Smoke Detectors Above and Below Ceilings?

2/2/2022

We're currently working on a school project. There's a suspended ceiling throughout much of the school. The project requires "total coverage", but I'm not sure whether this applies above the ceiling, below the ceiling, or both.

We're under NFPA 72, but 72 does not seem to clarify this either way.

Are smoke detectors required above and below ceilings, for "total coverage"?

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9 Comments

Jon

2/2/2022 08:07:39 am

2016 NFPA 72 17.5.3.1 "...total cover-age of a building or a portion thereof, shall include all rooms, halls, storage areas, basements, attics, lofts, spaces above suspended ceilings, and other subdivisions and accessible spaces." sections 17.5.3.1.1-17.5.3.1.5 offer modifications/exceptions, might want to read through those and the annex language.

Out of curiosity what is requiring total coverage, IBC?

Paul Pinigis link

2/2/2022 08:08:15 am

Is the building sprinklered in accordance with NFPA 13?

Glenn Berger

2/2/2022 08:09:17 am

It comes down to what items are in the attic:
If combustible construction -yes;
if combustible cabling - yes
if equipment is placed in space - yes,
etc, etc.

If non-combustible construction, with no combustibles then smoke detection is not required.

hunayu

10/29/2024 05:08:34 am

Do you nfpa 74 referenece documents on this please

Brian Gerdwagen FPE

2/2/2022 08:38:49 am

Jon is correct for the definition of "total coverage." I believe the issue isn't "is smoke detection required in the attic per code?" it is "the project requires total coverage and what does that mean?"

A project may have requirements above code. Specifications, special circumstances, or a Design Analysis.

Codes and Standards are the bare minimum of what is acceptable.

Todd Wyatt

2/2/2022 08:41:30 am

The IBC (or the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code) would be the scoping Code for automatic smoke detection system (ASDS) in Group E Education occupancies per 907.2.3. This section identifies where manual fire alarm systems are required and includes exceptions IF automatic sprinkler systems are installed throughout but does not include a requirement for an ASDS to be installed "throughout."

2021 IBC Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems includes (29) references to NFPA 72 including "a fire alarm system shall be installed and monitored in accordance with Section 907.6.1 through 907.6.6.3 and NFPA 72."

NFPA 72 is not the scoping standard as to where ASDS are required in specific Occupancy Classifications. the 2012 NFPA 72 states "1.2.4* This Code shall not be interpreted to require a level of protection that is greater than that which would otherwise be required by the applicable building or fire code."

The IBC Chapter 9 also includes (87) references to "throughout" including some referencing ASDS "provided and installed thoughout" but not for Group E occupancies. ASDS are required to be installed "throughout" Group I-3 residential housing areas, Group R-1 occupancies (interior corridors serving sleeping units), Special Amusement Buildings, high-piled combustible storage areas, and airport traffic control towers with a single exit and no sprinklers

Jay

2/2/2022 10:25:27 am

Ask the AHJ what they are requiring.
The IBC/IFC doesn't even require smoke/heat detectors to be installed (except above the FACU obviously) in Group E occupancies, unless you are not installing manual fire alarm boxes or the building is sprinklered throughout.
Before you ask the AHJ, go online and see if there are any amendments to their IBC/IFC. I don't know of any jurisdiction that doesn't publish their adopted codes on the internet.

Pari M Bagayee

2/2/2022 10:31:30 am

NFPA is a standard for installation of fire alarm system is not the code requirement , as Todd mention IBC should be the guideline.
If building protected with fire sprinkler system throughout , smoke detectors is not in attic.

AHMED MOUSTAFA

7/5/2022 06:47:19 am

Hi can you send me something indicate that in the code

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Smoke Detectors Above and Below Ceilings?

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