Fire Sprinkler Design for Elevators

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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