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glazing interior partition - not glass

rktect 1

SILVER MEMBER
Joined
Oct 20, 2009
Messages
1,158
Location
Illinois
So I have not seen this and was trying to understand it because it has come up as a field change.

existing type IIb construction, 2000 sq. ft. tenant space remodel for educational use. Maybe four small classrooms. Originally the partitions went up about 8 feet with about 18 inches left open to the ceiling so that no sprinkler modifications or strobe light changes were needed. Now the guy wants to extend the partitions all the way up to ceiling but leave an 18"x72" plexi glass panel at the top so no strobe relocation. Sprinklers have to be moved though. Mechanical needs changes too. Not only this but he wants to add plexi glass side lights to each door. Does plexi glass meet class CC1 or CC2 classifications as well as strngth requirements for hazardous locations for sidelights?
 
I realize it wasn't part of your question, but I would question the 72-inch wide x 18-inch tall plexiglass panels as being sufficient to not require strobe relocation. Unfortunately, NFPA 72 has very little guidance as to what height a non-full-height partition can be before it is considered as an obstruction to the visual notification appliances (strobes). We typically treat partitions of 72-inches height and greater as full-height walls for purposes of strobe spacing.
 
if the plexi glass panels are clear, strobes are probably ok (if they were ok to start with). While not as dangerous as untempered glass, it can still shatter and produce nasty cuts ..
 
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