When is Deluge System Required for Stages?

4/3/2024

What are the deciding factors or requirements on when a deluge system would be required on a stage to separate the stage from the audience?

This would be for the proscenium opening protection.

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12 Comments

Pete H

4/3/2024 06:49:30 am

From NFPA 13 (2016)

8.15.17 Stages
8.15.17.1 Sprinklers shall be installed under the roof at the ceiling, in spaces under the stage either containing combustible materials or constructed of combustible materials, and in all adjacent spaces and dressing rooms, storerooms, and workshops.
8.15.17.2 Where proscenium opening protection is required, a deluge system shall be provided with open sprinklers located not more than 3 ft away from the stage side of the proscenium arch and spaced up to a maximum of 6 ft on center.

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So where proscenium opening protection is required.

Leading to the immediate question "What's proscenium opening protection"?

Basically if your stage has an arch above it at the front of the stage that is lower than the auditorium ceiling and kind of makes the action on stage "like looking into a picture frame", congrats, it's a proscenium arch. Traditional theatres and auditoriums will mostly use this design.

You protect that with a deluge system.

If this is a "black box theatre" where it's basically a flat ceiling between the audience and the performing space (though still often with some black curtain blocking the audience from seeing the stage lights behind it) that doesn't require a deluge system, but I'd still protect both sides of the curtain as an obstruction.

That said, take with a grain of salt, it's been a long time since I've had to look at "proscenium openings".

Dan Wilder

4/3/2024 07:24:08 am

Straight out of the Building Code, referencing the Fire Code. It's one of couple options available for the opening.

IBC 2021

410.2.4 Proscenium wall.
Where the stage height is greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm), all portions of the stage shall be completely separated from the seating area by a proscenium wall with not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance rating extending continuously from the foundation to the roof.

410.2.5 Proscenium curtain.
Where a proscenium wall is required to have a fire-resistance rating, the stage opening shall be provided with a fire curtain complying with NFPA 80, horizontal sliding doors complying with Section 716 having a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour, or an approved water curtain complying with Section 903.3.1.1 or, in facilities not utilizing the provisions of smoke-protected assembly seating in accordance with Section 1030.6.2, a smoke control system complying with Section 909 or natural ventilation designed to maintain the smoke level not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) above the floor of the means of egress.

Anthony

4/3/2024 07:56:11 am

Do the fire curtain not the water curtain if you can. Its way easier to maintain long term.

Otherwise, I like a pneumatic dry pilot line deluge system.

Glenn Berger

4/3/2024 08:14:06 am

The answers provided by Pete and Dan cover this topic sufficiently.

Jesse

4/3/2024 09:09:50 am

Agree with Glenn here. Dan and Pete for the win!

Eric R

4/3/2024 08:19:58 am

Just to reiterate Dan's comment, normally "proscenium opening protection" is only required when the stage ceiling height is 50' or greater.

In NFPA documents this type of stage has a specific name called a "legitimate stage." Fortunately both NFPA and ICC documents look to be pretty correlated on both the scope and requirements for protection.

Also don't forget about your standpipe requirement if the stage is over 1000-sqft.

4/3/2024 10:02:42 am

I was about to say something similar: don't forget about your standpipe requirement if the stage is over 1000-sqft.

I was required to put a 1-1/2" Hose Valve connection on both sides of the stage.

Dave

4/4/2024 05:12:46 pm

However, the requirement for a standpipe for stages greater than 1,000 sq. ft. has an exception, well explained in the UFC handbook commentary.

And per NFSA:

Stages – Section 905.3.4 requires all stages greater than 1,000 sq. ft. to be equipped with a Class III wet standpipe system.

The exception allows where the building is protected throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system, a 1 ½ in. hose connection can be installed in accordance with NFPA 13 or 14 for Class II or III.

Note: A 1 ½ in. hose connection designed to NFPA 13 is a hose connection on a sprinkler system and is not a Class II or III standpipe system.

Todd E Wyatt

4/3/2024 08:22:45 am

Based on the scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2021), review of the Automatic Sprinkler Systems (ASPS) requirements starts in Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems based on the Occupancy Classification (e.g. Group A-1 and/or A-2 for this application) and/or “certain buildings and areas” which includes the reference to “410.6 Stages”.

410.6 identifies the required ASPS locations ( “… under the roof and gridiron and under all catwalks and galleries over the stage … dressing rooms, performer lounges, shops and storerooms …” ) and the exceptions.

410.7 references standpipes.

Todd E Wyatt

4/3/2024 08:23:09 am

REFERENCES

IBC-2021
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Section 903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems

903.2.1 Group A
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group A occupancies as provided in this section.
903.2.1.1 Group A-1
903.2.1.2 Group A-2
903.2.11.6 Other Required Fire Protection Systems
In addition to the requirements of Section 903.2, the provisions indicated in Table 903.2.11.6 require the installation of a fire protection system for certain buildings and areas.
TABLE 903.2.11.6 ADDITIONAL REQUIRED PROTECTION SYSTEMS
410.6 Stages

903.3 Installation Requirements
903.3.1 Standards
903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems

Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use
Section 410 Stages, Platforms and Technical Production Areas
410.1 Applicability
The provisions of Sections 410.1 through 410.7 shall apply to all parts of buildings and structures that contain stages or platforms and similar appurtenances as herein defined.
410.6 Automatic Sprinkler System
Stages shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Sprinklers shall be installed under the roof and gridiron and under all catwalks and galleries over the stage. Sprinklers shall be installed in dressing rooms, performer lounges, shops and storerooms accessory to such stages.
Exceptions:
1. Sprinklers are not required under stage areas less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in clear height that are utilized exclusively for storage of tables and chairs, provided that the concealed space is separated from the adjacent spaces by Type X gypsum board not less than 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) in thickness.
2. Sprinklers are not required for stages 1,000 square feet (93 m2) or less in area and 50 feet (15 240 mm) or less in height where curtains, scenery or other combustible hangings are not retractable vertically. Combustible hangings shall be limited to a single main curtain, borders, legs and a single backdrop.
3. Sprinklers are not required within portable orchestra enclosures on stages.
410.7 Standpipes
Standpipe systems shall be provided in accordance with Section 905.

Ray Hardy link

4/3/2024 08:29:18 am

I would have open sprayers to protect the curtain and guides, as maintaining thier integrity and keeping them cool is essential whilst the curtain is descending. Sprinklers at high level may be at a level where their operation could take some time, but they would protect hanging scenery and drapes.

Jack G

4/3/2024 11:17:44 am

The above comments cover almost everything.
Remember— seating areas are light hazard, stage is ordinary hazard. So the 15 foot rule should apply. I usually put a wet water curtain on each side. Separate hazards— I ve tried doing the entire space OH, but AHJ s don’t usually agree,
Even when proscenium protection, a closed head system is less cleanup.

When is Deluge System Required for Stages?

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