Automatic Sprinkler Installation Requirements define the mandatory placement and technical specifications for automatic sprinkler systems within buildings regulated by the 1935-miami-dade-building-code. These requirements are detailed in Chapter 38 of the code, specifically Sections 3801 and 3802 (p. 269-270).
Where Required
Automatic sprinklers are mandated in the following locations:
- Basements and Cellars: In Fire Zone No. 1, sprinklers are required in the cellar or basement of all buildings, except Group I occupancies, unless the basement is separated from the structure above by a four-inch concrete slab with automatic labeled fire doors (p. 269). Sprinklers are also required in basements of all buildings in all fire zones if the space is used for storage of inflammable or combustible materials (p. 269).
- Assembly Occupancies (Group A, B, C): Lines of sprinklers are required in motion picture booths, under the gridiron, under the stage floor, under fly and tie galleries, in dressing rooms, storerooms, property rooms, carpenter shops, paint shops, and passageways behind the proscenium wall (p. 269-270). A line of sprinklers must also be installed in the arch of the proscenium opening in front of every proscenium curtain (p. 269).
- Industrial Occupancies (Group E): Sprinklers are required in planing mills, box factories, and wood-working establishments using more than two power-operated wood-working machines (p. 270). They are also required in mattress factories using cotton, silk floss, mohair, or similar packing materials, and in film exchanges (p. 270).
- Other Occupancies: Sprinklers are required in enclosed occupied spaces below or over stairways in Group B and C buildings, unless the construction is Type I (p. 270). They are also required in Group D, Division 2, and Group H, Division 2, buildings if two or more stories in height (p. 270).
Technical Requirements
Every automatic sprinkler system must comply with the regulations of the national-board-of-fire-underwriters for the installation of automatic sprinkler equipment, specifically the edition of 1931 and its subsequent amendments (p. 270).
- Water Supply: A single water supply equal to the primary supply required by the NBFW regulations is acceptable. If connected to a city water main, the connection must be at least four inches in diameter (p. 270).
- Domestic Water Systems: Sprinklers in certain enclosed spaces (paragraph 6 of Sec. 3801) may be supplied from the domestic water system. If the pressure is less than 25 pounds per square inch, an approved automatic chemical extinguisher may be used instead of sprinklers (p. 270-271).
Jurisdiction
The mechanical operation and testing of sprinkler systems are under the jurisdiction of the building-inspector (specifically the Plumbing Inspector) of the city-of-miami (p. 269).
Related Concepts
- fire-resistive-construction-requirements
- stage-fire-safety-construction
- motion-picture-booth-safety
- fire-zones
- 1935-Miami-Dade-Building-Code_p265_284