9.8.2.3. |
"The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation above a room containing a fuel-fired appliance is not required where the room is fully sprinklered, providing a minimum average density of 6.5L/min/m2 over the room area." | |
Intent: |
This Article permits the installation of sprinkler
protection to be provided in lieu of upgrading the fire separation for
the ceiling in aroom containing a fuel-fired appliance.
In many existing houses, pipes and ducts concentrated in these rooms may make it very difficult and impractical to install a membrane below the wooden floor joists, in order to provide a fire separation with a 30 min or 15 min fire resistance rating. This Article recognizes that sprinkler protection can be effective in protecting the exposed ceiling from fire, provided the sprinklers have an adequate water supply. |
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Other Resources: |
Commentary On Changes To The Ontario Fire Code Retrofit Section 9.8 (Ontario Regulation 385/94), OFC Sentences 9.3.2.5.(2), 9.4.2.10.(3) and 9.5.2.10.(3). | |
Application: |
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| Q1: | When Article 9.8.2.3. is being applied, is it necessary to fire stop
the ceiling space in the furnace room in order to ensure that the
existing fire separation is a continuous barrier against the spread of
fire to comply with Sentence 9.8.2.1.(2)? |
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| A1: | Yes. This Article only allows the requirement for the "fire
resistance rating" to be waived when sprinkler protection is provided.
The fire separation must still be constructed as a continuous barrier
against the spread of fire.
Ceiling spaces must be protected with suitable fire stop materials. In some instances, the openings can be readily caulked with mineral wool or other noncombustible materials.
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| Q2: | The water supply is not adequate to comply with the flow rate specified in this Article. Is there any further alternatives for compliance. | |
| A2: | The Chief Fire Official may accept an alternative for compliance
under the provisions of Article 9.1.2.4.
The Commentary On Changes To The Ontario Fire Code Retrofit Section 9.8 (Ontario Regulation 385/94), contains an example of such an alternative. "The Chief Fire Official may deem the existing water supply to be acceptable to serve a single sprinkler head where the wooden joists and subflooring exposed in the room are protected with at least 1 layer of 15.9 mm of Type X gypsum wall board wherever possible. Any remaining openings exposing the combustible structure must be caulked with mineral wool or noncombustible material. The sprinkler head must be installed in a location that will provide optimum coverage within the room, and the area of the room must not exceed 9.5 m² ." |
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