Thanks guys for the replies. It is one of those thorny points in the code and the first time I had no other issues to influence the outcome.
Sometimes, as we all know, the code is ambiguous in their definitions, not necessarily a bad thing, often what plays in Peoria will make NO sense in DC, New York, or Chicago. A uniform code will not always work.
This situation came down to me calling a meeting between 2 Fire Protection engineers, a Fire Marshal, and myself to come to a conclusion.
FYI, the bone of contention in this particular matter was a 60+ year old cinderblock wall (some solid, some MAYBE not) and a medium voltage vault. We had removed all the oil filled equipment a few months ago. The room was not near any egress path so that was not an issue, and in fact it was really set off by itself, just well hidden.
Anyway, thanks a bunch.
