A more complex analysis might be required for the entire system if the original design basis cannot be confirmed. This means that one of the first steps taken in these instances should be to gather as much of the existing plans and calculations, as is available. Whenever additions or modifications are made to an existing system, enough of the existing system must be indicated on the plans to make all conditions clear for the AHJ to evaluate. In fact, portions of the existing system that are not subject to the modifications can be considered previously approved under the retroactivity clause of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems and do not need to be evaluated. This does not necessarily mean that the entire system must be reevaluated to ensure complete compliance with the latest edition of the standards. In these instances, numerous sprinklers must often be relocated or added in order to appropriately protect the reconfigured space. When a building is undergoing a renovation or a remodel of its space the removal or addition of walls, partitions, and ceilings can negatively impact the effectiveness of the originally designed sprinkler system. NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems places responsibility on the owner for ensuring an evaluation be conducted in these instances, many of which go beyond the reconfiguration of office space where the space protected is likely to remain a light hazard occupancy. Where that is the case a more complex analysis is likely required to determine the impact of changes to design densities, areas of operation, and several other possible changes. Change Of Use/Occupancyįor the purpose of this discussion, we will focus on situations where the use or occupancy classification of the space is not being changed. Fortunately, the 2019 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems dedicated a chapter to the requirements for these instances for the first time and that information will carry over to the soon-to-be-issued 2022 edition. This often raises the question as to what extent the sprinkler system must be brought up to date with the latest standard, whether the system needs to be recalculated, and how extensive the testing of the modified system must be. Add this to regular tenant fit outs, including shell space in newly constructed buildings, and there are sure to be thousands of existing sprinkler systems requiring modifications to adequately protect redesigned spaces. With many businesses rethinking how their office spaces will be utilized post-pandemic, a significant number will likely undergo renovations or redesigns. OctoModifying Sprinkler Systems In Existing Facilities By Jonathan R.
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