Residential Sprinkler PDF Print E-mail
This year the ICC appended the International Residential Code to require that fire sprinklers be installed in all new-construction one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. This will take effect on January 1, 2011. Additions or alterations to existing non-sprinklered buildings do not need to install a fire sprinkler system. This is an added expense to new construction but is an incredible life saving measure. The city of Scottsdale, Arizona, implemented a similar requirement several years ago and has not lost a singe life to a residential fire in residential structures with sprinklers installed. Here are the specific details of the code changes:
  • Fire sprinklers will be required in all one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
  • The IRC contains an effective date of January 1, 2011 for the fire sprinkler requirement.
  • Additions or alterations to existing non-sprinklered buildings do not need to install a fire sprinkler system.
  • Separation of townhouses can be reduced to 1-hour when the townhouses are equipped with fire sprinklers.
  • Fire sprinkler systems can be designed under NFPA 13D or IRC Section P2904 (newly added section).
  • Multipurpose fire sprinkler systems are allowed. A multipurpose fire sprinkler system supplies domestic water to both the fire sprinklers and the plumbing fixtures.

IRC Section P2904 contains design and installation criteria for a multipurpose fire sprinkler system and requires fire sprinklers to be installed in all areas of a dwelling unit except:

  • Attics not containing fuel-fired equipment
  • Crawl spaces not containing fuel-fired equipment
  • Closets and pantries of 24 square feet or less, and with the largest dimension not greater than 3 feet
  • Bathrooms of 55 square feet or less
  • Garages, carports, porches
  • Unheated entry areas such as mud rooms
  • IRC Section P2904 contains tables to determine the pipe sizes based on water meter size, length of pipe runs, sprinkler flow, piping material

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