IBC 903.3.1.2.1 Reads Different in Florida - Is your state similar?

[jar546]

This is what the FBC has in this section. Do you think this is better or worse than the IBC?

[F]903.3.1.2.1Balconies and decks.​

Sprinkler protection shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units where the building is of Type V construction, provided there is a roof or deck above. Sidewall sprinklers that are used to protect such areas shall be permitted to be located such that their deflectors are within 1 inch (25 mm) to 6 inches (152 mm) below the structural members and a maximum distance of 14 inches (356 mm) below the deck of the exterior balconies and decks that are constructed of open wood joist construction.

[F]903.3.1.2.2Corridors and balconies in the means of egress.​

Sprinkler protection shall be provided in corridors and for balconies in the means of egress where any of the following conditions apply:

1. 1.Corridors with combustible floor or walls.
2. 2.Corridors with an interior change of direction exceeding 45 degrees (0.79 rad).
3. 3.Corridors that are less than 50 percent open to the outside atmosphere at the ends.
4. 4.Open-ended corridors and associated exterior stairways and ramps as specified in Section 1027.6, Exception 3.
5. 5.Egress balconies not complying with Sections 1021.2 and 1021.3

 

[classicT]

2021 IBC​

[F] 903.3.1.2.1 Balconies and Decks​

Sprinkler protection shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units where either of the following conditions exists:

1. The building is of Type V construction, provided that there is a roof or deck above.
2. Exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units are constructed in accordance with Section 705.2.3.1, Exception 3.

Sidewall sprinklers that are used to protect such areas shall be permitted to be located such that their deflectors are within 1 inch (25 mm) to 6 inches (152 mm) below the structural members and a maximum distance of 14 inches (356 mm) below the deck of the exterior balconies and decks that are constructed of open wood joist construction.

[F] 903.3.1.2.2 Corridors and Balconies in the Means of Egress​

Sprinkler protection shall be provided in corridors and for balconies in the means of egress where any of the following conditions apply:

1. Corridors with combustible floor or walls.
2. Corridors with an interior change of direction exceeding 45 degrees (0.79 rad).
3. Corridors that are less than 50 percent open to the outside atmosphere at the ends.
4. Open-ended corridors and associated exterior stairways and ramps as specified in Section 1027.6, Exception 3.
5. Egress balconies not complying with Sections 1021.2 and 1021.3.

In comparing the FL language, it appears that the only edit is the deletion of "#2 - Exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units are constructed in accordance with Section 705.2.3.1, Exception 3." from 903.3.1.2.1.

 

[classicT]

Interesting though, when I look up the FL code, I see the following language for 903.3.1.2.2.

[F]903.3.1.2.2Corridors and balconies in the means of egress.​

Sprinkler protection shall be provided in corridors and for balconies in the means of egress where any of the following conditions apply:

1. 1.Corridors with combustible floor or walls.
2. 2.Corridors with an interior change of direction exceeding 45 degrees (0.79 rad).
3. 3.Corridors that are less than 50 percent open to the outside atmosphere at the ends.
4. 4.Open-ended corridors and associated exterior stairways and ramps as specified in Section 1027.6, Exception 3.
5. 5.Egress balconies not complying with Sections 1021.2 and 1021.3

2020 FBC - [F] 903.3.1.2.2 Open-Ended Corridors​

Sprinkler protection shall be provided in open-ended corridors and associated exterior stairways and ramps as specified in Section 1027.6, Exception 3.

 

[steveray]

Shouldn't the corridors already be covered/ required suppression in 13R? Not sure on the balconies, but have always seen that done as well....

 

[steveray]

Not exactly sure what a corridor that is not part of the MOE looks like...But that is NFPA for you....