.1.1(5)) or Occupant Evacuation Elevators designed per the International Building Code Section 3008 (IBC 2012-2015 Section 903.3.1.1.1(6))

Sprinkler near the Bottom of Shaft (Pit)
Provide when:

• elevator is hydraulic type (NFPA 13 2010 Sections 8.15.5.1, 8.15.5.2)
• elevator has polyurethane-coated steel belts or other similar combustible belt material, unless tested as an FT-1 rating per UL 62  (NFPA 13 2010 Section 8.15.5.6, 2013-2016 Section 8.15.5.7)

Not required where:

• elevators are Fire Service Access Elevators (IBC 2009-2015 Section 903.3.1.1.1(5)) or Occupant Evacuation Elevators designed per the International Building Code Section 3008 (IBC 2012-2015 Section 903.3.1.1.1(6))

​Installation Specifics

• Provide at no more than 2 ft above pit floor
• Branch lines serving sprinklers in hoistway shall supply no more than one floor unless going from top floor to shaft above the roof (ASME A17.1 2004-2010 Section 2.8.2.3.1)

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Today we're breaking into floor control assemblies. The following is a full arrangement for a combination standpipe/sprinkler riser where high pressures necessitate a pressure reducing valve at each level.

While every element in this specific arrangement is certainly not a necessity on every project, here's some considerations that go into the requirements and considerations for a layout like this:

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I had a great conversation yesterday with a young undergraduate student who is nearing entry in the fire protection industry. In many ways the questions he asked reminded me of my own uncertainty about my future and eagerness to gather advice when I was at that point in my career.

We spoke at length about transitioning into the field, graduate school, career tips, areas to keep growing, experience, having passion for the work, technical components of fire protection engineering, and finding satisfaction in a quality role on a regular basis.

This blog, while in its infancy, already has a strong handful followers from throughout the U.S. (…and world, I see you South Korea!) with professionals ranging from firefighters to plan review to contractors to engineers. Today I want to ask you to share one insight that has helped your career in fire protection. All I ask is you note (1) a helpful book, (2) a favorite quote or piece of advice, or (3) a valuable lesson that has helped you in your journey.

While I would love to consider myself worthy of providing savvy career advice, I am much more interested in reading and sharing what you have to offer. Share your one insight in the comments of the post here at www.meyerfire.com/blog.