Sprinkler Bathrooms, Closets in 13R on Top Floor?

8/4/2021

In NFPA 13R, sprinklers may be omitted from bathrooms and closets provided they meet the area and size requirements, and are constructed with limited or non-combustible materials (gypsum/drywall).

Should sprinklers be installed in bathrooms and closets on the top floor regardless of area/size and construction to prevent a fire on the top floor from getting into the ceiling space and spreading?

I have seen other designers do this but I can't find any formal requirements for this approach.

Has anyone else ever done this? Would it matter if the ceiling and roof assembly were fire rated?

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19 Comments

Fred

8/4/2021 06:19:50 am

No there is no requirements that I am aware of in 13R that would require that on top floor. 13R systems are designed for life safety not for the building. This is why we have seen R-2 occupied buildings burn to the ground due to no protection in combustible voids and attics.

Rob

8/4/2021 08:48:18 am

This is exactly why many jurisdictions are no longer recognizing 13R.

Pete

8/4/2021 06:43:22 am

Nothing I know of in 13R, possibly an insurance requirement in the jobs the other designers have.

Dan Wilder

8/4/2021 08:11:27 am

Not required and no in my opinion. There are several other areas (combustible concealed spaces that are open to the attic like plumbing shafts, wall cavities, exterior concealed areas below projections) that I would prefer to have some protection within before I start dropping sprinklers into a gyp board enclosed space for the top floor.

Brian Willis Spurrell

8/4/2021 08:18:09 am

Here in Canada all top floor rooms wash rooms closets ect. need to be sprinklered. A national building code requirement not NFPA.

MattC

8/4/2021 09:43:24 am

Note that not all provinces follow the National Model...
This is not a requirement in Ontario per the Ontario Building Code to my knowledge, unless we're talking about federal buildings (to which the NBC would apply).

Brian Cockburn

8/6/2021 03:52:55 pm

Look at Section 3.2.5.13 (6) in the Ontario building code. It appears to require sprinklers on the top floor unless the roof is a rated assembly.

Brian Cockburn link

8/6/2021 02:15:32 pm

The same requirement is in the BC Building Code.

Section 3.2.5.12 (6):

"Notwithstanding the requirements of the standards referenced in Sentences (1) and (2) regarding the installation of automatic sprinkler systems, sprinklers shall not be omitted in any room or closet in the storey immediately below a roof assembly."

Todd Wyatt

8/4/2021 08:34:25 am

The adopted building Code (e.g. 2021 IBC) is the scoping Code which identifies where (and where not) automatic sprinkler systems (ASPS) are required (or not). The NFPA 13 is the reference standard identifying how an ASPS is installed and maintained but should not be used as a scoping document.

Chad

8/4/2021 02:27:53 pm

The original question was not IF a system in a specific building was required but WHERE coverage is required. I realize this assumption may require a small leap of faith but it appeared his question presupposed a system is required or at least is being provided or is already installed.

NFPA 13, 13R and, 13D actually do tell you where coverage is required and not required in most instances.

Todd Wyatt

8/5/2021 09:22:46 am

Unless a jurisdiction has formally adopted the NFPA 13 (and not as a reference standar), the adopted building Code determines the scoping requirements (e.g. locations) for automatic sprinkler system protection.

The IBC states in 903.2 Where Required, "Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Section 903.2.1 through 903.2.12." These (12) sections include Occupancy Classifications (Groups A, Ambulatory care facilities, Group E, Group F-1, Group H, Group I, Group M, Group R, Group S-1, Group S-2), specific building areas and hazards (e.g. Stories without openings), and During Construction.

The IBC requires an automatic sprinkler system to be installed in accordance with NFPA 13. The IBC lists exempt locations (903.3.1.1.1 (1-6)) and exempts bathrooms in Group R occupancies meeting specific requirements. The NFPA 13 does have the "jurisdiction" to determine where ASPS are required.

Chad

8/6/2021 10:54:56 am

I do not understand how a standard adopted by reference would not co-occur as the "scoping" document.

I also cannot believe (although I'm certain it does exist) any US state or local jurisdiction would not adopt NFPA 13. Its tantamount to negligence not to. There is no other reliable standard. How else would you properly evaluate a sprinkler system's design and installation? And no, a RDP's opinion is not good enough, unless its performance based with adequate peer review.

Relying so intensely on the IBC as the be all, nd all is dangerous. Too many AHJ's are willfully or passively ignorant as to what life safety/fire protection systems need. Not that I am inferring you specifically are.

All too often, it is found that building officials stop at the IBC, regardless of what else has been adopted directly or by reference. Not only is it frustrating for the fire service, it leads to costly changes by owners after they find out the RDP and/or the AHJ missed a litany of requirements, to come into compliance when its caught. Or, when it ends up in court due to financial or human loss.

My point is we should take a holistic view on the scope and application of codes and standards. Although we are on a internet forum addressing questions through a narrow lens, we shouldn't be so rigid in our evaluation of the question.

Alex

8/4/2021 09:21:10 am

Hi Anonymous,

From my past experience, I have not had to install sprinklers within the top floor bathrooms or closets. Although, is there an attic? If so, you will need to follow the requirements in NFPA 13R 7.4. This section will typically lead to you provide either draftstopping or sprinklers within the attic. In turn, this will mitigate your concern of fire spreading in the ceiling space.

Best of luck with your design,
Alex

John

8/4/2021 10:45:39 am

It s always a good idea to protect all areas on a top floor with an unprotected attic, albeit not required.
Anonimus is correct. With a 13 r system and an attic, the building code requires a double layer if rock on the top floor. ( usually GC s try to get away from doing this—- so if your drops aren’t t working out on one floor, this is why ) . With the slew of 13 r buildings burning from the top down, I d like to see a change with attics being protected. People in apartments are “ stupid” about fire, fire prevention, and don’t seem to care. I m a believer in protection for “ their own good!”

Jesse

8/4/2021 11:08:51 am

If its a 13R project, there is no requirement for protecting closets and restrooms on the top floor.

Adam

8/4/2021 11:19:03 am

In Ontario Canada, we are governed by the Ontario Building Code. Depending on building construction and size, the roof structure may or may not require a fire resistance rating, and buildings may or may not require sprinkler protection. If the roof does require a fire resistance rating, and the building is protected by a sprinkler system, then all ceiling spaces on the top floor require sprinklers, even if 13R provides an exception.

Chad

8/4/2021 02:37:12 pm

Adam,

If the roof is a rated assembly, what is reasoning to sprinkle it in spite of the 13R exceptions?

I am picturing these spaces in a colder climate are pretty much filled with rock wool (we allow the exemption with the space filled with it but not fiberglass). I do not think its ill advised or even a cost item worth arguing over, a couple extra CC3 heads no one should balk at even if its a large building Trying to understand other's rationale.

Matt Cornell

8/4/2021 11:32:37 am

You really stepped in to a hot topic! 13R is intended for Life Safety. Fire Departments forget this and wonder why the building burned to the ground. Local Fire Marshals try to fix this by adding amendments. Don't get yourself in trouble by trying to protect the structure with a 13R system. If the goal is to protect the structure design a 13 system.

Brian Cockburn link

8/6/2021 02:11:46 pm

There's a good playlist on YouTube called "NFPA 13R Problems" that shows one low rise building after another burning down from attic fires.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv-OVkInuCiP2rH2mCYw2wCzaICgT0HC9

Sprinkler Bathrooms, Closets in 13R on Top Floor?

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