Interpretation #7199
Published June 23, 2013
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2010
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Building
- Chapter
- 4
- Section
- 403.3.2
- Topic
- Fire Sprinkler system pump
Question
Is it the intent of Section 403.3.2 to require separate mains for a one pump fire sprinkler system?
Answer Published 06/23/2013 at 8:30 PM
NO. 403.3.2 States that "Required fire pumps
shall be supplied by connections to a
minimum of two water mains." That statement, however, is
subordinate to 403.3 where it states, "Buildings and
structures shall be equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and a
secondary water supply where required by
Section 903.3.5.2." This is all new ICC verbiage for 2009.
In turn, IBC 903.3.5.2 has been revised (in Florida) to
read, "Reserved." In FBC Building 2010 903.3.5.2 there
is clearly no Florida intent to require dual water supplies.
Since the mandate for dual water supplies in 403.3 is
contingent on such a requirement existing in 903.3.5.2,
403.3 does not mandate dual supplies either. Since 403.3.2
is subordinate to 403.3, no such
requirement exists or is intended in 403.3.2.
shall be supplied by connections to a
minimum of two water mains." That statement, however, is
subordinate to 403.3 where it states, "Buildings and
structures shall be equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and a
secondary water supply where required by
Section 903.3.5.2." This is all new ICC verbiage for 2009.
In turn, IBC 903.3.5.2 has been revised (in Florida) to
read, "Reserved." In FBC Building 2010 903.3.5.2 there
is clearly no Florida intent to require dual water supplies.
Since the mandate for dual water supplies in 403.3 is
contingent on such a requirement existing in 903.3.5.2,
403.3 does not mandate dual supplies either. Since 403.3.2
is subordinate to 403.3, no such
requirement exists or is intended in 403.3.2.
Commentary
The answer to the comment is also NO. 403.3.1 talks about
two risers (most likely AKA standpipes) but says nothing
about two pumps.
903.3.5.2 requires the secondary water supply for seismic
concerns. [F] 903.3.5.2 Secondary water supply. A
secondary on-site water supply equal to the hydraulically
calculated sprinkler demand, including the hose
stream requirement,shall be provided for high-rise buildings
assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F as
determined by this code. The secondary water supply
shall have a duration of not less than 30 minutes as
determined by the occupancy hazard classification in
accordance with NFPA 13. Exception: Existing buildings.