When Is A Fire Sprinkler System Required For Commercial Buildings?
Updated: Feb 23
Fire protection and life safety are everything to every commercial building owner.
A fire breakout does not only threaten the lives of tenants, employees, and customers but also properties and livelihoods.
That is why fire sprinkler systems are a must for every commercial establishment, such as offices, retail stores, and apartment buildings. A fire sprinkler system acts as a protection and defense line for people and property against fires.
In this article, we’ll discuss the fire sprinkler requirements for commercial properties and how having one can promote fire safety and protection.
What Are Fire Sprinklers?
A fire sprinkler is a device installed in ceilings or sidewalls, consisting of a water supply, a water distribution system, and sprinkler heads. It detects heat from a fire and automatically discharges water to slow down or extinguish the danger.
Even if the fire has already started by the time the sprinkler is activated, the system can still provide enough help to give building occupants more time to evacuate from the establishment before the fire spreads out more.
It also slows down the damage until the firefighters and a fire marshal arrive in the fire area.
When Is An Automatic Fire Sprinkler Required For Commercial Buildings?
There are certain sets of standards that require sprinklers in commercial buildings such as the International Fire Code Section 903 2 (Summary of Occupancy-Related Automatic Sprinklers Thresholds), the International Building Code Chapter 9 (Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13.
The NFPA 13 is the national standard for the installation of sprinkler systems for fire safety.
It has the basic set of rules and regulations across the U.S., with possible additional local safety requirements and building codes in different states.
Some of the important sprinkler requirements include the following:
Fire sprinklers are required in all new build commercial buildings with a fire area exceeding 5,000 square feet
Installation of a fire sprinkler system is also required for any type of renovation or remodeling that extends the fire area beyond 5 000 square feet
If a single tenant expansion brings the fire area beyond 12 000 square feet, fire sprinkles must also be installed.
A fire sprinkler system is needed in townhomes with more than two residential occupants per building, and buildings with more than 55 feet in height.
Fire pumps should be installed to help in increasing the pressure in fire sprinklers. The pump must be placed in a fire-rated room in the same building, or a separate building.
Install A Fire Sprinkler System Now!
Both commercial and residential establishments are prone to fire accidents, and installing fire sprinklers is undeniably helpful in these unwanted emergencies.
Only a qualified professional can install this system so make sure to check your state’s building code and fire safety regulations before proceeding with the installation.
If you need a reputable professional to take care of your fire safety needs, B&W Fire Security Systems is here for you.
At B&W Fire Security Systems, we take pride in servicing all our valued customers.
We provide affordable inspection, installation, testing, and preventive maintenance for kinds of fire sprinkler systems. We also offer 24/7 emergency service on all aspects of fire protection equipment.
Contact us today to experience our award-winning services!
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