BCAB #947 - Combustible Piping, Sentences 3.1.4.5.(5) & 3.1.7.2.(1)

December 10, 1987

BCAB #947

Re: Combustible Piping, Sentences 3.1.4.5.(5) & 3.1.7.2.(1)

With reference to your letter of October 19, 1987, regarding noncombustible and combustible water distribution and piping.

This appeal is one of a group comprising No. 947 through 953, and also No. 955. All deal with the same type of building, referred to as concrete high rise. We have assumed Group C, any height, any area, from Subsection 3.2.2. of the Code. This requires noncombustible construction and 2 hour rated fire separations for floor assemblies, in addition to the normal vertical fire separations. A further common point in all the appeals is that piping would need to conform with Sentence 3.1.4.5.(5).

The decisions on the questions raised in this appeal are:

1. Noncombustible risers and mains entering each suite could be acceptable under the provisions of Sentence 3.1.7.2.(1).

2. Combustible piping would be acceptable within each suite. Regarding the reference to running within "dropped ceilings", this would be acceptable if the ceiling did not form part of an assembly providing a required fire separation. The question is basically similar to that addressed in Appeal No. 951.

J.C. Currie, Chair