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903.2.11.1.3 basement sprinkler requirements

OK, so the obstruction rule only applies to basements over 1500 sq ft;

[F] 903.2.11 Specific building areas and hazards.

In all occupancies other than Group U, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed for building design or hazards in the locations set forth in Sections 903.2.11.1 through 903.2.11.6.

[F] 903.2.11.1 Stories without openings.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all stories, including basements, of all buildings where the floor area exceeds 1,500 square feet (139.4 m2) and where there is not provided at least one of the following types of exterior wall openings:

1. Openings below grade that lead directly to ground level by an exterior stairway complying with Section 1009 or an outside ramp complying with Section 1010. Openings shall be located in each 50 linear feet (15 240 mm), or fraction thereof, of exterior wall in the story on at least one side. The required openings shall be distributed such that the lineal distance between adjacent openings does not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).

2. Openings entirely above the adjoining ground level totaling at least 20 square feet (1.86 m2) in each 50 linear feet (15 240 mm), or fraction thereof, of exterior wall in the story on at least one side. The required openings shall be distributed such that the lineal distance between adjacent openings does not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm). The height of the bottom of the clear opening shall not exceed 44 inches (1118 mm) measured from the floor.

[F] 903.2.11.1.1 Opening dimensions and access.

Openings shall have a minimum dimension of not less than 30 inches (762 mm). Such openings shall be accessible to the fire department from the exterior and shall not be obstructed in a manner that fire fighting or rescue cannot be accomplished from the exterior.

[F] 903.2.11.1.2 Openings on one side only.

Where openings in a story are provided on only one side and the opposite wall of such story is more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from such openings, the story shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, or openings as specified above shall be provided on at least two sides of the story.

[F] 903.2.11.1.3 Basements.

Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from openings required by Section 903.2.11.1, or where walls, partitions or other obstructions are installed that restrict the application of water from hose streams, the basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
 
MT,

I was envisioning exactly what Francis posted up. The seclusion of the wall, partition etc. in a basement will not present a hose stream obstruction as long as the 75’stretch or travel distance is not exceeded. A enclosed room would also be permitted in a basement provided we don’t have to stretch a hose line beyond 75’ and follow the hose line back to the opening when (it hits the fan). This is how I would interpret it from an old hose stretcher's perspective.

FV,

Thanks for the additional information!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from openings required by Section 903.2.11.1, or where walls, partitions or other obstructions are installed that restrict the application of water from hose streams, the basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Click to expand...
I did read the significant changes and that and the word "or" instead of "and" indicates to me the 75 ft is a moot point if a basement is divided up with walls and no additional openings from the exteior are provided within those divided spaces.
 
Came across this looking for like minds, which is always a chore...I just want to post a thank you to Francis Vineyard & FM William Burns for instilling sanity to this discussion. Nothing like a code change enabling limitless subjective interpretation.

Here is my contribution to the insanity:

break, break, break it down
Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet
from openings required by Section 903.2.11.1,
or
where walls, partitions or other obstructions are installed that restrict the application of water from hose streams,
the basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.


broke, broke, broke down, now clarify
Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet from openings required by Section 903.2.11.1,
or
Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet where walls, partitions or where other obstructions are installed that restrict the application of water from hose streams,
the basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

I am way good with just the FV-WB tag team logic, any opinions whether or not this contributes? Anyone with a strong background in English who can deliver a technical beatdown?
 
Thanks! I have always tried to use the approach in regulatory function and in code development. MT, I would also recommend in the close type situations, have a building owner install a single or dual high temperature sprinkler heads (depending on size of room and head coverage) off the domestic water serving the water heater in the mechanical room. The domestic supply will always be <10 heads allowing for domestic system.......just a win-win.
 
Could you compartmentalize the mechanical at one end in a rated area to forgo the sprinklers or not?

Save a dime now and spend dollars later when fire breaks out in unsprinklered space (risk management).
 
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