Window Sprinklers: Three Code Approaches [PDF]

3/29/2023

Protection of windows within a rated assembly is a surprisingly complex and perhaps often misinterpreted topic within the construction industry.

Windows create openings in walls, and when the wall is part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly, the windows could compromise the integrity of that assembly.

Back in 2019 I wrote an article on this topic which led to a cheatsheet on the three pathways for making a window (or glazing in general) work when it is part of a fire-resistance-rated wall assembly.

CHANGES IN THIS SPACE
Well, a lot has changed since then.

The testing criteria hasn't necessarily changed, but we now have four-times the options for available sprinklers on the market, even just since 2019.

The ever-evolving latest editions of NFPA 13, specifically the 2022 Edition, has continued to refine how protection of windows needs to be addressed.

AN UPDATED PDF REFERENCE
Below is an updated PDF cheatsheet that introduces the changes that have happened just in the last few years. I've now clarified some of the questioning, so it's less vague, but I've also included links to the now-four ICC ESR reports and all the models provided by manufacturers.

Take a look and let me know what you think in the comments here below.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD PDF

Thanks for reading!

Mike Millman

3/29/2023 03:18:18 pm

As a fire protection engineer dealing mostly with building design, there are few topics that give me as much anxiety as this one. Some architects seem to think that the answer is as simple as "throw some sprinklers at it", and are shocked to find out all of the additional requirements that come along with "throwing some sprinklers at it".

Also, this topic brings up the most commonly misused use of the words "deluge" and "water curtain" in my experience. Pretty sure I turn into that gif of Charlie Day rubbing his temples immediately.

Fritz Descovich

3/30/2023 05:23:40 am

Hi Joe,

Great article and cheatsheet! I have been following your work and all the wonderful things that you publish and provide to the fire protection community. Not the least of which are your wonderful graphics / sketches. They have helped me and the firm I work for tremendously by providing a clear visual of the published topic.

Regarding the topic of window sprinklers. Our water-based FP systems design and installation company does a lot of work in the SF bay area and in the city of SF. We continually work on projects with window sprinklers as an alternative approach to passive exterior rated facades/walls, near property lines mostly.

And we often have projects with a large multi-level open atrium at the ground level of the building. And normally the life safety FPE consultant has gotten approval of their alternate methods and means request (AMMR) approved by the building and fire departments to apply sprinkler protection at the surrounding glazed openings.

I just had to let you know this new blog topic and cheatsheet address all of the important major aspects of using sprinklers to protect these widows/glazed openings from our company's experience with this type of sprinkler protection.

Just one small comment, please. On page 2 of the cheatsheet is the Glass & Wall Constraints table; in the third column heading Closely-Spaced for Atra, should it say "Atria"? Or is this a new term related to an Atrium? Just curios.

Great job and thanks again for the wonderful information!

Comments are closed.

Window Sprinklers: Three Code Approaches [PDF]

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

AUTHOR

FILTERS

ARCHIVES