Proposed Change 1912

Printable file (PDF 598 KB)
Submit a comment
1912
Page: Last modified: 2024-01-26
Code Reference(s):
NBC20 Div.B 3.2.5.12. (first printing)
Subject:
Automatic Sprinkler System
Title:
Standardization of Terminology in NBC Sprinkler Requirements
Description:
This proposed change is one of a series of proposed changes that standardize the terminology related to sprinklers in the NBC.
Related Proposed Change(s):
PCF 1910, PCF 1915, PCF 1916, PCF 1917, PCF 1920, PCF 1921, PCF 1922, PCF 1924, PCF 1925, PCF 1926, PCF 1927, PCF 1928, PCF 1929, PCF 1930, PCF 1931, PCF 1932, PCF 1933, PCF 1934
This change could potentially affect the following topic areas:

Problem

Currently, various wordings and phrases are used in the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2020 to describe whether or not sprinklers are mandated in the space or area in question. Inconsistent use of terminology could create confusion or misunderstanding.

This proposed change standardizes Code wording to clarify where sprinklers are mandated by the NBC by using the defined term “sprinklered” and thereby eliminates any potential confusion.

Justification

As defined in the NBC, “sprinklered (as applying to a building or part thereof) means that the building or part thereof is equipped with a system of automatic sprinklers.”

In the NBC 2020 and National Fire Code of Canada (NFC) 2020, 11 different phrases are used to indicate where sprinklers are mandated, while 8 different phrases are used to indicate where sprinklers are not mandated. In all cases, the defined term “sprinklered” could be used. Not standardizing this terminology could potentially cause confusion among architects and designers as to where sprinklers are mandated. Revising the Code wording to use the defined term “sprinklered” would introduce consistency as well as eliminate any potential confusion.

Table 1 shows the different phrases used in the NBC and NFC to indicate where sprinklers are mandated, along with their frequency.

Table 1. Existing Phrases Indicating Where Sprinklers Are Mandated in the NBC and NFC
Phrase Code Number of Occurrences
“… to have an automatic sprinkler system installed throughout …” NBC 1
“… an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in …” NBC 1
“… sprinklers shall be installed in …” NBC 2
“… sprinklers shall be provided for …”  NBC 1
“… sprinklers shall not be omitted in …” NBC 1
“… in which an automatic sprinkler system is installed …” NBC 1
“… in which a sprinkler system is installed …”  NBC 2
“… in which a sprinkler system has been installed …” NBC 1
“… area served by the sprinkler system …” NBC 1
“… sprinklers are installed in …” NBC 1
“… shall be equipped throughout with a sprinkler system …” NFC 1

Table 2 shows the different phrases used in the NBC and NFC to indicate where sprinklers are not mandated, along with their frequency.

Table 2. Existing Phrases Indicating Where Sprinklers Are Not Mandated in the NBC and NFC
Phrase Code Number of Occurrences
“… do not require the installation of an automatic sprinkler system …”  NBC 1
“… in which an automatic sprinkler system is not required to be installed …” NBC 1
“… sprinklers are not required in …” NBC 1
“… that is not protected by an automatic sprinkler system …” NBC 1
“… in which sprinklers are not installed …” NBC 2
“… where a sprinkler system is not installed …” NBC 1
“… in which an automatic sprinkler system is not installed …” NBC 2
“… need not be equipped throughout with a sprinkler system …”  NFC 2

PROPOSED CHANGE

[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12.Automatic Sprinkler Systems

[1] 1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4) and (9), an automatic sprinkler system shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems". (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(1)PROPOSED CHANGE A-3.2.5.12.(1).)
[2] 2)Instead of the requirements of Sentence (1), NFPA 13R, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies", is permitted to be used for the design, construction and installation of an automatic sprinkler system installed
[a] a)in a building of residential occupancy throughout that
[i] i)is not more than 4 storeys in building height and conforms to Article 3.2.2.47., 3.2.2.49., 3.2.2.51., 3.2.2.52. or or 3.2.2.55., or
[ii] ii)is not more than 3 storeys in building height and conforms to Article 9.10.1.3., or
[b] b)in a building of care occupancy with not more than 10 occupants that is not more than 3 storeys in building height and conforms to one of Articles 3.2.2.42. to 3.2.2.46.
(See Note A-3.2.5.12.(2)PROPOSED CHANGE A-3.2.5.12.(2).)
[3] 3)Instead of the requirements of Sentence (1), NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes", is permitted to be used for the design, construction and installation of an automatic sprinkler system installed
[a] a)in a building of residential occupancy throughout that contains not more than two dwelling units,
[b] b)in a building of care occupancy, provided
[i] i)it contains not more than two suites of care occupancy,
[ii] ii)it has not more than five residents throughout, and
[iii] iii)a 30-minute water supply demand can be met, and
[c] c)in a building of residential occupancy throughout that contains more than two dwelling units, provided
[i] i)except for a secondary suite, no dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit,
[ii] ii)all suites are separated by a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h that provides continuous protection from the top of the footing to the underside of the roof deck, with any space between the top of the wall and the roof deck tightly filled with mineral wool or noncombustible material,
[iii] iii)each dwelling unit has its own sprinkler water supply provided in accordance with NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes",
[iv] iv)a passive purge sprinkler system design is used as described in NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes", and
[v] v)where the sprinkler system is taken into consideration for the reduction of limiting distance, all rooms, including closets, bathrooms and attached garages, that adjoin an exposing building face are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exemption stated in NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes".
(See Note A-3.2.5.12.(2)PROPOSED CHANGE A-3.2.5.12.(2).)
[4] 4)If a building contains fewer than 9 sprinklers, the water supply for these sprinklers is permitted to be supplied from the domestic water system for the building provided the required flow for the sprinklers can be met by the domestic system.
[5] 5)If a water supply serves both an automatic sprinkler system and a system serving other equipment, control valves shall be provided so that either system can be shut off independently.
[6] 6)Notwithstanding the requirements of the standards referenced in Sentences (1) and (2) regarding the installation of automatic sprinkler systems, sprinklers shall not be omitted in any room or closet in the storey immediately below a roof assembly shall be sprinklered. (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(6)PROPOSED CHANGE A-3.2.5.12.(6).)
[7] 7)Notwithstanding the requirements of the standards referenced in Sentences (1) and (2) regarding the installation of automatic sprinkler systems, in buildings conforming to Article 3.2.2.48., 3.2.2.51., 3.2.2.57. or 3.2.2.60., sprinklers shall be provided for balconies and decks exceeding 610 mm in depth measured perpendicular to the exterior wall shall be sprinklered. (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(7)PROPOSED CHANGE A-3.2.5.12.(7).)
[8] 8)Sprinklers in elevator machine rooms shall have a temperature rating not less than that required for an intermediate temperature classification and shall be protected against physical damage. (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(8)PROPOSED CHANGE A-3.2.5.12.(8).)
[9] 9)Except as provided in Subsection 3.2.8., closely spaced sprinklers and associated draft stops need not be installed around floor openings in conformance with NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems".

Impact analysis

This proposed change clarifies Code language by using the defined term for consistency. This proposed change would facilitate interpretation of the Code requirements and eliminate potential confusion. As a result, it is expected that a consistent and appropriate level of safety would be provided without any confusion. No additional costs are expected.

Enforcement implications

This proposed change is intended to clarify the intent of the requirements, which should aid in the understanding and enforcement of the Code.

Who is affected

Authorities having jurisdiction, designers and contractors.

OBJECTIVE-BASED ANALYSIS OF NEW OR CHANGED PROVISIONS

[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([1] 1) [F02,F81,F82-OS1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([1] 1) [F02,F81,F82-OP1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([2] 2) [F02,F81-OS1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([2] 2) [F02,F81-OP1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([3] 3) [F02,F81-OS1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([3] 3) [F02,F81-OP1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([4] 4) [F02-OS1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([4] 4) [F02-OP1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([5] 5) [F81-OS1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([5] 5) [F81-OP1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([6] 6) [F02-OS1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([6] 6) [F02-OP1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([7] 7) [F03-OS1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([7] 7) [F03-OP1.2]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([7] 7) [F03-OP3.1]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([8] 8) [F81-OS3.3,OS3.6]
[3.2.5.12.] 3.2.5.12. ([9] 9) no attributions
Date modified: