NEC 2008 700.9-D - Fully Sprinklered

[cvirgil467]

I've searched the forum and did not see this question posted, so here goes:

Section 700.9-D states that emergency feeder-circuit wiring shall be considered protected if a building is defined as fully sprinklered. Conduits are typcially routed above the ceilings. The above ceilings areas are not typically sprinklered, only below the ceiling areas are sprinklered. A building can be defined as "fully sprinklered" even if it does not have sprinklers in areas above the ceiling and other similar spaces that typcially do not have combustibles stored.

So in a building defined as "fully sprinklred" where i have no sprinklers in the ceiling, and i route my emergency feeders and branch circuits above the ceiling, is this meeting code?

No opinions please. Just facts.

Thanks.
C

 

[RICK NAPIER]

The NEC does not define what a fully sprinklered building is. You would need to reference the appropriate codes adopted in your area. If you are using NFPA 13 your answer would be found in concealed spaces not requiring sprinkler protection 8.14.1.2. Generally these areas are noncumbustable and limited combustable areas as per 8.14.1.2.2 and do not require sprinkler protection but check all the requirements.