Elevator Require Sprinkler Despite No System?

4/8/2020

Does an elevator require sprinkler protection if the building is not required to have sprinklers?

We had an electric traction unit with rated belts in a non-combustible shaft that just changed to a hydraulic elevator in a non-combustible shaft. Would ASME A17.1 or the elevator material itself mandate sprinkler protection? This project is under 2018 IBC and 2018 IFC. Thanks in advance.

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7 Comments

Jonathan Sullivan

4/8/2020 10:12:25 am

This has come up a few times on the website, and is a topic that is particularly relevant to my work (train stations where elevators are added in a renovation).

My interpretation is if IFC or IBC do not require a sprinkler system to be installed per NFPA 13, then sprinklers are not required even if NFPA 13 requires them for that case.

Additionally, ASME 17.1 does not require these spaces to be protected; it only allows sprinkler piping pass through these spaces.

The caveat to all this is, talk to your AHJ. They may have a different opinion. If they require it, a limited-area system may be your best bet.

Bobby

4/8/2020 10:20:15 am

I would say that If the building is not required to have fire sprinklers, then no, the elevators would not require sprinklers. However, we must look at 2018 IFC Table 903.2.11.6 (ADDITIONAL REQUIRED FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS) to verify that elevators are not listed.

Jonathan Sullivan

4/8/2020 10:27:04 am

To add on to Bobby's point you also need to check IBC Chapter 30. There are a few elevator use cases for fire department and egress use that require sprinklers.

Cliff Schulze

4/8/2020 10:45:50 am

We have seen numerous instances where elevator shaft sprinklers have been added to a building that doesn't otherwise have sprinkler protection. Most of these cases have been schools. In these cases, there is a tap off the domestic water system with a separate shut off valve and flow switch.

Michael Major

4/10/2020 02:50:31 pm

Interesting Article on the subject.

https://allthingsinspector.com/2018/01/fire-sprinkler-required-in-elevator-pit/

Michael Major

4/10/2020 02:54:18 pm

Sorry. This is the actual link to the article

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/3Koffel_R9100729_Sprinklers_in_Elevator.pdf

Jonathan Sullivan

4/14/2020 11:26:10 am

Mike - great read. It sets a nice framework for the issues. Do you know of a resource with statistics on the different types of fires have occurred?

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Elevator Require Sprinkler Despite No System?

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