ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion Building Codes for Electricians Sprinkler Systems

when or where does the 'occupancy' line get crossed to require buildings to have sprinkler systems?

~S~

Steve at least in RI it is decided locally.

They just changed the rules to make it mandatory to install sprinklers in all buildings above 50 persons capacity.

No grandfathering the old buildings must be updated.

Providence's City Hall is looking for an exception as it will be a "hardship" to install the the sprinklers. (Good way to set an example)

The FD just before Xmas went to city hall and removed all the real Xmas trees from city hall as they where a fire hazard.

I expect city hall will now cut the FDs budget.

Good morning. There are many factors to be considered on this. Did you have a particular case in mind?

Some of the things to consider are use and occupancy, fire area, allowable height and area, seperated vs. non-seperated use, and many others.

Once in a while it is easy...there are certain types of occupancies that require sprinklers no matter what, such as group "H" (hazordous), or group "I" (institutional), and under the 2003, group "R" (residential...maening hotel/motel, etc...).

i am seeing the state here require sprinklers in residential rentals lately, something about sleeping 6 seems to be a benchmark.

and no, it is apparently not grandfathered, but as i understand it most life safety is not

should i look in NFPA 72 or 101 ?

thank you for your replys
~S~

Sparky:

The building code will tell you when you need sprinklers. The NFPA 13 will discuss the manner in which they are installed.

What state are you in?

Ryan J,

I am in Vermont, unfamilar with nfpa 13...

~S~

Steve: I looked on my I-code adoption map, and I can't see what building code Vermont has adopted. Your best bet would be to contact your local building offical.

Sorry....wish I could help you out a bit more.

BTW: The NFPA 13 is basically the sprinkler code. It states where the sprinklers heads are to be installed for what type of system (nfpa 13, 13R, 13D, etc...).

Ryan J,
I will inquire further when the opportunity presents itself (at my next inspection)

as i presently know diddlysquat about sprinkler systems perhaps you could help me review the general jist involved, as i suspect the state here has adopted (with a few minor addendums) the national standard

if it helps, we are on the '99 building code, the states is here (pdf) note page #30 , specifically other codes mentioned (as well as the rebate)

The USFA also touches on this , note the 3 stories or lower exemption...

thanx

~S~

Hi Steve. It appears that Vermont uses the BOCA building code. If I'm not mistaken, Earl (EarlyDean) might have used this code in Connecticut, where he calls home. Hopefully he will chime in. Unfortunately, I don't have access to the BOCA code.

From what the USFA states, you don't need fire suppresion if less than three stories. This can be done by justifying a story as a basement, or with some creative grading work.

I would like to know what the allowable height and area for hotel/motel (I'm assuming this is what you have) is. This can greatly influence the need for suppresion.

Ryan_J
I am dealing with ski rentals, 3 stories, each floor has sleeping areas

these are basically party pads for the ski crowd at Okemo mountain here
4 rentals in question are here , i can only approximate floor sizes to that of a larger home...



~S~

[This message has been edited by sparky (edited 01-22-2004).]