BCAB #1262 - Unprotected Openings in Sprinklered Dwellings, Article 9.10.14.4. & NFPA 13D

August 19, 1991

BCAB #1262

Re: Unprotected Openings in Sprinklered Dwellings, Article 9.10.14.4. & NFPA 13D

Project Description

A single family dwelling equipped with an automatic sprinkler system conforming to NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One and Two Family Dwellings and Mobile Homes.

Reason for Appeal

Article 9.10.14.4. permits the area of unprotected openings in an exposing building face to be doubled where the building is sprinklered. Sprinkler systems are required to conform to NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (Article 9.10.1.9. & Sentence 3.2.5.5.(1)).

Appellant's Position

The appellant considers an NFPA 13D sprinkler system should permit an increase in unprotected openings even though the Code only refers to NFPA 13.

Building Official's Position

The building official does not consider NFPA 13D sprinkler systems acceptable for permitting an increase in unprotected openings because these systems do not provide protection to the entire building the way NFPA 13 systems do. NFPA 13D systems permit attics, crawl spaces, bathrooms and closets to be unsprinklered whereas all spaces are protected within a building equipped with a NFPA 13 system.

Appeal Board Decision #1262

It is the determination of the Board that where a sprinkler system is required by the Code Article 9.10.1.9. and Sentence 3.2.5.5.(1) require it to conform to NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems." A sprinkler system is required in order to double the area of unprotected openings in an exposing building face and would, therefore, require a sprinkler system conforming to NFPA 13, not NFPA 13D.

George R. Humphrey, Chair