Similarly, a few computer cables spread around an otherwise limited-combustible space will not propagate a fire through that space.Īt some point, though, a few cables becomes dozens, and dozens can become hundreds, in which case we may have a situation where the loading can no longer be considered minimal. Items like wire ties or end caps on cable trays in an otherwise noncombustible space are not sufficient to propagate fire through that space. The concern is that combustibles will propagate a fire through that space and allow the fire to spread through the building and jump from room to room or from a corridor into a room. This does not prohibit other combustibles from being in the space as long as they do not make up the floor, ceiling, walls, or structural elements, and are not of such a quantity that they can no longer be considered “minimal” to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). NFPA 13 permits sprinklers to be omitted from concealed spaces that are formed by noncombustible and limited combustible materials provided that they have “minimal combustible loading.” In other words, in a concealed space without sprinklers, the floor, ceiling, walls, and structural elements of the space must be constructed with noncombustible or limited combustible materials. The most common arrangement on this list is also the one that raises the most questions. But are they needed for the space above? Chapter 8 provides a comprehensive list of concealed spaces above these drop ceilings that do not require sprinklers. When you walk down the hallway in any office building, hospital, or other commercial property with a suspended ceiling, you will likely see sprinklers protecting the occupied space below. When does a concealed space require sprinkler protection?Ī common question we get about NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and where sprinklers should be located has to do with non-combustible concealed spaces.
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