Plumbing Vent Pipe Require Sprinklers in Chase?

12/1/2022

My project scenario: We have 2-hour fire-resistance-rated vertical chases than span multiple floors. These contain plumbing vent piping. All the penetrations are properly sealed.

Does the chase still need to be provided a sprinkler due to the vent piping?

Or, am I permitted to omit sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13 Section 8.15.1.2.14?

Thanks in advance.

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5 Comments

Glenn Berger

12/1/2022 08:30:19 am

Based upon information provided, sprinkler protection of the chase would not be required.

Todd E Wyatt

12/1/2022 09:04:28 am

The condition you described is a Vertical Opening (VO) and not a "chase." This VO is enclosed by a 2-Hour Shaft Enclosure (2SE) based on the number of stories the VO connects and/or the fire-resistance rating (FRR) of the floor construction being "penetrated".

Chases are typically concealed compartments containing MEP components that penetrate floor and/or roof assemblies. These penetrations are defined as either “through penetrations” or “membrane penetrations”. If the floor and/or roof assembly has a FRR, this “Horizontal Assembly (HA)” penetrated has prescriptive requirements of how to protect the penetrations based on the penetrating material (e.g. steel, ferrous or copper conduits, pipes, tubes or vents or concrete or masonry items).

The requirement for protecting a Vertical Opening – Shaft Enclosure (VO-SE) is per the scoping Code (e.g. 2021 IBC). Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems specifies “where fire protection and life safety systems are required” and it describes how to apply “the design, installation and operation of fire protection and life safety systems” which includes automatic sprinkler systems (ASPS). ASPS are required based on Occupancy Classifications (OC). 2021 IBC 903.3.1.1.1 Exempt Locations lists “rooms or areas that are of noncombustible construction with wholly noncombustible contents.” as (1) of (6) exempt locations. If this VO-SE is entirely of “noncombustible construction with wholly noncombustible contents”, then it is exempt from being protected by an ASPS.

Jesse

12/1/2022 01:07:09 pm

I think you can omit AS protection in this area.

Moderator

12/1/2022 01:57:05 pm

Previous edited post on behalf of Dan Wilder (sorry, we lack an edit button, but you're always welcome to email us for corrections and [email protected]):

You've nailed it for the section to remove protection (provided the 10 FT² isn't exceeded). The section states "no sources of ignition" but also needs non-water filled pipes to be noncombustible (no PVC). I've seen rubber couplings used with cast iron vent piping without an issue.

I have had these chases not be sealed on the first floor (the chase hole extends down into the first floor, but the framing and rating did not extend into the space...you could see up into the chase from ground level) and caused an issue with the inspector. We ultimately had to provide a sprinkler at the top of the shaft because it was cheaper than the GC providing the rated construction.

Darwin

3/14/2023 09:52:39 pm

NFPA 13-2022: 9.2.1.16

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Plumbing Vent Pipe Require Sprinklers in Chase?

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