I put this in the Fire Code post as well.
2006 IFC 903.2 has an Exception to allow deletion of the fire suppression system from basically electrical and telecommunication rooms. It is an Exception you do not have to take. However, according to the Commentary and I know from insurance ratings you loose some of the benefits of a sprinkler system if the Exception is required to be used.
Commentary: Note, however, that this exception requires installation of an automatic fire detection system and fire resistive separation from other portions of the building. It must also be noted that taking advantage of the exception would disqualify the building for any trade-offs or reductions in code requirements that are predicated on the building being “equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1” (NFPA 13).
In other words Allowable Area Increases using a sprinkler system could not be used. Then there is the loss of Insurance rates for the Owner of the building.
Be aware Building Officials that when your Fire Marshal requires the electrical room of a building required to have a fire suppression system per NFPA 13 other things get affected with no benefit to the Owner of the building which may well be the AHJ’s building and tax dollars of the public.
2006 IFC 903.2 has an Exception to allow deletion of the fire suppression system from basically electrical and telecommunication rooms. It is an Exception you do not have to take. However, according to the Commentary and I know from insurance ratings you loose some of the benefits of a sprinkler system if the Exception is required to be used.
Commentary: Note, however, that this exception requires installation of an automatic fire detection system and fire resistive separation from other portions of the building. It must also be noted that taking advantage of the exception would disqualify the building for any trade-offs or reductions in code requirements that are predicated on the building being “equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1” (NFPA 13).
In other words Allowable Area Increases using a sprinkler system could not be used. Then there is the loss of Insurance rates for the Owner of the building.
Be aware Building Officials that when your Fire Marshal requires the electrical room of a building required to have a fire suppression system per NFPA 13 other things get affected with no benefit to the Owner of the building which may well be the AHJ’s building and tax dollars of the public.