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TAKEAWAYS AS A FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER

Are Sprinklers Required in Closets?

6/12/2018

 
Based on the feedback and response about an earlier article about Sprinkler Requirements in Bathrooms, it only makes sense to extend a roadmap for navigating requirements concerning sprinklers in closets.

​For such a simple topic, this work took two weeks and will still require further exploration in the coming weeks.

Basic Concept
The premise for determining whether a closet requires a sprinkler would intuitively be fairly easy, as the question implies a yes/no black and white answer. The development to get to where we are currently, however, is governed by experience and studies into the risk/benefit posed by providing sprinklers in closets.

Does providing a sprinkler within a closet improve building protection and aid in better life safety? Yes, in most (or perhaps even every) circumstance.
​​
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While in concept determining whether a sprinkler is required for a closet would typically be a straight-forward cut-and-dry process, the code path to determine whether it is required or not is dependent upon multiple factors.

Competing Objectives
However, there are also competing objectives for standards such as NFPA 13R (Low-Rise Residential Occupancies) and NFPA 13D (One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes), which is to create affordable systems with a life-safety objective in lieu of property protection.

Attempting to create affordable systems is not inherently a bad thing; it only creates less friction between the building owner paying for or deciding to install a sprinkler system. 

Why Not All Small Closets?
Why is a 10 sqft apartment closet any different than a 10 sqft closet in a motel? They could be constructed the exact same.

The difference is in the totality of the situation: NFPA 101 and by extension NFPA 13 recognize that "inherent ignition sources and combustible fuel load" are very different for different occupancies. In general, where closets can more easily accumulate high fuel loads (longer-term living situations), the less likely a sprinkler will be allowed to be omitted.

NFPA 101 - what about the IBC?
NFPA 101 outlines specific allowances based upon occupancies to determine closet sprinkler requirements. The International Building Code does not address these same areas, rather deferring those requirements to NFPA 13, 13R, or 13D. 

What if both IBC and NFPA 101 Apply?
Many healthcare applications find that the IBC is enforced by a local jurisdiction while NFPA 101 applies due to healthcare credential requirements of CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services). Typically the most stringent requirement would be the guiding direction in these instances, but it would be prudent to work with code authorities to resolve these conflicts where they arise.

2016 Edition Changes
The 2016 Edition of NFPA 101 offered a handful of changes specific to closets. You'll see in the breakout below that this flowchart only applies to the 2016 Editions of NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, NFPA 13D, and NFPA 101. With so many changes between the editions, I'm planning to recreate this chart with prior editions for reference.

The Flowchart
The chart below is a visual summary of the decisions that lead to various sections of code. Despite the simple yes/no nature of whether a sprinkler is required in a closet or not, you'll notice the complexity of the decision tree within NFPA 101. Click on the chart for an enlarged version below.

​
Fire Sprinklers in Closets
Flowchart for 2016 closet fire sprinkler requirements

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Munir Malick
7/3/2018 10:00:14 pm

Very nice for professionals & Technicl Guide

Tom
10/23/2018 12:15:32 pm

Residential closet Massachusetts 24sqft or if the lesser dimension is greater than 3ft is how I understand closet rules.Is this correct or incorrect I'm asking because I have recently been told the 3ft rule is now extinct and it's based solely on sq ft.

Chuck Sullivan
4/23/2019 02:45:44 pm

I need rulings on sprinkler heads in closets or state of Arizona for assisted living

Susan Olson
8/9/2019 12:13:23 pm

My son has purchased a condo, (prior apt conversion). They removed the closet doors in the living room related to an air flow vent return on one side for the central air added. There is a sprinkler head is in the center of the former closet but the sprinkler would be for the full living room. I was told I can not enclose the sprinkler in a closet when I wanted to build the closet doors 3/4 of the way, (leaving 35 inches for the air flow vent). So, now the closet would be only 40" wide. Do you know in MN if I can enclose the sprinkler? Thank you.

Moderator
8/13/2019 08:55:01 pm

Hi Suan,

Your question is posted on the daily forum here: https://www.meyerfire.com/daily/can-sprinkler-be-enclosed-in-small-closet

Please see the link and read the post - there may need to be some clarification for your question. Thanks!

Dave
5/12/2020 03:46:33 pm

When does NFPA 101 take precedence over NFPA 13 in regards to omitting sprinklers in closets less than12 sq ft in area in individual dwelling units of new apartment buildings.

We have a 44 story high rise with 10 sq ft closets 2'x5' and we are trying to eliminate the sprinklers.

NFPA 13 would require them since it is not a hotel or motel but NFPA101 allows for the omission.


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The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author shown and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a commission for orders placed elsewhere.
  • Blog
  • Forum
  • PE Exam
    • PE Forum & Errata
    • PE Problems
    • PE Store
    • PE Tools
    • PE Prep Series
  • TOOLS
    • TOOLKIT (FREE TRIAL)
    • *TOOLKIT (PURCHASE)
    • SUBMIT AN IDEA
    • BACKFLOW DATABASE*
    • CLEAN AGENT ESTIMATOR*
    • CLOUD CEILING CALCULATOR
    • DOMESTIC DEMAND*
    • FIRE PUMP ANALYZER
    • FIRE PUMP DATABASE*
    • FIRE FLOW CALCULATOR*
    • FRICTION LOSS CALCULATOR
    • HANGER SPACER*
    • IBC TRANSLATOR*
    • K-FACTOR SELECTOR
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('19 ONLY)
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('99-'19)*
    • LIQUIDS ANALYZER*
    • OBSTRUCTION CALCULATOR
    • OBSTRUCTIONS AGAINST WALL*
    • PLUMBING FIXTURE COUNTS
    • REMOTE AREA ANALYZER
    • QUICK RESPONSE AREA REDUCTION
    • SPRINKLER DATABASE*
    • SPRINKLER FLOW*
    • SYSTEM ESTIMATOR*
    • TEST & DRAIN CALCULATOR
    • THRUST BLOCK CALCULATOR
    • TRAPEZE CALCULATOR
    • UNIT CONVERTER
    • VOLUME & COMPRESSOR CALCULATOR
    • WATER SUPPLY (US)
    • WATER SUPPLY (METRIC)
  • ALL-ACCESS
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