Automatic Sprinklers

A post by Jeff Hugo, with National Fire Sprinkler Association

While most contractors, architects, and layout personnel are very savvy in the sprinkler standards, the IBC is not usually the first place they look for specific sprinkler requirements. This article and following articles are written for the AHJ to understand what is coming out of the IBC and when to apply this code language in their designs.

This first article we’ll take a look at Chapter 4 of the 2006 International Building Code. Chapter 4 covers additional requirements to certain uses and occupancies that are not addressed elsewhere. This brief summary of Chapter 4 covers what I believe is vital to the interest sprinkler requirements.

Covered Malls

Covered malls are limited to three levels in height and no more than three stories above grade. Passive fire protection is not required between the tenant space and the mall, however a fire resistive wall is required between the tenant spaces. An anchor building – a building that is separate from the mall, but serves the mall, i.e. Kohl’s, Sears, etc – is required to have a fire wall at the attachment to the mall, unless the anchor building is the same use as the mall, then a 2-hour fire barrier is needed.

Fire sprinklers are required in all of the covered mall spaces. The sprinkler system must be installed throughout the entire structure, including occupied tenant spaces. Unoccupied tenant spaces are also required to have fire sprinklers [click to continue…]

{ 4 comments }