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I am working on a project with non-enclosed vertical floor openings, approximately 6-ft by 10-ft. Looking at FMDS (Factory Mutual Data Sheet) 2-0 and NFPA 13, I found similar language that I need help understanding.
FMDS 2-0 2.5.1.7.4.1: A non-enclosed vertical floor opening does not need a combination of draft curtains and closely spaced sprinklers if
(B) seems to contradict (C) as I read it. (B) seems to be describing an area of 400 ft², which leads me to believe I am misunderstanding something. NFPA 13 words it differently, but it still didn’t click. NFPA 13 2022: 9.3.5.4 Large Openings. Closely spaced sprinklers and draft curtains are not required around large openings such as those found in shopping malls, atrium buildings, and similar structures where all adjoining levels and spaces are protected by automatic sprinklers in accordance with this standard and where the openings have all horizontal dimensions between opposite edges of 20 ft (6.1 m) or greater and an area of 1000 ft² (93 m²) or greater. How should the 20-ft horizontal dimension requirement be interpreted, and how does it work together with the 1,000-ft² minimum area requirement without creating a contradiction? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
3 Comments
Glenn Berger
2/17/2026 08:11:45 am
In reading your comment/question - You do not have a large unenclosed opening. Your project has an opening of 60 square feet. Therefore the exception for large openings do not apply.
Reply
Todd E Wyatt
2/17/2026 08:12:54 am
Per the scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2024), “protection by a draft curtain and closely spaced sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13” is (1) of (2) permitted options for the protection of “Escalator Openings”. See REFERENCES below.
Reply
franck
2/17/2026 09:16:56 am
20 ft is a minimum distance (in all directions) and 1000 sq ft a minimum area of opening.
Reply
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