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Draft Curtains, Sprinklers for Vertical Opening?

2/17/2026

3 Comments

 
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
  • (A) The floor opening joins spaces/floor levels that are protected by ceiling sprinklers in accordance with FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets, 
  • (B) The horizontal distance between opposite ends of the opening is a min. of 20 ft (6.1 m) in all directions, and
  • (C) The area size of the opening is a minimum of 1,000 ft² (93 m²).

(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.


REFERENCES
IBC-2024
Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features
Section 712 Vertical Openings
712.1 General
Each VERTICAL OPENING shall comply in accordance with ONE OF THE PROTECTION METHODS in Sections 712.1.1 through 712.1.16.

712.1.3 Escalator Openings
Where a building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, VERTICAL OPENINGS FOR ESCALATORS shall be permitted where protected in accordance with Section 712.1.3.1 or 712.1.3.2.

712.1.3.1 Opening Size
PROTECTION BY A DRAFT CURTAIN AND CLOSELY SPACED SPRINKLERS in accordance with NFPA 13 shall be permitted where the area of the vertical opening between stories does not exceed twice the horizontal projected area of the escalator. In other than Groups B and M, this application is limited to openings that do not connect more than four stories.

712.1.3.2 Automatic Shutters
Protection of the vertical opening by listed or approved shutters at every penetrated floor shall be permitted in accordance with all of the following:
1. The shutter shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
2. The shutter shall be of noncombustible construction and have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1.5 hours.
3. The shutter shall close immediately upon the actuation of a smoke detector installed in accordance with Section 907.3.
4. The shutter shall completely close off the vertical opening.
5. Escalators shall cease operation when the shutter begins to close.
6. The shutter shall operate at a speed of not more than 30 feet per minute (152.4 mm/s).
7. The shutter shall be equipped with a sensing leading edge to stop closure where in contact with any obstacle, and continue to close when the obstacle is cleared.

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.
If you have 20 ft wide opening, the minimum length should then be 50 ft.
If you have 15 ft x 100 ft you don’t comply (because of the minimum distance) and if you have 25 ft x 25 ft you don’t comply (because of the area)

As indicated by Glenn, in your case you don’t comply both for the minimum distance (you have less than 20 ft) and the minimum area (you have far less than 1000 sq ft) and you need to provide draft curtains (and closely spaced sprinklers along the draft curtain)

Reply



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