Sprinkler Retrofit - Effect on Fire Doors

[LGreene]

If a sprinkler system is added to an existing building, are fire doors and other components of the building reviewed to see whether they still need to be maintained as fire-rated? For example, if the code requires rated corridor walls/doors in a non-sprinklered building but not in a sprinklered building, are those ratings no longer required when the sprinkler system is added? What is the process for evaluating and changing the rating requirements? The question is being asked in regard to the maintenance of fire doors which are technically no longer required because of the sprinklers.

 

[Frank]

Yes the rating can be dropped.

This needs to be documented as part of a building permit file either indicated on the plans with the associated work to the sprinkler retrofit or a a stand alone permit that shows a floor plan and a notation that these doors and corridors are no longer considered rated. Depending on the building's size and use and on your Commonwealth's professional regulations this might require a PE or Arch seal on the drawing.