alora
Silver Member
I've been taught to use the above table a certain way. Generically meaning, for example, an "A" occupancy needs to have a 3-hour separation from an "H-3" occupancy if there are no sprinklers provided. This applies equally for "A"-to-"H3" as well as "H3"-to-"A". The em dashes in the remaining boxes do not imply that there are no separation requirements.
However, I was told by a plans examiner that the left column (up-down) is for the larger of 2 occupancies, with the upper row (left-right) for the smaller. He gave an example of of a 2,000sf "B" occupancy not needing any separation from a 1,800sf "S-2" occupancy.
From a life safety, common-sense standpoint, what I've been taught seems right. More so than what the plans examiner told me.
Anyone have any thoughts?
The only resource I found that backs up my understanding is the Code Commentary; however, it does so only by the facts provided in Example 1 (page 5-34).
However, I was told by a plans examiner that the left column (up-down) is for the larger of 2 occupancies, with the upper row (left-right) for the smaller. He gave an example of of a 2,000sf "B" occupancy not needing any separation from a 1,800sf "S-2" occupancy.
From a life safety, common-sense standpoint, what I've been taught seems right. More so than what the plans examiner told me.
Anyone have any thoughts?
The only resource I found that backs up my understanding is the Code Commentary; however, it does so only by the facts provided in Example 1 (page 5-34).