Draft Curtain Measured to Ceiling or Sprinkler?

5/2/2025

When using a draft curtain and closely spaced sprinklers at a floor opening for an exit access stair, what is the 18" depth for the draft curtain measured to?

The adjacent ceiling surface, or the deflector of the sprinkler?

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6 Comments

Pete H

5/2/2025 07:03:29 am

The 18" depth of a draft curtain is measured from the ceiling down, like beam depth in construction.

Please be reminded that it is a minimum of a 24" deep draft curtain for ESFR sprinklers (in 2016 edition of NFPA 13).

Glenn Berger

5/2/2025 08:08:52 am

The 18" depth of a draft curtain is measured from the ceiling down, like beam depth in construction.

Pete H

5/2/2025 12:33:26 pm

Well, I like the cut of your jib.

Dan Wilder

5/2/2025 08:15:49 am

You can also look at NFPA 204 for additional requirements as that is where 13 pulled the info from. The application within 13 is limited to those couple of criteria (floor openings with closely spaced sprinklers AND draft curtains 9.3.5.2, separation of ESFR & standard response sprinklers 23.1.2, and sometimes where not allowed as in general use within ESFR systems - 20.9.5.3, adjacent hazards/design methods 19.1.2 & 20.13 for example)

In either case, the definitions call out for "downward from the ceiling" as it is there to affect smoke and heat. Sprinkler location is not a factor in construction criteria.

References are to the 13-25' edition.

Jesse

5/2/2025 08:36:45 am

From the ceiling.

Todd E Wyatt

5/5/2025 07:25:17 am

Other requirements for DRAFT CURTAINS per the referenced standard (NFPA 13-2022) by the scoping code (IBC-2024) :

NFPA 13-2022
9.3.5.2 DRAFT CURTAINS.
DRAFT CURTAINS shall meet all of the following criteria:
(1) The DRAFT CURTAINS shall be located immediately adjacent to the opening.
(2) The DRAFT CURTAINS shall be at least 18 in. (450 mm) deep.
(3) The DRAFT CURTAINS shall be of noncombustible or limited-combustible material that will stay in place before and during sprinkler operation.

9.3.5.3 Sprinklers.
9.3.5.3.1
Sprinklers shall be spaced not more than 6 ft (1.8 m) apart and placed 6 in. to 12 in. (150 mm to 300 mm) from the DRAFT CURTAIN on the side away from the opening.
9.3.5.3.2
Where sprinklers are closer than 6 ft (1.8 m), cross baffles shall be provided in accordance with 10.2.5.4.2.

From the NFPA LiNK "Enhanced Content" :

Closely spaced sprinklers and DRAFT STOPS are required around a vertical opening only if the local building code or NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, would otherwise require that it be protected by a barrier.

Smaller vertical openings might be referred to in the local building code or NFPA 101 as “communicating spaces” or “convenience openings.” Such spaces are not required to have a barrier around the opening perimeter.

Escalator openings in department stores (see Exhibit 9.12) are examples of vertical openings that would not be considered a convenience opening or a communicating space. As a result, they would be required by NFPA 5000 or by NFPA 101 to be enclosed to protect against vertical fire spread, or to be protected in accordance with one of the alternatives listed. One alternative permitted is the use of DRAFT STOPS and closely spaced sprinklers as established in 9.3.5.2 and 9.3.5.3.

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Draft Curtain Measured to Ceiling or Sprinkler?

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