BCAB #1332 - Combustible Water Distribution Piping in Fire Rated Assemblies, Article 3.1.9.2. & Sentence 3.1.9.4.(2)

December 15, 1993

BCAB #1332

Re: Combustible Water Distribution Piping in Fire Rated Assemblies, Article 3.1.9.2. & Sentence 3.1.9.4.(2)

Project Description

The project in question consists of four storey combustible (wood frame) apartment buildings and a noncombustible high-rise apartment building, all with below-grade parking. It is proposed to use polybutylene (combustible) water distribution piping in these buildings within non fire rated drop ceilings and within fire rated and non fire rated walls within storeys.

Reason for Appeal

Except as permitted in Sentence 3.1.9.4.(2), piping that penetrates a fire separation must be noncombustible unless the assembly it penetrates has been tested incorporating the penetration. The exception in Sentence 3.1.9.4.(2) permits combustible water distribution piping not more than 30 mm in diameter to partly or wholly penetrate a vertical fire separation (wall) provided the penetration is sealed with a fire stop material conforming to CAN4-S115, "Standard Method of Tests of Fire Stop Systems".

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that all the buildings in this project should be permitted to use combustible water distribution piping within the floor area of each storey. This piping can penetrate and run within the fire separations on each storey provided the penetrations are fire stopped with materials conforming to CAN4-S115. The vertical risers which run from storey to storey and penetrate the horizontal fire separations (floors) will be noncombustible and the penetrations through the floors will be tightly fitted or fire stopped with materials conforming to CAN4-S115.

Building Official's Position

The building official considers the proposed installation is not in conformance with the Code.

Appeal Board Decision #1332

It is the determination of the Board that the proposed installation is in conformance with the requirements of Article 3.1.9.2. and Sentence 3.1.9.4.(2).

George R. Humphrey, Chair