When starting a new construction project for a commercial building, one important consideration to make during the process is making sure that the building follows the federal and state rules and regulations for fire protection. It is undeniably important for protecting valuable property and ensuring the safety of the occupants; thus, commercial building owners need to know if their building is required to have an automatic sprinkler system or not. Don’t worry if you are unfamiliar with the world of fire and life safety, Hiller is your resource for fire protection.
Commercial Fire Sprinklers Purpose
Fire sprinkler systems are an essential element of a building’s protection against fires. These systems typically include a piping network, water supply, fire pumps, valves and sprinkler heads which can be installed in exposed and finish conditions. They are heat activated, meaning that when they detect an elevated temperature, they automatically activate to release water from the sprinkler heads to suppress the fire in the room. These systems are designed to protect the building from destruction, and ultimately save lives.
Does your Commercial Building Need Fire Sprinklers According to NFPA 13 and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction?
There are many factors that go into the determination of whether a building will require fire sprinklers, typically this will depend on the type of business, area, structure and building occupancy.
Business type: New construction buildings and spaces that require significant renovations will require fire sprinklers. Commercial buildings including, but not limited to, offices, restaurants, retail spaces, labs, etc., will also need to have an automatic sprinkler system.
High-risk Areas: Commercial buildings may have areas that are considered to be “high-risk” for fires, such as kitchens, storage rooms, and parking garages, and warehouses are also going to require specialized sprinkler systems tailored to the specific risks associated with these types of areas.
Mixed-Use Buildings: Like the high-risk areas, multi-use commercial buildings will likely have different rooms with different levels of risk. It is crucial that an expert who is knowledgeable on these factors is involved in the construction process to ensure that these guidelines are met for the entirety of the building.
Each authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) has specific ordinances that are customized to their region while taking into account NFPA 13. Experts in the industry like those at Hiller can help navigate these requirements and assist to identify the system that’s best for your project.
Call Hiller Today
Our highly trained professionals have extensive experience and knowledge of fire sprinkler systems. Our experts are capable of designing sprinkler systems for a wide range of commercial buildings, from offices to multi-story high rises. Hiller provides comprehensive fire sprinkler services including inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair. Contact us today to learn more.