13-162 INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Density (mm/min)
2.0 4.1 6.1 8.2 10.2 12.2 14.3 16.3
5000 465
Area of sprinkler operation (ft 2 )

Area of sprinkler operation (m2)

Ex
4000 370

Ex
tra

tra
ha

ha
za

za
rd

rd
G
Ord
Ord

ro

G
3000 280

ro
up
i na

up
i na

1
Ligh

2
ry 2

2500
ry 1

230
t

2000 185

1500 140
0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40
Density (gpm/ft 2 )

FIGURE 19.3.3.1.1 Density/Area Curves.

19.3.3.1.5 Unsprinklered Combustible Concealed Spaces. Table 19.3.3.1.2 Hose Stream Allowance and Water Supply
Duration Requirements for Hydraulically Calculated Systems
19.3.3.1.5.1* When using the density/area or room design
method, unless the requirements of 19.3.3.1.5.2 are met for
buildings having unsprinklered combustible concealed spaces, Total
as described in 9.2.1 and 9.3.18, the minimum area of sprinkler Combined
operation for that portion of the building shall be 3000 ft2 Inside and
(280 m2). Inside Hose Outside HoseDuration
2 2 Occupancy gpm L/min gpm L/min (minutes)
(A) The design area of 3000 ft (280 m ) shall be applied only
to the sprinkler system or portions of the sprinkler system that Light hazard 0, 50, 0, 190, 100 380 30
are adjacent to the qualifying combustible concealed space. or or
(B) The term adjacent shall apply to any sprinkler system 100 380
protecting a space above, below, or next to the qualifying Ordinary 0, 50, 0, 190, 250 950 60–90
concealed space except where a barrier with a fire resistance hazard or or
rating at least equivalent to the water supply duration 100 380
completely separates the concealed space from the sprinklered
area. Extra hazard 0, 50, 0, 190, 500 1900 90–120
or or
19.3.3.1.5.2 The following unsprinklered concealed spaces 100 380
shall not require a minimum area of sprinkler operation of
3000 ft2 (280 m2):
(1) Noncombustible and limited-combustible concealed (5) Concealed spaces where rigid materials are used and the
spaces with minimal combustible loading having no exposed surfaces comply with one of the following in the
access. The space shall be considered a concealed space form in which they are installed in the space:
even with small openings such as those used as return air (a)
The surface materials have a flame spread index of
for a plenum. 25 or less and the materials have been demonstra‐
(2) Noncombustible and limited-combustible concealed ted to not propagate fire more than 10.5 ft (3.2 m)
spaces with limited access and not permitting occupancy when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, Stand‐
or storage of combustibles. The space shall be consid‐ ard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
ered a concealed space even with small openings such as Building Materials, or UL 723, Standard for Test for
those used as return air for a plenum. Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials,
(3) Combustible concealed spaces filled entirely with extended for an additional 20 minutes in the form
noncombustible insulation. in which they are installed in the space or
(4)* Light or ordinary hazard occupancies where noncom‐ (b) The surface materials comply with the require‐
bustible or limited-combustible ceilings are directly ments of ASTM E2768, Standard Test Method for
attached to the bottom of solid wood joists or solid Extended Duration Surface Burning Characteristics of
limited-combustible construction or noncombustible Building Materials (30 min Tunnel Test).
construction so as to create enclosed joist spaces 160 ft3 (6) Concealed spaces in which the exposed materials are
(4.5 m3) or less in volume, including space below insula‐ constructed entirely of fire-retardant-treated wood as
tion that is laid directly on top or within the ceiling joists defined by NFPA 703.
in an otherwise sprinklered concealed space. (7) Concealed spaces over isolated small rooms not exceed‐
ing 55 ft2 (5.1 m2) in area.

2019 Edition