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.
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.
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.
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 |
Major Occupancy Classification | Occupant Load Above which a Fire Alarm System is Required |
---|---|
Residential | 10 (sleeping accommodation) |
Business and personal services, Mercantile | 150 above or below the first storey |
Low- or medium-hazard industrial | 75 above or below the first storey |
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.
This proposed change is intended to clarify the intent of the requirements, which should aid in the understanding and enforcement of the Code.
Authorities having jurisdiction, designers and contractors.