Choosing the right automatic sprinkler system can ensure that your building is up to code and well protected building and fire codes often require installation of automatic sprinklers in a building based on certain factors such as occupancy group height size of the building fire area and occupant load.
Automatic sprinkler system in building.
Automatic sprinkler system means an arrangement of piping installed in a building with outlets distributed approximately uniformly in such a manner that water can be discharged in a spray indirectly from special outlets termed heads for the purpose of extinguishing an incipient fire and protecting the building and its contents with pumps tanks and other equipment as necessary to provide an adequate supply of water to the heads.
In the case of groups a 1 through a 4 automatic sprinkler coverage is required for the area itself as well as any floors between the group a occupancy and the level where building exits are located.
Automatic sprinkler systems can help tenants escape heavy smoke stairwells.
The sprinkler systems can improve firefighting techniques by the fire department as well by creating a two way communication between tenants and firefighters.
The employer shall assure that every automatic sprinkler system is provided with at least one automatic water supply capable of providing design water flow for at least 30 minutes.
Where a building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with section 903 3 1 1 the building area limitation in table 503 is permitted to be increased by an additional 200 percent is 2 for buildings with more than one story above grade plane and an additional 300 percent is 3 for buildings with no more than one story above grade plane.
An auxiliary water supply or equivalent protection shall be provided when the automatic water supply is out of service except for systems of 20 or fewer sprinklers.