FM Address Overhead Doors, Mains Under Bldgs?

11/24/2023

A couple of FM Global questions:

Does FM Global have any requirements for overhead doors? (such as NFPA 13: 8.4.2(3) (2013-2016), 10.3.2(3) (2019))

Does FM Global have any restrictions for private fire service mains under buildings? (such as NFPA 13: 10.4.3 (2013-2016), 6.4.3 (2019))

Can't seem to find relevant material there. Thanks in advance!

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3 Comments

David Kendrick

11/24/2023 11:17:51 am

Whole lot of contributors beside me. So take this with a grain of salt.

FM won't be "Less stringent" than NFPA standards when it applies to materials and practices.

Private service mains under buildings is very limited ( though seldom enforced ) in NFPA standards.

Overhead garage doors would be the same.

Where FM can be an advantage is when some manufacturer's materials have been FM approved but not necessarily UL listed.
This has been for specific client based hazards within the Factory Mutual group.

In summation, FM Standards usually provide better definition of a performance standard or becomes decidely stricter than NFPA standards.

Hope this provides some enlightenment of the standards heirarchy.

Kimberly Olivas

11/27/2023 12:09:48 pm

Here's a link to Factory Mutual guidelines:

https://www.fmglobal.com/research-and-resources/fm-global-data-sheets

I wasn't sure if you had these or not. It's a free quick sign up and you can get all the FM stuff. I hope this helps.

Casey Milhorn

11/27/2023 03:02:52 pm

Yes to what David said. Think about FM Global guidelines as "extra" to NFPA 13, and if the FM data sheets modify what NFPA says, and you have a FM project, go with what the FM data sheets say. BUT occasionally, though rare, FM has some design approaches that are less stringent than NFPA 13, but should still be considered for equivalency. In these cases, definitely cover your bases and make sure the AHJs for the project will accept these design approaches. NFPA 13 states the below:
1.5 Equivalency. Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent
the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or
superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this standard.

Sorry if that answer was a little off topic, but it is important to understand FM Data Sheets relationship to NFPA 13.

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FM Address Overhead Doors, Mains Under Bldgs?

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