Interpretation #7772
Published May 25, 2016
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2014
- Code
- EXTBLDG
- Code Description
- Chapter
- Section
- 804.1.1
- Topic
- Reduction of stairwell rating with sprinklers
Question
Is it the intent of FBC-Existing 804.1.1 to not allow a reduction in the fire-resistance rating of the corridor unless stairwell landings serving the floor and the intermediate landings immediately below have sprinkler coverage even though the noncombustible stairwell already complies with NFPA 13 with sprinklers only at the top of shaft and at the bottom landing of stairwells?
Answer Published 05/25/2016 at 3:00 PM
Yes, 804.1.1 is clear, in existing buildings going thru
level 2 alterations, no reduction in fire resistance is
allowed in corridors if sprinkler coverage for the landings
is not provided.
level 2 alterations, no reduction in fire resistance is
allowed in corridors if sprinkler coverage for the landings
is not provided.
Commentary
The requestor's comment regarding the existing code being more
stringent than the new code is not a glitch. You need to
factor in that the existing code governs buildings built to
many different code versions and fire protection is a
complete package which includes smoke/fire detection,
annunciation, fire protection ratings, fire extinguishing
and notifications. Existing buildings may not have all the
latest features of fire protection which allow the safe
reduction of the corridor rating.