Skip to content 
Fire protection and life safety are everything to every commercial building owner.
A fire breakout does not only threaten the lives of tenants, employees, and customers but also properties and livelihoods.
That is why fire sprinkler systems are a must for every commercial establishment, such as offices, retail stores, and apartment buildings. A fire sprinkler system acts as a protection and defense line for people and property against fires.
In this article, we’ll discuss the fire sprinkler requirements for commercial properties and how having one can promote fire safety and protection.
What Are Fire Sprinklers?
A fire sprinkler is a device installed in ceilings or sidewalls, consisting of a water supply, a water distribution system, and sprinkler heads. It detects heat from a fire and automatically discharges water to slow down or extinguish the danger.
Even if the fire has already started by the time the sprinkler is activated, the system can still provide enough help to give building occupants more time to evacuate from the establishment before the fire spreads out more.
It also slows down the damage until the firefighters and a fire marshal arrive in the fire area.
When is a Fire Sprinkler System Required?
There are certain sets of standards that require sprinklers in commercial buildings such as the International Fire Code Section 903 2 (Summary of Occupancy-Related Automatic Sprinklers Thresholds), the International Building Code Chapter 9 (Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13.
The NFPA 13 is the national standard for the installation of sprinkler systems for fire safety.
It has the basic set of rules and regulations across the U.S., with possible additional local safety requirements and building codes in different states.
Some of the important sprinkler requirements include the following:
- Fire sprinklers are required in all new build commercial buildings with a fire area exceeding 5,000 square feet
- Installation of a fire sprinkler system is also required for any type of renovation or remodeling that extends the fire area beyond 5 000 square feet
- If a single tenant expansion brings the fire area beyond 12 000 square feet, fire sprinkles must also be installed.
- A fire sprinkler system is needed in townhomes with more than two residential occupants per building, and buildings with more than 55 feet in height.
- Fire pumps should be installed to help in increasing the pressure in fire sprinklers. The pump must be placed in a fire-rated room in the same building, or a separate building.
What Size Building Requires a Sprinkler System?
Square Footage: In many jurisdictions, buildings over a certain size, typically around 5,000 square feet, are required to have a fire sprinkler system. For example, the International Building Code (IBC) often mandates sprinklers in buildings exceeding 12,000 square feet.
Height: High-rise buildings, typically defined as structures over 75 feet in height, often require sprinkler systems.
Occupancy Load: Buildings designed to accommodate large numbers of people may require sprinklers even if they do not meet specific size thresholds.
When Are Fire Sprinklers Required in Commercial Buildings?
Type of Business: Commercial buildings such as hotels, offices, and retail spaces generally require fire sprinklers. This includes new constructions and significant renovations.
Specific Areas: Certain areas within commercial buildings, like kitchens, storage areas with high fire load, and assembly areas, may have specific sprinkler requirements.
Mixed-Use Buildings: Buildings that combine residential and commercial uses may require sprinklers throughout to ensure comprehensive fire protection.
When Did Sprinkler Systems Become Mandatory in Arizona?
Residential Buildings: In 2010, the state of Arizona adopted regulations that required fire sprinklers in newly constructed one- and two-family homes. However, enforcement of this regulation varies, as local municipalities can choose to opt-out.
Commercial Buildings: Arizona has followed NFPA and IBC guidelines, which have required sprinklers in certain commercial buildings for many years. Specific adoption dates for commercial sprinkler requirements may vary by locality.
What is an Automatic Sprinkler System?
An automatic sprinkler system is a network of pipes filled with water and fitted with sprinkler heads that activate automatically when a fire is detected. This system aims to control or extinguish fires at an early stage.
Components:
- Sprinkler Heads: Devices that discharge water when the heat from a fire causes a heat-sensitive element to activate.
- Pipes: The network that distributes water throughout the building.
- Control Valves: Regulate the flow of water in the system.
- Alarm Systems: Often integrated to notify occupants and emergency services when the system is activated.
Types:
- Wet Pipe Systems: Always filled with water and most common in buildings.
- Dry Pipe Systems: Filled with pressurized air or nitrogen, used in environments where pipes are at risk of freezing.
- Pre-action Systems: Require a preliminary event, such as the activation of a smoke detector, before water fills the pipes.
Install A Fire Sprinkler System Now!
Both commercial and residential establishments are prone to fire accidents, and installing fire sprinklers is undeniably helpful in these unwanted emergencies.
Only a qualified professional can install this system so make sure to check your state’s building code and fire safety regulations before proceeding with the installation.
If you need a reputable professional to take care of your fire safety needs, B&W Fire Security Systems is here for you.
At B&W Fire Security Systems, we take pride in servicing all our valued customers.
We provide affordable inspection, installation, testing, and preventive maintenance for kinds of fire sprinkler systems. We also offer 24/7 emergency service on all aspects of fire protection equipment.
Contact us today to experience our award-winning services!
Do you have questions regarding fire sprinkler inspection? Leave a comment and ask questions or share your thoughts below!
