I have a high-rise 24-story residential condominium building. The construction is non-combustible, but the local jurisdiction is requiring balcony protection regardless of what NFPA 13 says on the matter.
Am I correct in thinking of using residential heads in the units, as well as in the adjoining corridors and the balconies, providing that I meet the minimum 0.10 gpm/sqft density required for an NFPA 13 system? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
7 Comments
James Evans
1/6/2021 09:11:10 am
You are correct you can use the residential sprinklers on the balcony. I am sure you also know they need to be dry sprinklers.
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Brett Reed
1/6/2021 09:38:31 am
The AHJ may have amended NFPA 13 with a local ordinance that is more restrictive than NFPA 13. So, while you may be reading one thing in the standard, they may be referencing their ordinance.
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Glenn Berger
1/6/2021 09:40:06 am
You appear to be on the right path, however you did not provide dimensions of the balcony, which may cause a different final decision.
Reply
Lewis Taylor
1/6/2021 10:47:49 am
The balconies vary in size, but the average is 25' X 10'.
Reply
Todd E Wyatt
1/6/2021 10:09:51 am
NFPA 13 is a referenced standard but the scoping document would be the IBC/IFC. The scoping Codes identify which aspects of the referenced standard are required to be met.
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Casey Milhorn
1/6/2021 12:02:42 pm
Also keep in mind that you are required to not only prove the .10 density at the average sqft spacing per head over each compartment, but also the .05 calculation with the head spacing used along with the manufactures gpm and psi requirements. More often than not, the .05 calc is more demanding because of the requirement to calc to the maximum spacing used and the end head pressure and gpm requirements. We always do both calcs and provide both for review.
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Jonathan Joseph
1/6/2021 12:34:15 pm
There has been an increase of fires on balconies in residential occupancies especially mid-rises due to smoking and barbeques and is one of the reasons they are pushing retro fits quicker.
Reply
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