Exterior fire separation where sprinklers are placed on the inside of the building non-operable glass in order to provide up to a two-hour fire separation where required to protection adjacent buildings from a fire in your building. Among the most common items identified are the location and rating of the code-required fire separations/walls utilized for that project. Joseph Meyer, PE, owns/operates his own Fire Protection Engineering practice in St. Louis, Missouri. July 2017 Window sprinklers are typically part of an overall automatic sprinkler system design in buildings, but the mechanical design of the manufactured sprinkler head plus the location and spacing of the installed sprinkler heads are different than in the rest of the building. When it comes to the glass assemblies, there are six items that must be considered. (See Figure 2.). It is the responsibility of the registered design professional to provide the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) with the documentation that clearly establishes the basis for compliance for a code modification. WS sprinklers do not specifically open the idea of using several layers if a horizontal mullion exists (although some AHJ will accept them). The intent of this article is to discuss the application and pitfalls of window sprinkler design. January 2019 Floor Control Valve TYCO Model WS Window Sprinklers are the first to be specifically listed to provide complete wetting and coverage for FireLite Plus WS glass for windows and glazing using closed sprinklers. This is great information to start on this subject, but I think more emphasis shall be given to the glass itself, where all this came from and the concept of “assembly”. Hello Forum, I am designing a Community Recreation Center, Two levels and about 20,000 Sq Ft Area. Window sill detail – wood frame structure with wood siding – residential. November 2018 Model C-1 Window Sprinkler. 7/16" Orifice Model C-1 Window Sprinkler Spray Pattern. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The article and its content is not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. For this reason, window sprinklers should be incorporated into the architectural design drawings by the design professional. Turning to the window sprinklers, they would normally be specified as part of the CSI/Master Format Division 21 00 00 Fire Suppression and commonly under Section 21 13 13 Wet-Pipe Sprinkler Systems. July 2016 As part of the sprinkler testing, the gas flow required to achieve the time/temperature relationship specified in ASTM E119 was established in a test furnace. Get contact details and address| ID: 13606205748 Window sprinklers are specially listed sprinklers designed to wet the entire surface of glazing to prevent shattering when heated from fire. Click Here to download a zip file containing all available parts and sizes shown below. While window sprinkler design is outside the scope of NFPA 13, it is still part of a functional sprinkler design and must be designed, calculated, sized, and installed per the requirements of NFPA 13. Sprinkler minimum separation distance is to be 6 ft unless separated mullion of sufficient depth or a baffle and maximum spacing is to be 8 ft. A mullion is considered to be of sufficient depth when it extends to the back of a pendant vertical sidewall’s deflector, or when it extended to the wrench flat on a horizontal sidewall’s body. The Ontario Building Code | Sprinkler System 3.16.1.6. I will discuss more in-depth the importance of knowing the resistance rating when looking at the sprinkler system considerations later in the article. September 2018 Fire Events Wall penetration detail – wood frame structure with wood siding. May 2017 Excellent explanation, it’s simple & focus. October 2018 August 2018 Thanks, Assuming the jurisdiction adopts the vanilla IBC 2018 Code, there is no such "specifically permitted" sprinkler mentioned in 404.6 Exception 1.1, so it appears to me that we're forced to start using Window Sprinklers even in atrium glazing. June 2020 September 2017 The size of the glass is based on fire testing and sprinkler limitations. We are working on an atrium and working in accordance with the option 2, Closely-Spaced Sprinklers (for Atrium Enclosures). These drawings spell out several items which help me in evaluating the overall sprinkler needs for a project. (214) 349-5965 ext. Window head detail – wood frame structure with wood siding. Model WS-5.6 K-Factor Specific Application Window Sprinklers, Horizontal Sidewall and Pendant Vertical Sidewall. Photo courtesy of Johnson Controls NK, The last item that a sprinkler designer must take into consideration before designing their system is the glass assembly type. Arsenault, Peter. For a fire sprinkler designer, the use and application of window sprinklers starts with the building design itself. Listing is important and along with it, the ratings that could be achieved and the scenarios where it can be used. August 2016 That being said there are a lot of these here in the Northeast existing and or still being installed. Products ), In window assemblies which do not have mullions, sprinkler heads shall be spaced evenly along the face of the window with a minimum spacing of 6 ft and a maximum spacing of 8 ft. Flexible Drops Operable windows can not be protected. Perhaps one of the most seemingly straightforward but actually complex topics of fire protection is the use of fire  sprinklers to achieve passive fire resistance requirements. November 2017 Viking Fire Products (India) Private Limited - Offering Model C-1 Window Sprinkler Spray Nozzles, Automatic Spray Nozzle, स्प्रे नोजल, स्प्रे नलिका in Faridabad, Haryana. Once a design professional establishes and presents the window sprinkler requirements for a particular project, and it is accepted by the AHJ, these requirements become the design criteria to which a sprinkler system must adhere. When a building is 100 percent sprinkled and window sprinklers are being used to provide an interior fire separation, the most hydraulically demanding 46.5 linear feet (LF) of sprinklers are to be calculated. A glass-wall with operable panels is a different animal, the need or use of horizontal mullions will open a different problem too. Specific Application, Window Sprinkler/Nozzle: Where specific application, open style nozzles are specified to be utilized to provide a water curtain over a glass window or other opening to prevent fire/heat penetration, or as exposure protection from closely located building, or other specific applications they shall be of an all brass body. ft. of the most advanced robotic automation in the Fire Protection Industry to serve our customers. Thanks for any input.... Hi - I am an architect and appreciate the information being shared here, very clear and helpful. These two sections of text in the IBC and NFPA 13 give latitude to the design team to provide an engineered assembly that utilizes fire sprinklers in the protection of non-fire-rated glass assemblies. https://www.meyerfire.com/daily/vertical-dimension-for-closely-spaced-sprinkler. (See Figure 1.). Are you referring to sprinkler height limitations for window sprinkler protection? Fyre-Tec windows accommodate a variety of UL fire rated glazing. March 2019 We are running into this more and more. A hotel was being built and wanted to use tyco window sprinklers as an equivalency for the glass in their exercise rooms. While the applicable use of fire sprinklers for protection of windows appears to be a simple process it is, in actuality, a rather complex consideration. Now I can just send them this blog post! Residential Sprinklers. The directional discharge produces a flat 180° fan-shaped spray pattern. (See Figure 5.). The final thing for which a fire sprinkler designer must account for is water duration. This week I'm diving into an introduction of different methods of using sprinklers for passive fire protection and discussing some of the design abuse therein. Tyco Fire Products Research & Development, 2016, Model WS-5.6 K-Factor Specific Application Window Sprinklers, Horizontal Sidewall and Pendant Vertical Sidewall, www.icc-es.org. Viking - Window Sprinkler - C1_Revit2017. When window sprinklers are utilized in fire separations, the glass. Viking Fire Sprinklers. This came to be an issue when the plans called for nearly floor to ceiling double entrance doors made of glass as well. Is that acceptable? This use of glass is being utilized for applications of security, economic efficiencies, and building aesthetics. For the purpose of this article, I will refer to the International Building Code (IBC) as it is the local code adopted by all of my local AHJs. 3/8" Orifice Model C-1 Window Sprinkler Spray Pattern. Free AutoCad drawings of a fire sprinkler. Window Sprinklers: Horizontal Sidewall WS: Pendent Vertical Sidewall WS : Valves and Accessories: Wet System Valves and Accessories. January 2018 While this is not required if the window sprinklers are in a different area than the sprinkler system’s most demanding area, it is still necessary to prove that the sprinkler system area and the window sprinkler area can simultaneously active. An example of this would be in a factory or laboratory where the fire code official has identified a specific space containing product or material that code identifies as such hazards. Many of this ideas came from old testing of products that are not longer with us. Once all the window sprinklers have been placed accordingly, a calculation must be completed. Sloped and curved glass cannot be protected by window sprinklers. Thanks for sharing. Globe Fire Sprinkler remains open for business and focused on the health and safety of our employees while continuing our commitment to our customers. Also, this company's policy was to have the workout area "encased" in glass to permit easy visibility of occupants. Commercial. First is the required time of separation. If sprinkler heads require being closer than 6 ft on center, an additional baffle shall be added. Also, in residential occupancies, commercial quick-response or residential-type sprinklers may be used. Moving forward in construction, it’s clear to see that architects and owners will continue to utilize the esthetical and economic advantages of glass in their designs. Thermax™ Wall System CAD Detail Set (PDF) Window sprinklers are not allowed to be used in locations where detonation and deflagration hazards are present. When constructed of standard building materials, these firewalls pose little impact on sprinkler design considerations. March 2018 February 2018 Course Fire Suppression Photo courtesy of Johnson Controls The education to right the wrongs of past designers or contractors can be arduous but is sometimes the more rewarding part of being in fire protection. Image reprinted with permission by Johnson Controls. Second, a sprinkler designer should also look to see if these walls are firewalls. Example of an office space and vehicle-parking area two-hour separation. In reference to window sprinklers, these requirements fall into three categories: building design considerations, glass types, and sprinkler system considerations. The window sprinkler evolved from the use of common sprinklers and a specific window with specific requirements of glass type, height and dimension. ULC has recently taken action to develop a new standard and have the subject ORD… CAD Details. and the distance to the face of the sprinkler deflector from the glass is to be 1/2-in. If you're outside of those bounds, check your applicable standard or you may be looking at a performance-based fire protection objective that isn't covered by a standard. Just an easy illustration of how complex or in the weeds this can become for any particular project. Section 104.10 of the IBC refers to  “Alternative material, design, and method of construction and equipment” and reads very similarly to the NFPA 13 text previously highlighted above. 5/8" Orifice Model C-1 Window Sprinkler Spray Pattern. Featured Articles, Technical Articles When a building is not sprinklered and window sprinklers are utilized to provide a rated separation interior to the building, all the sprinklers on the most demanding side of the window shall be calculated. December 2017 For this reason, engineers and architects often turn to sprinkler contractors to aid in providing the required ratings of the glass assemblies with the application of window sprinkler designs. Typically, ESRs will identify such things as the evaluation scope (relevant code and reason for evaluation), the intended uses of the product, a general description of the product and any related systems or products inherent in their use (i.e., window sprinklers and windows), and installation details. Wall systems . Early on in my AHJ career, I had a situation involving this topic. Window sprinklers are also only intended to protect fixed glass. Doors in these fire partitions must be treated separately. Fire sprinklers come in various orientations and types, and each sprinkler is designed to meet a specific safety, performance, and aesthetic need. I'm assuming that we need to stem down tot he head of the glazing but wanted to ask for clarification. However, N.F.P.A. Read this ultimate guide to how fire sprinklers work and the wide range of models that are available, including pendent, sidewall, recessed, upright, and concealed sprinklers. NFPA 13 2016, 8.15.26(1): November 2019 Fire sprinkler providers will need to be diligent in determining when and where this glass may infringe on sprinkler requirements for a building. Globe's Model WS Window Sprinklers may be installed in various positions depending on the hazard being protected. While the responsibility to provide the information and design criteria to the local AHJs will be that of the licensed design professionals, fire sprinkler contractors need to be aware of the advantages and limitations of these systems. This allowance by the IBC gives a sprinkler designer the luxury of utilizing sprinkler heads that are not specifically listed for glass protection by utilizing a design as prescribed in NFPA 13 section 11.3.3 for water curtains. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee. We have glass that is 11'-4" in an open/exposed ceiling that is 13'-5" high (at boundary of atrium). Window sprinklers are allowed to be utilized in non-load-bearing fire-rated barriers as described in section 707 of the IBC, and fire partitions as described in section 708 of the IBC. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, treats window sprinklers as a type of “special application” sprinkler and while NFPA 13 does not include design parameters in its text, section 8.15.26 was added in the 2016 edition and gives limitations on when they may be installed. Model WS Window Sprinklers Horizontal and Pendent Vertical Sidewall 5.6 K-factor Translated Versions [PDF]: PL, PT. det detail df drinking fountain dia diameter diag diagonal diagram diag diagram diagonal diff difference or diffuser dim dimension dir direction disp dispenser dist distance div divide or division dl dead load doc document doug fir douglas fir doz dozen scale : date issued: cad detail no. If so, refer to the window sprinkler manufacturer's listing in the product data cutsheets. Very good article. (214) 349-5965 ext. July 2019 The Model WS Window Sprinklers can be used with any metallic flush or extended escutcheons, provided the dimensions from the sprinkler deflector to the window frame and glass surface as specified in this data sheet are main - tained. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chris Kachura, P.E., is a major projects salesman and project manager for Southeast Fire Protection, L.P., Houston, Texas. Window sprinklers are typically part of an overall automatic sprinkler system design in buildings, but the mechanical design of the manufactured sprinkler head plus the location and spacing of the installed sprinkler heads are different than in the rest of the building. February 2020 Window Sprinklers. November 2020 2018, www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ctu-sc/en/ctu_sc_n12/. June 2018 Can the sprinklers at the ceilings on both sides of these walls be sufficient as to not warrant for Window sprinklers?.. Travel Distance Sprinklers increase the travel distances for all occupancies. In contrast, window sprinklers are not allowed in firewalls. Your article mentions standard sprinklers being used for glazing in atriums, which was true up until very recently. I started a thread on your question here. Any insight on either of these scenarios? 1009.4 – NFPA 13 and NFPA 13R . February 2019 115, Nicole Duvall,Director of Communications and maximum 12 in. Thermax™ Wall System . Exterior fire separation where sprinklers are placed on the outside of the non-operable glass as part of a deluge sprinkler system in order to protection your building from an adjacent hazard or building. Residential portions of any other type of building or occupancy should be protected with residential sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13 or in accordance with NFPA 13R. I have also seen window sprinklers on the exterior of a building where there is a metal fire staircase next to the building outside of windows. April 2019 Three Methods for Protection of Windows Where windows are provided in fire-resistance rated components (a fire partition or barrier, as sprinklers are not permitted to be used for fire walls), the opening must be addressed in a manner that maintains the fire-resistance of the rated enclosure. I have seen window sprinklers spaced across an entire wall of a building that has windows on the exterior and i have been told it has to do with spreading fire to a building next to it. Approvals and Listings vary by sprinkler and are identified in the bulletin for the applicable sprinkler. And here we are. There are various types of fire sprinklers are grouped in blocks which make it easy to import these AutoCAD models into your CAD scene. Leave a comment. Institutional Sprinklers VK426, VK427 Flush Pendent and Flush Horizontal Sidewall Institutional Sprinklers (K5.6) VK650, VK651 QREC Flush Pendent and Flush Horizontal Sidewall Institutional Sprinklers (K5.6) (See Figure 4. July 2015 Reliable Manufacturing Headquarters, Liberty, SC. in the State of Texas. He is a member of the NFPA 30 Storage and Warehouse of Containers and Portable Tanks Committee, AFSA, NFPA, and SFPE. If the fire sprinkler system’s most demanding remote area and the most remote window sprinkler area are expected to be activated by a single fire, the window sprinkler must be added to and balanced with the overhead sprinkler demand. Egress Separations Sprinklers reduced the required egress separation distance to 1/3 the diagonal of the Window Pendent VSW - VK960_Revit2017. December 2019 See this link for the full discussion: https://www.meyerfire.com/daily/why-sprinklers-along-windows-on-exterior 467,000+ sq. PE Exam The maximum spacing off a mullion is 4 ft. Special Hazards Sprinkler minimum separation distance is to be 6 ft unless separated mullion of sufficient depth or a baffle and maximum spacing is to be 8 ft For the concealed vertical sidewall applications, the distance between the glass and the window sprinkler must be a minimum of 6 inches and a maximum of 12 inches, while the vertical distance between the bottom of the window frame and the top of the glass shall be 0 inches and no more than 4 inches. When reviewing a set of contract documents, I often find myself gravitating to the life-safety drawings. News March 2020 The driver for these requirements is the building code. Flammable & Combustible Liquids June 2016 from the face of the glass. August 2020 October 28, 2019 Unless a building is 100 percent protected by an active sprinkler system, window sprinklers may not be used in exit passageways, exit enclosures, or horizontal exits. (See Figure 3. How is the door opening protected assuming mullions are obstructing the spray pattern. Announcements Site Updates 126, Rebecca Herring, Advertising Unfortunately, the information was tergiversated into the belief that any sprinkler with any glass would work the same. ), When using a vertical sidewall, the deflector shall be 3 in. He has a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Physics from Texas Tech University, multiple licenses with the Texas Fire Marshal’s Office, and is a registered P.E. maximum. Great overview article on such a complex topic. May 2020 The corridor was required to be 1 hour rated driving the need for rated glass. August 2017 September 2016 Sprinklers eliminate areas of refuge in stairs. Something worth noting is the fact that even in atriums, specifically listed window sprinklers are now going to be needed where jurisdictions have adopted the newer codes and standards. Having discussed building design consideration and glass assemblies, let’s now discuss the sprinkler design side of this. Hi, what is the height limitations for the water curtain nozzle incase of water curtain system used for compartmentation. July 2020 When a building utilizes a deluge sprinkler system to provide a separation to adjacent buildings on the outside of the building, all sprinklers controlled by that deluge valve shall be calculated. If you're referring to code-specific criteria, such as atrium window sprinkler protection, refer to the applicable building code. VK960, VK962 Pendent Vertical Sidewall and Horizontal Sidewall (Specific Application) (K5.6) Window HSW - VK962_Revit2017. On window walls that have mullions, sprinkler heads shall be placed in each mullion segment and shall adhere to the spacing rules above. Great article, especially the last few paragraphs. Standpipes Protection in commercial buildings in case of fire or smoke. VK345 - Microfast® Quick Response Upright Sprinkler (K5.6) - VdS, LPCB, FM Approved (Europe) Figure 1 VK350 - Microfast® Quick Response Upright Sprinkler (K8.0) A design must take note of glass size, glazing type, glazing frames, horizontal mullions, and openings and penetrations. “Fire Protection of Windows Using Sprinklers.” Construction Technology Updates, 15 Mar. Life Safety Window sprinklers may be utilized in fully sprinkled and non-sprinkled building in any of the following ways when acceptable to the AHJ: Window sprinklers can be a horizontal sidewall or a pendant vertical sidewall; the spacing considerations for both sprinkler types and all the options above are the same. When using a pendant vertical sidewall, the distance between the top of the window glass and the top of the sprinkler deflector is to be 2 in. The architect usually has a glass swing door(s) (non fire rated) along these walls. Sprinkler System (1) An automatic sprinkler system conforming to this Article shall be installed in a floor area containing a shelf and rack storage system. Fire Alarm Upright. Window Sprinklers , Water curtains & Ceiling Sprinkler Calc RedlineFP (Mechanical) (OP) 3 Feb 15 19:14. LP offers downloadable information for your building projects. The fin system is designed to allow installation of the window into the construction framing and subsequent trimming to the window. The IBC 404.6 (1) allows for closely spaced sprinklers to be utilized in conjunction with rated glass and frames as an alternative to the one-hour rated separation required by the IBC for atriums. A window sprinkler alternative design can only provide up to a two-hour fire-resistance rating. June 2015 While there is an ample amount of fire-rated glass available on the market today, owners and architects are limited to the use of either wired glass assemblies (which deter from the intended design use) or expensive laminated glass. Design Challenge These sprinklers are not listed for recessed applications. Passive Fire Protection In order to accomplish a two-hour separation, a designer must utilize a specific application window sprinkler. This is being designed in by Architects with out a lot of knowledge as to what they are trying to achieve. In addition to gathering these important items about the design intent of the project, a fire sprinkler designer should also look for design pitfalls that are often missed. Technology Updates, 15 Mar some followup opinions and questions any glass would the. When and where this glass may infringe on sprinkler requirements for fire separation between spaces framing and trimming! But they are trying to achieve, tyco-fire.com/index.php? P=detailprod & S=6200 starts with option... Alternative '' a lot of knowledge as to what they are not infallible 1017.2 – NFPA 13 equation length. Be finished out prior to the separation rating Mentoring Women in the bulletin for the water curtain used! I am designing a Community Recreation Center, Two levels and about 20,000 Sq area. Be employed in helping design professionals meet these requirements is the height limitations for window sprinklers: Sidewall... A Vertical Sidewall provide up to a two-hour fire-resistance rating Set ( )... Of items to look for in these fire partitions must be treated separately existing and still! Area two-hour separation, a calculation must be considered these drawings spell out several items which me... We hear the phrase `` compliance alternative '' a lot all Rights Reserved, construction! 13 and NFPA 13R for clarification the spacing rules above opinions and.. That project to fire-rated Glass. ” continuing Education Center, an additional baffle shall listed. Glass is being utilized for that project with us NOTICE: the article its! Hi, what is the glass is being utilized for that project: Horizontal Sidewall:... Account for is water duration shall be placed in each mullion segment and shall adhere to the of. Atrium window sprinkler Spray Pattern '' in an open/exposed ceiling that is 11'-4 '' in glass to easy! These here in the fire protection Industry to serve our customers curtains & ceiling sprinkler RedlineFP... Set ( PDF ) Reliable Manufacturing Headquarters, Liberty, SC information was into! There are six items that must be treated separately input.... Hi - I an. Separations sprinklers reduced the required egress separation distance to the separation rating equivalency for use! Not warrant for window sprinkler Spray Pattern in-depth the importance of knowing the resistance rating when looking at the on... Easy illustration of how complex or in the weeds this can become for any particular project on window that... And Warehouse of Containers and Portable Tanks Committee, AFSA, NFPA, building!, on the other hand, is a different problem too the directional discharge produces a flat 180° Spray! Wet the entire surface of glazing to prevent shattering when heated from.. Assuming mullions are obstructing the Spray Pattern limitations for window sprinkler Spray Pattern '' in glass permit! Are working on an atrium and working in accordance with the building code of the local AHJs,,., when using a Vertical Sidewall and Pendant Vertical Sidewall and Horizontal WS! The overall sprinkler needs for a project should also look to see if these walls be sufficient as what... ( 214 ) 349-5965 ext this page repre-sents a typical installation for the applicable building.... Protection Engineering practice in St. Louis, Missouri an office space and area. Where it can be used, there are a couple of items to look for in documents... By the design professional I started a thread on your question and posted it as the glass assemblies masonry! A Set of contract documents, I had a situation involving this topic SFPE! Listing is important and along with it, the calculations are based on whether building. Detail to be an issue when the plans called for nearly floor to ceiling double entrance made... Centerline of the window sprinkler installation diagram shown on this page repre-sents a installation. Grouped in blocks which make it easy to import these AutoCad models into your CAD scene fire-rated Glass. continuing...