For draft curtains in a warehouse protected by ESFR sprinklers, is there an NFPA standard directing us on the need to fill the gap that occurs between the top of the draft curtain and the underside of the roof deck?
Traditionally I have seen this gap stuffed with mineral wool. If there is an NFPA code reference, though, please share so I can make sure we're going about this correctly. Thanks in advance. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
10 Comments
Josh
2/13/2024 08:10:17 am
Interesting you should ask. I was just looking at an application like this. For aerosols NFPA 30B 2019 7.3.3.2 says "Noncombustible draft curtains shall extend down a minimum of 0.61 m (2 ft) from the ceiling and shall be installed at the interface between ordinary and high-temperature sprinklers."
Reply
Jesse
2/13/2024 08:25:02 am
I'm not familiar with anything in 13 specifically directing how (or even if) that gap is to be filled. Historically, I've seen this gap filled with NC insulation or other listed material. I've also seen some small gaps (~1") at the top of these during my tenure in loss control but never made a recommendation to fill them as I didn't have a code reference.
Reply
Glenn Berger
2/13/2024 08:52:45 am
I agree with Jesse response. Tiny gaps are typically not "filled." Be careful on the material used and ensure that it is flame resistant / fire treated or whatever the AHJ deems the requirement to be.
Reply
J Golden
2/13/2024 10:42:22 am
See NFPA 204 Chapter 7 and Annex A
Reply
Jay
2/14/2024 06:17:12 am
In a recent installation, we had a sheet metal subcontractor that we work with on the mechanical side of our business make inserts to fill the 10" gap between the top of structure and the roof decking. It was a bit of work but the end result was a nice, clean installation.
Reply
Dan Wilder
2/14/2024 07:30:55 am
Little late but from a previous project...
Reply
Todd E Wyatt
2/14/2024 07:32:51 am
The application you describe is referenced in NFPA 13 - 2023 :
Reply
Todd E Wyatt
2/14/2024 07:33:26 am
REFERENCES
Reply
Todd E Wyatt
2/14/2024 07:34:48 am
Sprinklers used to achieve the protection outlined in 9.3.5 can be of the open type or the automatic type. Privately conducted tests using closed sprinklers have indicated their effectiveness. The use of deluge-type water curtains has become quite rare since the early 1960s. Accidental discharge of deluge-type water curtains results in considerable water damage, as well as potential injury to persons on escalators. Leave a Reply. |
ALL-ACCESSSUBSCRIBESubscribe and learn something new each day:
COMMUNITYTop March '24 Contributors
YOUR POSTPE EXAMGet 100 Days of Free Sample Questions right to you!
FILTERS
All
ARCHIVES
April 2024
PE PREP SERIES |