SECTION
903 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
[F] 903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems shall
comply with this section.
[F]
903.1.1 Alternative protection. Alternative automatic
fire-extinguishing systems complying with Section
904 shall be permitted in lieu of automatic sprinkler
protection where recognized by the applicable standard
and approved by the fire code official.
[F]
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems
in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the
locations described in this section.
Exception:
Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively
for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical
power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines,
provided those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with
an automatic fire alarm system and are separated from the
remainder of the building by fire barriers consisting of
not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated walls and 2-hour
fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling assemblies.
[F]
903.2.1 Group A. An automatic sprinkler system shall
be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof
used as Group A occupancies as provided in this section.
For Group A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4 occupancies, the automatic
sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the floor
area where the Group A-1, A-2, A-3 or A-4 occupancy is
located, and in all floors between the Group A occupancy
and the level of exit discharge. For Group A-5 occupancies,
the automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in the
spaces indicated in Section 903 .2.1.5.
[F]
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system
shall be provided for Group A-1 occupancies where one
of the following conditions exists:
1.The
fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2.The fire area has an
occupant load of 300 or more.
3.The
fire area is located on a floor other than the level
of exit discharge.
4.The fire area contains
a multi theater complex.
[F]
903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system
shall be provided for Group A-2 occupancies where one
of the following conditions exists:
1.The fire area exceeds
5,000 square feet (465 m2);
2.The
fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more; or
3.The fire area is located
on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.
[F] 903.2.1.3 Group A-3.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for
Group A-3 occupancies where one of the following conditions
exists:
1.The
fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2.The fire area has an
occupant load of 300 or more.
3.The fire area is located
on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.
Exception: Areas used exclusively as participant
sports areas where the main floor area is located at
the same level as the level of exit discharge of the
main entrance and exit.
[F]
903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system
shall be provided for Group A-4 occupancies where one
of the following conditions exists:
1.
The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. The fire area has
an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located
on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.
Exception:
Areas used exclusively as participant sports areas where
the main floor area is located at the same level as the
level of exit discharge of the main entrance and exit.
[F]
903.2.1.5 Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system
shall be provided for Group A-5 occupancies in the following
areas: concession stands, retail areas, press boxes
and other accessory use areas in excess of 1,000 square
feet (93 m2).
[F]
903.2.2 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall
be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:
1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 20,000
square feet (1858 m2) in area.
2. Throughout every portion
of educational buildings below the level of exit discharge.
Exception:
An automatic sprinkler system is not required in any fire
area or area below the level of exit discharge where every
classroom throughout the building has at least one exterior
exit door at ground level.
[F]
903.2.3 Group F -1. An automatic sprinkler system
shall be provided throughout all buildings containing
a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions
exists:
1.Where a Group F-l fire
area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2);
2.Where a Group F-l fire
area is located more than three stories above grade
plane; or
3.Where the combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas
on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000
square feet (2230 m2),
[F]
903.2.3.1 Woodworking operations. An automatic sprinkler
system shall be provided throughout all Group F-1 occupancy
fire areas that contain woodworking operations in excess
of 2,500 square feet (232 m2) in area which
generate finely divided combustible waste or use finely
divided combustible materials.
[F]
903.2.4 Group H. Automatic sprinkler systems shall
be provided in high-hazard occupancies as required in
Sections 903.2.4.1 through 903.2.4.3.
[F]
903.2.4.1 General. An automatic sprinkler system
shall be installed in Group H occupancies.
[F]
903.2.4.2 Group H-5. An automatic sprinkler system
shall be installed throughout buildings containing Group
H-5 occupancies. The design of the sprinkler system
shall not be less than that required by this code for
the occupancy hazard classifications in accordance with
Table 903.2.4.2. Where
the design area of the sprinkler system consists of
a corridor protected by one row of sprinklers, the maximum
number of sprinklers required to be calculated is 13.
[F]
903.2.4.3 Pyroxylin plastics. An automatic sprinkler
system shall be provided in buildings, or portions thereof,
where cellulose nitrate film or pyroxylin plastics are
manufactured, stored or handled in quantities exceeding
100 pounds (45 kg).
[F]
903.2.5 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall
be provided throughout buildings with a Group I fire area.
Exception:
An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3 shall be allowed in Group
I-1 facilities.
[F]
903.2.6 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall
be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M
occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1.Where a Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square
feet (1115 m2);
2.Where a Group M fire area is located more than three
stories above grade plane; or
3.Where the combined area of all Group M fire areas
on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000
square feet (2230 m2).
[F]
903.2.6.1 High-piled storage. An automatic sprinkler
system shall be provided in accordance with the International
Fire Code in all buildings of Group M where storage
of merchandise is in high-piled or rack storage arrays.
[F] 903.2.7 Group R.
An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance
with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings
with a Group R fire area.
[F]
903.2.8 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall
be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group
S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group S-1 fire area
exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2);
2. A Group S-1 fire area
is located more than three stories above grade plane;
or
3.
The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all
floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square
feet (2230 m2).
[F]
903.2.8.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler
system shall be provided throughout all buildings used
as repair garages in accordance with Section
406, as shown:
1. Buildings two or more stories in height, including
basements, with a fire area containing a repair
garage exceeding 10,000 square feet (929 m2),
2. One-story buildings with a fire area containing
a repair garage exceeding 12,000 square feet (1115
m2),
3. Buildings with a
repair garage servicing vehicles parked in the basement.
[F]
903.2.8.2 Bulk storage of tires. Buildings and
structures where the area for the storage of tires
exceeds 20,000 cubic feet (566 m3) shall
be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
[F]
903.2.9 Group S-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall
be provided throughout buildings classified as enclosed
parking garages in accordance with Section
406.4 or where located beneath other groups.
Exception:
Enclosed parking garages located beneath Group R-3 occupancies.
[F]
903.2.9.1 Commercial parking garages. An automatic
sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings
used for storage of commercial trucks or buses where
the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).
[F]
903.2.10 Windowless stories in all occupancies. An
automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in the locations
set forth in Sections 903.2.10.1 through 903.2.10.1.3.
Exception: Group R-3
and Group U.
[F]
903.2.10.1 Stories and basements without openings.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout
every story or basement of all buildings where the floor
area exceeds 1,500 square feet (139.4 m2)
and where there is not provided at least one of the
following types of exterior wall openings:
1. Openings below grade that lead directly to ground
level by an exterior stairway complying with Section
1009 or an outside ramp complying with Section
1010. Openings shall be located in each 50 linear
feet (15 240 mm), or fraction thereof, of exterior
wall in the story on at least one side.
2. Openings entirely above the adjoining ground
level totaling at least 20 square feet (1.86 m2)
in each 50 linear feet (15 240 mm), or fraction
thereof, of exterior wall in the story on at least
one side.
[F]
903.2.10.1.1 Opening dimensions and access. Openings
shall have a minimum dimension of not less than 30
inches (762 mm). Such openings shall be accessible
to the fire department from the exterior and shall
not be obstructed in a manner that fire fighting or
rescue cannot be accomplished from the exterior.
[F]
903.2.10.1.2 Openings on one side only. Where
openings in a story are provided on only one side
and the opposite wall of such story is more than 75
feet (22 860 mm) from such openings, the story shall
be equipped throughout with an approved automatic
sprinkler system, or openings as specified above shall
be provided on at least two sides of the story.
[F]
903.2.10.1.3 Basements. Where any portion of a
basement is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm)
from openings required by Section 903.2.10.1, the
basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved
automatic sprinkler system.
[F]
903.2.10.2 Rubbish and linen chutes. An automatic
sprinkler system shall be installed at the top of rubbish
and linen chutes and in their terminal rooms. Chutes
extending through three or more floors shall have additional
sprinkler heads installed within such chutes at alternate
floors. Chute sprinklers shall be accessible for servicing.
[F]
903.2.10.3 Buildings 55 feet or more in height.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout
buildings with a floor level having an occupant load
of 30 or more that is located 55 feet (16 764 mm) or
more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle
access.
Exceptions:
1. Airport control towers.
2. Open parking structures.
3. Occupancies in Group
F-2.
[F]
903.2.11 During construction. Automatic sprinkler
systems required during construction, alteration and demolition
operations shall be provided in accordance with the International
Fire Code.
[F]
903.2.12 Other hazards. Automatic sprinkler protection
shall be provided for the hazards indicated in Sections
903.2.12.1 and 903.2.12.2.
[F]
903.2.12.1 Ducts conveying hazardous exhausts. Where
required by the International Mechanical Code, automatic
sprinklers shall be provided in ducts conveying hazardous
exhaust, or flammable or combustible materials.
Exception:
Ducts in which the largest cross-sectional diameter of the
duct is less than 10 inches (254 mm).
[F] 903.2.12.2 Commercial
cooking operations. An automatic sprinkler system
shall be installed in commercial kitchen exhaust hood
and duct system where an automatic sprinkler system
is used to comply with Section 904.
[F] 903.2.13 Other required
suppression systems. In addition to the requirements
of Section 903.2, the provisions indicated in Table
903.2.13 also require the installation of a suppression
system for certain buildings and areas.
[F] 903.3 Installation requirements.
Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed
in accordance with Sections 903.3.1 through 903.3.7.
[F] 903.3.1 Standards.
Sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance
with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.
[F] 903.3.1.1 NFPA 13
sprinkler systems. Where the provisions of this
code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with this section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout
in accordance with NFPA 13 except as provided in Section.
[F] 903.3.1.1.1 Exempt
locations. Automatic sprinklers shall not be required
in the following rooms or areas where such rooms or
areas are protected with an approved automatic fire
detection system, in accordance with Section
907.2, that will respond to visible or invisible
particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted
from any room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistance-rated
construction or contains electrical equipment.
1. Any room where the
application of water, or flame and water, constitutes
a serious life or fire hazard.
2. Any room or space
where sprinklers are considered undesirable because
of the nature of the contents, when approved by
the fire code official.
3. Generator and transformer
rooms separated from the remainder of the building
by walls and floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies
having a fire-resistance rating of not less than
2 hours.
4. In rooms or areas that are of noncombustible
construction with wholly noncombustible contents.
[F]
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Where allowed
in buildings of Group R, up to and including four stories
in height, automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed
throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R.
[F] 903.3.1.2.1 Balconies
and decks. Sprinkler protection shall be provided
for exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios
of dwelling units where the building is of Type V
construction. Sidewall sprinklers that are used to
protect such areas shall be permitted to be located
such that their deflectors are within 1 inch (25 mm)
to 6 inches (152 mm) below the structural members
and a maximum distance of 14 inches (356 mm) below
the deck of the exterior balconies and decks that
are constructed of open wood joist construction.
[F] 903.3.1.3 NFPA
13D sprinkler systems. Where allowed, automatic
sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings
shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA
13D.
[F] 903.3.2 Quick-response
and residential sprinklers. Where automatic sprinkler
systems are required by this code, quick-response or residential
automatic sprinklers shall be installed in the following
areas in accordance with Section 903.3.1 and their listings:
1.
Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing
patient sleeping units in Group 1-2 in accordance with
this code.
2.
Dwelling units, and sleeping units in Group R and 1-1
occupancies.
3. Light-hazard occupancies
as defined in NFPA 13.
[F] 903.3.3 Obstructed locations.
Automatic sprinklers shall be installed with due regard
to obstructions that will delay activation or obstruct the
water distribution pattern. Automatic sprinklers shall be
installed in or under covered kiosks, displays, booths,
concession stands, or equipment that exceeds 4 feet (1219
mm) in width. Not less than a 3-foot (914 mm) clearance
shall be maintained between automatic sprinklers and the
top of piles of combustible fibers.
Exception: Kitchen equipment under exhaust hoods
protected with a fire-extinguishing system in accordance
with Section 904.
[F]
903.3.4 Actuation. Automatic sprinkler systems shall
be automatically actuated unless specifically provided
for in this code.
[F]
903.3.5 Water supplies. Water supplies for automatic
sprinkler systems shall comply with this section and the
standards referenced in Section 903.3.1. The potable water
supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance
with the requirements of this section and the International
Plumbing Code.
[F]
903.3.5.1 Domestic services. Where the domestic
service provides the water supply for the automatic
sprinkler system, the supply shall be in accordance
with this section.
[F] 903.3.5.1.1 Limited
area sprinkler systems. Limited area sprinkler
systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers on any single
connection are permitted to be connected to the domestic
service where a wet automatic standpipe is not available.
Limited area sprinkler systems connected to domestic
water supplies shall comply with each of the following
requirements:
1.Valves shall not be
installed between the domestic water riser control
valve and the sprinklers .
Exception: An approved indicating control valve
supervised in the open position in accordance with Section
903.4.
2.The
domestic service shall be capable of supplying the
simultaneous domestic demand and the sprinkler demand
required to be hydraulically calculated by NFPA 13,
NFPA 13R or NFPA 13D.
[F]
903.3.5.1.2 Residential combination services.
A single combination water supply shall be allowed
provided that the domestic demand is added to the
sprinkler demand as required by NFPA 13R.
[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 in 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.
[F]
903.3.6 Hose threads. Fire hose threads and fittings
used in connection with automatic sprinkler systems
shall I be as prescribed by the fire code official.
[F]
903.4 Sprinkler system monitoring and alarms. All valves
controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems,
pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air
pressures and water-flow switches on all sprinkler systems
shall be electrically supervised.
Exceptions:
1. Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family
dwellings.
2.
Limited area systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers.
3. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance
with NFP A 13R where a common supply main is used to
supply both domestic water and the automatic sprinkler
systems and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic
sprinkler system is not provided.
4.
Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked
in the open position.
5.
Control valves to commercial kitchen hoods, paint spray
booths or dip tanks that are sealed or locked in the
open position.
6.
Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines
that are sealed or locked in the open position.
7.
Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and
deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in
the open position.
[F]
903.4.1 Signals. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals
shall be distinctly different and automatically transmitted
to an approved central station, remote supervising station
or proprietary supervising station as defined in NFPA
72 or, when approved by the fire code official, shall
sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.
Exceptions:
1.
Underground key or hub valves in roadway boxes provided
by the municipality or public utility are not required
to be monitored.
2.
Backflow prevention device test valves located in limited
area sprinkler system supply piping shall be locked in
the open position. In occupancies required to be equipped
with a fire alarm system, the backflow preventer valves
shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed
in accordance with NFP A 72 and separately annunciated.
[F]
903.4.2 Alarms. Approved audible devices shall be
connected to every automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler
water-flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow
equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest
orifice size installed in the system. Alarm devices shall
be provided on the exterior of the building in an approved
location. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation
of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building
fire alarm system.
[F]
903.4.3 Floor control valves. Approved supervised
indicating control valves shall be provided at the point
of connection to the riser on each floor in high-rise
buildings.
[F] 903.5 Testing and maintenance. Sprinkler systems
shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the International
Fire Code.