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Sprinkler System in Four Stories Apartment Building !!???

A

Attararc

Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2012
Messages
17
Location
Usa
I am working on apartment building 4 stories with area 3950 ft² for each story, building height is 48 ft, and there are two apartments on each floor, the occupant load in each floor is 20, the construction type is IIA.

As per 903.2.8 Group R. An automatic- sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.

And as per 903.2.11.3 Buildings 55 feet or more in height. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings with a floor level having an occupant load of 30 or more that is located 55 feet (16 764 mm) or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies up to and including four stories in height shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA

13R.

Can I cancel the sprinkler system from this building based on the height & occupant load conditions?
 
Is this a new building or are you renovating existing apartments?

What you are posting and asking is a definite NO. I don't see how you are coming up with your height and occupant load exception. An R is an R is an R and it must be sprinklered if new or under certain renovation conditions.
 
Attararc, in addition to what everyone else said about sprinklering an "R" (and I agree), you also have to be careful these days to check municipal codes. Out here in California, many communities are enacting sprinkler ordinances that are more strict than the model codes.

I think the local ordinances gives them some additional allowable fire dept. response time per NFPA. I've been told that some of our larger communities are hoping this will allow them to make an existing fire station redundant, so they can close it and save on pension costs. Other communities (such as beach towns) find the extra time helps them navigate through crowded streets.
 
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