Sprinkler piping penetrating an exit enclosure

[jackbweth]

1022.4 Penetrations

Question: This paragraph qualifies the permitted penetrations into an exit enclosure as required exit doors or necessary ductwork for ventilation, but seems to revert to general terms when referencing sprinkler piping and standpipes without the same qualifying language. Is it the intent of this section to restrict all sprinkler piping from an exit enclosure except the piping for the exit enclosure or may a sprinkler pipe penetrate the enclose that serves an adjacent space. NFPA Life Safety Code Chapter 7 para. 7.1.3.2.1(9) specifically states that penetrations are permitted for standpipe and sprinkler piping serving THE BUILDING and are not restricted to piping serving just the stair.

I sent this question to IBC and was informed that only sprinkler piping serving the stair can penetrate the enclosure. We have an unusual plan layout that makes it necessary to penetrate the stair with one 2" lateral to serve and adjacent space at one floor only. Does anyone have other thoughts or experience that we could argue the point. The work is already installed and we're trying to avoid a C.O. with a difficult Owner.

 

[cda]

Appears allowed

1022.4 Penetrations. Penetrations into and openings through an exit enclosure are prohibited except for required exit doors, equipment and ductwork necessary for independent ventilation or pressurization, sprinkler piping, standpipes, electrical raceway for fire department communication systems and electrical raceway serving the exit enclosure and terminating at a steel box not exceeding 16 square inches (0.010 m2). Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 713. There shall be no penetrations or communication openings, whether protected or not, between adjacent exit enclosures.

 

[steveray]

What they(ICC) are trying to accomplish is not using the stair enclosure as a chase....and it being turned to swiss cheese...I have turned them down when they have proposed putting risers in there and multiple penetrations feeding out....If it were one hard to get from anywhere else head fed off of the stair piping I do not think I would have great issue with it, but I do discourage it and hopefully catch it on plan review.

 

[jackbweth]

Thanks. I agree. In fact your description is exactly our condition. We have one pipe feeding a ground level vestibule and access corridor. This design was included on the construction documents and the shop drawings, but the state inspector didn't see it until during a site visit. To change this one pipe will cause zoning issues as we have to go up to the second floor and back down to avoid the stair. I will ask for a variance although I don't hold out much hope since it a VA state project.

 

[steveray]

Any way you can post a plan or pic?....I don't understand how there is no other way to go around other than up and over....