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I've had the request multiple times from architects to provide closely spaced sprinklers near interior windows to provide the equivalent of a 1-hour wall.
The only support I see for such an arrangement in the International Building Code or in NFPA 13 for glass is specific to the "Enclosure of Atriums," Section 404.5 (2003-2009 Editions) or 404.6 (2013-2015 Editions). If someone is looking to provide the equivalent of a 1-hour wall, with glass, that is not a part of an atrium enclosure, then are the only options to provide rated glass or the Tyco WS Window Sprinkler? I sense a lot of confusion on this topic from architects, whom I guess see other project arrangements and just assume they're standard closely-spaced sprinklers. Posted anonymously by a member for discussion. Discuss this | Subscribe.
5 Comments
11/9/2018 09:14:37 am
This is an interesting topic, I did some research on this a while back based upon a project that we had in our community. (I'm in an AHJ role). TYCO has an ICC - ES report that was generated and has very specific installation criteria to accomplish this. Hopefully this helps.
William C Shores
11/9/2018 09:23:33 am
It is my understanding that Fire Sprinkler systems do not provide fire rating to walls and structural per the IBC. I do not have the reference in front of me, but I came up against this before. An architect designed a high rise building. There was a single story lobby and amenities that with out a 2 hour separation had to built using high rise building codes. We were asked to provide a rating using the window spray sprinklers. Upon my investigation I concluded that Fire Sprinkler systems do not provide fire rating.
Ben B.
11/9/2018 09:46:35 am
Right now Tyco is the only manufacturer with a UL listed sprinkler listed to provide a wall rating with very specific installation guidelines. I know other manufacturers are working on getting their sprinklers listed to compete with Tyco to bring down the cost. List price is $400+ for each Tyco WS. 11/9/2018 10:24:48 am
I've researched this for occupancy separations (campus bookstore inside a student center) and had to do a couple of things... installed the Tyco heads along the glass wall and modified them to remove mullions that violated the listing and installed "FireLight" ceramic glass doors as you can't even use the Tyco heads in that application.
Brian Gerdwagen FPE
11/9/2018 10:35:45 am
This used to be allowed in the UBC and later in the IBC. This was removed as the IBC does not want to directly support this arrangement anymore. They do say that while the IBC does not allow this substitution, they do not disallow the substitution under the AHJ variance clause. Leave a Reply. |
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