'96 NEC Article 700(c)(1)
Feeder-circuit wiring shall be installed either in spaces fully protected by approved fully automatic fire suppression systems (sprinklers,carbon dioxide systems,etc.) or shall be a listed electrical circuit protective system with a 1-hour fire rating.

'99 NEC Article 700-9(d)(1)(a)
Be installed within buildings that are fully protected by an approved automatic fire suppression system.

The '96 asks for the spaces to be fully protected. The'99 only asks for the building to be fully protected. I suppose it would boil down to the AHJ's definition of a fully protected building. [Linked Image]