Sprinkler Zone Req'd for IT Rooms, Elevators?

2/5/2021

We have a project where the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is requiring zone control valves and dedicated pipe from the standpipe to any IT rooms and sprinklers in elevator shafts.

As a result, we have three zone controls for each floor: (1) the floor sprinkler system, (2) IT rooms, and (3) any sprinklers in elevator shafts.

Is there a code or standard basis for this requirement, or would it be specific to the AHJ?

We're doing the work either way for this project since the AHJ is requiring it, but I would like to know for future projects. Thanks in advance.

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7 Comments

Brian Gerdwagen

2/5/2021 09:16:53 am

There is a standard requirement for a control valve on the sprinkler at the top of the elevator shaft, but no the bottom. Certainly not IT rooms.

Otherwise, it's just an AHJ requirement.

2/5/2021 09:24:06 am

NFPA 13 2016 EDITION, 8.15.5.1
SIDEWALL SPRAY SPRINKLERS SHALL BE INSTALLED AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH ELEVATOR HOISTWAY NOT MORE THAN 2 FT ABOVE THE FOLLOR OF THE PIT

NFPA 13 2016 EDITION, 22.14.2.3
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS PROTECTING INFORMATION TECHNOOLGY EQUIPMENT AREAS SHALL BE VALVED SEPARATELY FROM OTHER SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.

Peter

2/5/2021 09:37:01 am

The requirement in chapter 22 comes directly from NFPA 75 "Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment"

NFPA 75 2020, 9.1.3: Sprinkler systems protecting ITE areas shall be valved separately from other sprinkler systems.

This is required, however, almost never (in my experience) enforced.

Kelsey

2/5/2021 11:04:40 am

NFPA 75 that is described in 22.14 references "high risk" ITE areas. If it is not deemed a high risk by the client, we don't add the extra valve - particularly for small closet scenarios.

Glenn Berger

2/5/2021 09:34:43 am

Previous comments addressed the elevator. NFPA 75 provides the requirements for the sprinkler system for Information Technology Equipment Rooms/Spaces (formerly called Data Centers).

CJ Bonczyk

2/5/2021 09:57:55 am

NFPA 13 Chapter 22 requires that IT/server areas to be zoned separately. This coincides with NFPA 75 9.1.3.4. I have seen instances if it is a single sprinkler, some AHJ's will be a bit lenient and allow the use of a single tampered butterball valve. However verify with the AHJ a means of testing is not required.

NFPA 13 8.15.5 - 8.15.5.7.2 and ASME 17.1 are guidelines and exceptions for your sprinklers in elevator shafts and machine rooms. See note below:

Many UFC/ETL/DOD projects however require variations of this depending on the type of facility and or branch of the government. One reason an AHJ or government agency requires the sprinkler for the elevator shaft or machine room to be zoned is that they can test the interoperability of the system piping with the alarms to ensure reliability during a fire. Be careful of the fact that if you have an elevator that has a control assembly with a Zero-Delay flow switch for the elevator itself, that there is not a control assembly required for the elevator machine room as well if the elevator is hydraulically operated.

If this is not a government/DOD project then the standard adopted local fire codes of that jurisdiction, NFPA, & ASME typically apply.

James Richardson

2/5/2021 10:24:09 am

Ask the AHJ for the code section that requires it. If he can't cite it, he can't write it or require it.

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