Sprinklers Req'd in Wood Framed Exterior Soffits?

9/29/2021

NFPA 13 2016 Section 8.15.12 outlines requirements for Concealed Spaces Not Requiring Sprinkler Protection.

I am building a Type V-A (wood-framed) apartment complex.

Are sprinklers required in wood-framed drop ceilings (soffits), below exterior cantilever walkways?

Walkway construction is wood-framed, with insulation in the cavity, 5/8-inch gypsum below, and 2-1/4 inch hard rock concrete on crickets. The referenced assembly is GA FC 5420.

This space will have soffit vents along the entire length. The depth varies from 6-inches to 12-inches.

This project is under NFPA 13, thanks in advance.

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5 Comments

Mike

9/29/2021 08:27:04 am

If the clearance is greater than 6 inches, yes. Read the 1st paragraph of Chapter 4,'16 and section 8.15 for special situations

Alex

9/29/2021 08:38:36 am

Hi Anonymous,

FYI, slight type-o, NFPA 13 (2016) 8.15.1.2 outlines ‘Concealed Spaces not Requiring Sprinkler Protection’.

I’m sadly not following your question/construction design you outlined. Although, I do want to point you to NFPA 13 (2016) 8.15.1.2.18 which outlines ‘Exterior Soffits, Eaves, Overhands, and a Decorative Frame Elements and their required protection.

With regards to the vents you mentioned, I would refer you to sections 8.15.1.2.1.2 (for supply grills) and 8.15.1.2.2.1 (for return air within the plenum).

Hope this helps to some extent,
Alex

Jesse

9/29/2021 08:48:58 am

I would offer that you'll need to protect those areas if your governing standard is full 13.

Presuming the width is 4-0 or greater, look at 2016 NFPA 13 ch. 8.15.1.2.18

Casey Milhorn

9/29/2021 09:40:40 am

I agree with Jesse if I'm understanding your scenario correctly. 4' or less in width should not need protection (again if I'm understanding the situation correctly).

William Crawford Jr.

9/29/2021 03:23:35 pm

Just off the top of my head......

1)Anything over 4'-0" or greater would need protection below it.

2)If the cavity is filled with non-combustible insulation then there isn't a requirement for sprinklers

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Sprinklers Req'd in Wood Framed Exterior Soffits?

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