We have a project with non-gender specific toilet stalls/water closets. I am of the opinion that NFPA 13 does provide an exception for having to install sprinklers within each water closet. However, this project is has the water closets in restrooms which are not within a dwelling unit, so no relaxation is given in NFPA 13 for dwelling unit bathrooms. As I understand NFPA 13, a sprinkler would be required within each of these water closets. Do I believe it’s overkill? Yes, but until it is addressed in NFPA 13, there wouldn’t be much to do about it.
What is your opinion? Non-gender specific toilet facilities are becoming increasingly common, see a conceptual layout below. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
11 Comments
Dan Wilder
2/28/2024 06:26:24 am
We have to do this for about every resort, spa, or convention center (at times) as they always have the individual, walled toilet areas.
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Daniel LeFave
2/28/2024 08:16:53 am
Dan, Came here to say this. Your best best would be to take the full remote area square footage and exclude the sprinklers from the calculations per the code reference above!
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Pete H
2/28/2024 06:53:33 am
It's a common bathroom, if the walls go all the way up and compartmentalize each toilet room, then you need a sprinkler head in each one.
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Josh
2/28/2024 08:04:36 am
I interpret NFPA 13 exceptions to solely be for a dwelling unit. If I have a commercial gig, it install.
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Glenn Berger
2/28/2024 08:08:15 am
If the walls goes within the specified distance of the ceiling then sprinklering each enclosure is required.
Reply
2/28/2024 08:44:15 am
The 1st item is to determine how high the stall walls go up towards the ceiling. If the clearance is there, no you don't. But if the clearance isn't there, then yes. That is allowed in NFPA 13. No different than bookshelves (if the architect provides the furniture layout and elevations).
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Jack G
2/28/2024 09:02:58 am
Rule only applies to bathrooms in a residential occupancy ( in this case )
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Dert
2/28/2024 10:04:16 am
Use a K2.8 head to reduce hydraulic demand.
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Andrew
2/28/2024 07:43:26 pm
Not always a realistic option, but if a lower open cell ceiling could be installed that would mitigate the multiple heads.
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Dave
2/29/2024 10:43:39 am
I got an architect lower the partitions ONCE, and the contractor was able to use the "partition rule" and cover two stalls with one sprinkler, but every other time it's been one sprinkler per stall. Often suggesting smaller K as suggested above. If it's a school, I often spec less-noticeable concealed sprinklers.
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Jesse
2/29/2024 08:40:50 am
If its a full 13 design, there are no two ways about it. You need to protect each individual stall.
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