NFPA 13 Exception Overview
Alternative method to sprinklers in regards to construction specifications for NFPA 13, Combustible Concealed Spaces, citing provisions of Section 8.14.1.1 and Exception 8.14.2.11.
Section 8.14.1.1 Concealed Spaces Requiring Sprinkler Protection. “All concealed spaces enclosed wholly or partly by exposed combustible construction shall be protected by sprinklers except in concealed spaces where sprinklers are not required to be installed by 8.14.1.2.1 through 8.14.1.2.15.”
Exception 8.14.2.11 “Concealed spaces in which the exposed materials are constructed entirely of fire – retardant treated wood as defined by NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant Impregnated Wood and Fire Retardant Coatings for Building Materials, shall not require sprinkler protection.”
NFPA 13-2002 8.14.1.2.10 "Concealed spaces where rigid materials are used and the exposed surfaces have a flame spread rating of 25 or less and the materials have been demonstrated not to propagate fire in the form in which they are installed shall not require sprinkler protection."
NFPA 13-2007 8.15.1.2.10 "Concealed spaces where rigid materials are used and the exposed surfaces have a flame spread index of 25 or less, and the materials have been demonstrated not to propagate fire when tested in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, extended for an additional 20 minutes in the form in which they are installed, shall not require sprinkler protection."
No-Burn Qualifications
The technical justification for granting this modification are from the results of the comparative
performance testing using:
- NFPA 286 Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior
Finish to Room Fire Growth - NFPA 703 Standard for Fire-Retardant Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building
Materials - NFPA 255 Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
- ICC AC 363 Acceptance Criteria for Surface-Applied Fire-Retardant Coatings
- ICC ES Report ESR-1838 – Field applied fire retardant coatings to the exposed surfaces of wood substrates as an interior finish in the interior of new and existing construction to achieve the flame-spread and smoke-developed indices required by the applicable code
The No-Burn installations and application certifications will adhere to the Fire Resistive Class Rating (FRCR) classifications process required by the ICC ES Report ESR-1838. No-Burn Installations are applied by certified No-Burn SE, Inc. technicians.Per the above stated information, the use of No-Burn® products are an acceptable alternative to sprinkler applications in accordance to the NFPA 13, Concealed Combustible Spaces.
