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A 5-story parking garage has a noncombustible ventilation shaft that is accessible through a door at the lowest level. The top of the shaft is covered by an open grate. The requirements of NFPA 13 2019 edition (Section 9.3.3) call for a sprinkler at the top and bottom of the shaft. I would like to omit one or both, but can't find a good code justification.
The sprinkler at the top will be extremely difficult to install/service, and has nothing above it to collect heat. The one at the bottom seems more appropriate in case of trash accumulation, but will need to have an aux. drain since it is served by a dry system. We all know that drum drips in remote locations behind locked doors tend to have a higher likelihood of freeze ups. This scenario doesn't seem much different than a large piece of mechanical equipment that has an access point for service and is not intended for occupancy. It's simple for me to just design it with the heads, just curious if anyone had good arguments for or against omitting them. Posted anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
7 Comments
Jonathan Joseph
4/29/2020 11:52:26 am
NFPA 2019 9.3.3.3 Accessible shafts with Non-combustible surfaces. Where accessible vertical shafts have non-combustible surfaces, one sprinkler shall be installed near the bottom
Gig
4/29/2020 04:38:06 pm
What about the the one at the top? 9.3.3.1
Jonathan Joseph
4/30/2020 10:36:59 am
The shaft is non-combustible. The only reason it needs a sprinkler is because it has access and 9.3.3.3 specifically addresses this situation. They are worried that trash and other debris can collect at the bottom of these shafts and immediate protection is necessary.
Francois G
3/19/2024 08:03:50 am
The shaft is just for conveying air in the parking garage so by definition is a duct. 1/26/2021 11:43:54 pm
Thank you very much for presenting this data about sprinkler non combustible ventilation shaft, it’s known how to get approved but what are the next steps after getting the approval. Wonderful information, thanks a lot for sharing kind of content with us, great post! They offer same information here https://roofquip.co.nz/ one must check them also. 5/27/2024 11:33:54 pm
This is very informative, thanks! The concern about freeze-ups with the aux. drain at the bottom is valid, and it highlights the practical difficulties of adhering strictly to the code in this specific situation. 7/25/2024 03:09:03 am
This is quite informative, thanks for the update! Balancing code requirements with practical installation challenges is tricky, and it’s great to see you’re carefully considering all aspects. Leave a Reply. |
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