Omit Sprinkler in Small Multi-Space Bathroom?

12/3/2024

If a bathroom is greater than 55 sq ft, but is compartmentalized into spaces less than 55 sq ft each, does the exemption from coverage apply to the compartments (assuming all other requirements apply)?

We have a bathroom where the toilet is separated from rest of the bathroom.

Thanks in advance.

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8 Comments

Dan Wilder

12/3/2024 07:32:59 am

Would need to know which NFPA and IBC/NFPA building code is being applied, including year, as they do differ a bit in application and omission allowances. Also need to know what the building occupancy is to answer.

On the surface, if the two rooms are compartmentalized into <55 sq ft and the thermal barrier requirements are met, that is typically a good start to not providing sprinklers within the two spaces.

Some good reading below

Current Cheat Sheet - https://www.meyerfire.com/blog/a-cheatsheet-for-sprinklers-in-bathrooms2092864

More in depth discussion - https://www.meyerfire.com/blog/when-are-sprinklers-required-in-bathrooms

Pete H

12/3/2024 08:15:02 am

To echo what Dan's saying: yes, as long as the omission for one of them is valid and the compartmentalization meets the standards of the codes and standards.

Jesse

12/3/2024 08:44:27 am

Would need rto know the occupoancy and relevant code section applicable to the project

Glenn Berger

12/3/2024 08:48:45 am

Like other have already said, need more information on the project and applicable codes. But in this case, the potential allowance for the elimination of a sprinkler or a few sprinklers is not worth it.

Anthony L. Crispo

12/3/2024 09:36:00 am

I have this situation in a 20+ story hotel would eliminate 360~400 sprinklers depending on final layout. IBC 2018 and NFPA 13-13.

Dan Wilder

12/3/2024 10:29:20 am

Then omission is allowed per IBC 2018-903.3.1.1.2 when designing to NFPA 13

[F] 903.3.1.1.2 Bathrooms.
In Group R occupancies sprinklers shall not be required in bathrooms that do not exceed 55 square feet (5 m2) in area and are located within individual dwelling units or sleeping units, provided that walls and ceilings, including the walls and ceilings behind a shower enclosure or tub, are of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials with a 15-minute thermal barrier rating.

Brett

12/3/2024 12:27:58 pm

It may not make a big difference for one dwelling unit, but when a building has the dwelling unit inside it hundreds of times then it makes a difference. Also, if a contractor sprinklers thousands of dwelling units per year it would be a significant cost to add sprinklers to rooms that don't require them.

Todd E Wyatt

12/3/2024 03:35:13 pm

Per IBC-2024 903.3.1.1.2, an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) designed to NFPA 13 (not NFPA 13R) is exempt in Group R occupancies in "bathrooms" 55 SF or less that are in Dwelling Units or Sleeping Units provided the wall are of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials with a 15-minute thermal barrier rating.

The IBC does not define what constitutes a “bathroom” so your condition with separate spaces for the water closet and the lavatory and shower/bathtub should be verified with the AHJ as to how they interpret the 903.3.1.1.2 exemption.

REFERENCES
IBC-2024
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Section 903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
903.3 Installation Requirements
903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems
903.3.1.1.1 Exempt Locations
903.3.1.1.2 Bathrooms
In Group R occupancies sprinklers shall not be required in bathrooms that do not exceed 55 square feet (5 m2) in area and are located within individual dwelling units or sleeping units, provided that walls and ceilings, including the walls and ceilings behind a shower enclosure or tub, are of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials with a 15-minute thermal barrier rating.

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Omit Sprinkler in Small Multi-Space Bathroom?

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