Can Non-Sprinklered F-2 Use Fire Flow Reduction?

12/10/2024

A 40,000 sqft, F-2 Occupancy, single-story metalworking facility of IBC Type II-B construction is not required to be provided with automatic sprinkler protection due to the lack of sufficient combustible loading in the IBC.

However, the same 40,000 sqft single-story facility of IBC Type II-B construction of a Mercantile (M) occupancy must be provided with automatic sprinkler protection due to sufficient combustible loading to warrant sprinkler protection.

Unfortunately, IFC Appendix B does not distinguish between these different occupancies with regard to Fire Flow except that a 75% reduction is offered to the M occupancy for sprinkler protection.

Since no sprinkler protection is required for the F-2 occupancy, can't it be treated the same as occupancies requiring sprinkler protection and provided with sprinkler protection - allowing for the 75% reduction?

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13 Comments

12/10/2024 08:27:06 am

I recommend taking a look at the allowable height and areas table in the IBC. For a type IIB, non-sprinklered F-2 occupancy, the maximum allowable area is 23,000sf (IBC table 506.2). Unless there is more to the story, then the building is required to have an automatic sprinkler system or be split with a 2hr rated fire assembly per the IBC to have fire areas less than 23,000sf.

IFC appendix B is used for construction type and fire area, it does not consider specific occupancies (exception of Group R-3/4). My interpretation is that the code does not allow any reductions in fire flow for non-sprinklered buildings.

The required fire flow would be what is prescribed in IFC appendix B for the specific building you are working on. Also ensure the existing infrastructure can support the fire flow, if not then a sprinkler system may also get triggered.

Richard Stehr

12/10/2024 09:57:20 am

The building in this case is surrounded by more than 60 ft.

I agree that IFC Appendix B does not distinguish between occupancies but it seems counterintuitive that buildings that do not require sprinklers are treated like buildings that do require sprinklers with regard to fire flow.

2021 IBC

507.3 Nonsprinklered, one-story buildings. The area of a Group F-2 or S-2 building not more than one story in height shall not be limited where the building is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.

IBC Commentary:
By definition, occupancies of Groups F-2 and S-2 are not permitted to contain significant amounts of combustible materials (see Sections 306.3 and 311.3); therefore, because the fire load of the contents is lower, the hazard is lower. The type of construction is not restricted, and sprinklers are not required for unlimited area buildings containing Group F-2 and S-2 occupancies, provided the building is no more than one story above grade plane. See the commentary in Section 507.2 regarding the required open space. Section 507,.2.1 can be applied to buildings built under this section. Where all the requirements of this section are met, this specific provision for a nonsprinklered, unlimited area building overrules the general provision of Section 903.2.10 that would otherwise limit the area of an open parking garage, a Group S-2 occupancy, without sprinklers.

J.H.

12/10/2024 10:49:02 am

Check the Conflicts provisions in the IBC and IFC (make sure those are the adopted Codes in effect); the more stringent requirement will generally apply.

You need a current hydrant flow test report for your project location. If the fire flow is not available, and extensive water main improvement is impractical, a sprinkler system will be required as there would be no other way to reduce the fire flow without reducing the size of the proposed structure.
Fire department access is also a factor. If the location does not meet minimum fire department access requirements, sprinklers are typically the mitigating solution.

12/10/2024 08:33:59 am

What part of the world is your project located? Are IBC and IFC the locally adopted Codes?

Sprinklers bring outdoor water indoors for rapid, automatic application.You cannot take a sprinkler reduction on your fire flow where there are no sprinklers. You need actual physical H2O for fire fighting, it's not academic.

Somehow, you are not being required to sprinkler that building. (in our jurisdiction you would be, per our adopted minimum Codes).
Your client will need to either spend the money on a full fire hydrant system to bring the fire flow to the project, or spend the money on a sprinkler system to take the massive fire flow reduction and install fewer hydrants.

Jesse

12/10/2024 08:41:57 am

I'm also curious as tot where this is and what the applicable governing code is. The sq. footage would trigger an AS requirement in my neck of the woods, unless doing so would potentially increase the loss portentials (i.e. a foundry).

Question? link

12/10/2024 10:11:11 am

'I'm also curious as tot', please help, I am not familiar with this saying.

Chris Nelson

12/10/2024 11:28:19 am

Its a typo "I also curious as to where"

Nic J

12/10/2024 09:08:43 am

I do not interpret that a reduction in fire flow would be permitted in this case. In the IFC Appendix B (2024 ed.) table B105.2 lists out reductions for sprinkler protection but does not delineate between any occupancy group. In my opinion you need to provide the full fire flow per B105.1(2) for the 40,000 SF Type II-B building. 4,250 GPM for 4 hours.

There are ways for the height and area of your building to comply with the model building code without sprinklers. Unlimited area building, section 507.3 permits an F-2 single story building of any construction type to be of unlimited area when surrounded by public ways or yards by 60 feet.
I also think this works with the frontage increase where 30 feet of open space is provided around at least 75% of the building.

Jack G

12/10/2024 09:17:25 am

I think in most of The USA sprinkler system would be required per the sq footage. If it is not being protected with sprinklers then you cannot mess with fire flow. Review the extinguisher requirements also. Beverages with 12% alcohol are an F-2 classification, beer and wines.

Glenn Berger

12/10/2024 09:39:13 am

The reduction factor in fire flow requirement for a building provided with automatic sprinkler system(s) cannot be applied to an unsprinklered building.

Jose R Figueroa

12/10/2024 09:51:32 am

Thank you! I still have some questions about this project and would love to gain a clearer understanding.

Todd E Wyatt

12/11/2024 03:59:31 am

“A 40,000 sqft, F-2 Occupancy, single-story metalworking facility of IBC Type II-B construction is not required to be provided with automatic sprinkler protection due to …” the following IBC section (2024 used in this example) :

1. IBC-2024, Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, Section 903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems, 903.2 Where Required.

A Group F-2 Occupancy Classification (OC) is NOT required to be provided by an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) per this section.

Per 903.2.4, a Group F-1 is required to be provided with an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) if it meets the one of the five requirements of 903.2.4 OR if it meets one of the three requirements of 903.2.4.1, 903.2.4.2, or 903.2.4.3.

Accordingly, a Group M is required to be provided with an ASPS if it meets the one of the three requirements of 903.2.7 OR if it meets one of the three requirements of 903.2.7.1, 903.2.7.2, or 903.2.7.3.

Lastly, if the building meets one of the five conditions of 903.2.11 and/or one of the 19 conditions of TABLE 903.2.11.6, an ASPS is required.

While an ASPS can affect the (3) “allowables” (Bldg Height, Number of Stories, and Building Area) per Chapter 5 General Building Heights and Areas, Ch 5 and the OC requirements of CH 9 are NOT specifically correlated.

12/11/2024 04:00:04 am

REFERENCES
IBC-2024
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Section 903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
903.2 Where Required

903.2.4 Group F-1
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group F-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. A Group F-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
4. A Group F-1 occupancy is used to manufacture lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries.
5. A Group F-1 occupancy is used to manufacture vehicles, energy storage systems or equipment containing lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries where the batteries are installed as part of the manufacturing process.

[F] 903.2.4.1 Woodworking Operations
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all Group F-1 occupancy fire areas that contain woodworking operations in excess of 2,500 square feet (232 m2) in area that generate finely divided combustible waste or use finely divided combustible materials.
[F] 903.2.4.2 Group F-1 Distilled Spirits
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group F-1 fire area used for the manufacture of distilled spirits.
[F] 903.2.4.3 Group F-1 Upholstered Furniture or Mattresses
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group F-1 fire area that exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m2) used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture or mattresses.

903.2.7 Group M
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
[F] 903.2.7.1 High-Piled Storage
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in accordance with the International Fire Code in all buildings of Group M where storage of merchandise is in high-piled or rack storage arrays.
[F] 903.2.7.2 Group M Upholstered Furniture or Mattresses
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group M fire area where the area used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).
[F] 903.2.7.3 Lithium-Ion or Lithium Metal Battery Storage
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in a room or space within a Group M occupancy where required for the storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries by Section 320 of the International Fire Code or Chapter 32 of the International Fire Code.

903.2.11 Specific Building Areas and Hazards
903.2.11.1 Stories Without Openings
903.2.11.2 Rubbish and Linen Chutes
903.2.11.3 Buildings 55 Feet or More in Height
903.2.11.4 Ducts Conveying Hazardous Exhausts
903.2.11.5 Commercial Cooking Operations

903.2.11.6 Other Required Fire Protection Systems
[F] 903.2.11.6 Other Required Fire Protection Systems
In addition to the requirements of Section 903.2, the provisions indicated in Table 903.2.11.6 require the installation of a fire protection system for certain buildings and areas.
[F] TABLE 903.2.11.6 ADDITIONAL REQUIRED PROTECTION SYSTEMS
SECTION SUBJECT
1. 402.5, 402.6.2 Covered and open mall buildings
2. 403.3 High-rise buildings
3. 404.3 Atriums
4. 405.3 Underground structures
5. 407.7 Group I-2
6. 410.6 Stages
7. 411.3 Special amusement buildings
8. 412.2.4 Airport traffic control towers
9. 412.3.6, 412.3.6.1, 412.5.6 Aircraft hangars
10. 415.11.11 Group H-5 HPM exhaust ducts
11. 416.5 Flammable finishes
12. 417.4 Drying rooms
13. 424.3 Play structures
14. 428 Buildings containing laboratory suites
15. 507 Unlimited area buildings
16. 508.5.7 Live/work units
17. 509.4 Incidental uses
18. 1030.6.2.3 Smoke-protected assembly seating
19. IFC Automatic sprinkler system requirements as set forth in Section 903.2.11.6 of the International Fire Code

Chapter 5 General Building Heights and Areas
Section 504 Building Height and Number of Stories
1. TABLE 504.3 ALLOWABLE BUILDING HEIGHT IN FEET ABOVE GRADE PLANE
504.4 Number of Stories
2. TABLE 504.4 ALLOWABLE NUMBER OF STORIES ABOVE GRADE PLANEa, b
506.2 Allowable Area Determination
3. TABLE 506.2 ALLOWABLE AREA FACTOR IN SQUARE FEET

Can Non-Sprinklered F-2 Use Fire Flow Reduction?

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