Name of the Old Corridor-Only School System?

3/11/2026

What was the name of the old system for protecting schools (corridor-only sprinkler protection with a sprinkler above the classroom doors)?

I have two existing schools with the old system that I will need to modify. Any code references would be greatly appreciated.

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7 Comments

Mike Piggott

3/11/2026 08:32:52 am

Standard Q is what we called it on the West Coast.

Todd E Wyatt

3/11/2026 08:58:35 am

Limited Area Sprinkler System

If the existing school is undergoing an alteration, review the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) to determine the level of alteration (1, 2, or 3) and the corresponding requirements for bringing the existing automatic sprinkler system into complaince, if required to do so.

Anthony

3/11/2026 09:16:22 am

This is the correct code path. Also you may want to review the fire ratings on the space. Many older single story schools I've worked on have had rated separations. This may be a case for room design method if it's allowable.

Jon N

3/11/2026 10:16:31 am

Used to be also called a “Life Safety Sprinkler System “. They were primarily based on the Dorothy Mae fire and follow up fire tests performed following that fire (Los Angeles?).

Jack G

3/11/2026 10:52:40 am

Was called a life safety system.
Used mostly in multi story buildings that were for condos,hotels, apartments ( A&E ) were using them in multi story buildings.
Did a couple of them in 60 s- 70 s.( try NFPA 101).
There were some conditions as I remember that had to be met,
Doors had to be self closing —- most of the time we put new s,c, hinges on the doors.
Fire rated walls and separation partitions between units.
Fire rated doors and frames ( like 3/4 hour rating)
Sprinkler head on each side of the door was also a condition.

Chris M

3/11/2026 03:23:32 pm

I recall some fire fighters (inn NYC?) dying when they opened the door of an apartment protected this way, resulting in the flash over in the apartment. From memory, it was an apartment belonging to the kid's parents from Home Alone.

Wes

3/11/2026 04:25:41 pm

Can't tell if you're joking or being serious? There was a 1994 incident with a fire that unfortunately had those characteristics: https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/the-fires-that-forged-us-the-watts-street-fire-new-york-city/

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Name of the Old Corridor-Only School System?

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