A failure to eliminate exception 4 from r501 3 and r302 13 could lead to a firefighter falling through an unprotected 2x10 or flak jacket coated i joist floor and being maimed or killed due to an erroneous assumption the system adheres to the traditional 20 minute rule in contrast by providing a gypsum wallboard membrane ceiling.
Access floor fire protection.
Safire raised access floor barriers are purpose manufactured from rock fibre material to seal the void between a raised access floor and the floor slab thus preventing the spread of fire and smoke within concealed floor spaces and at junctions between floor and walls.
Nfpa 75 requires an automatic sprinkler system or a gaseous fire extinguishing system to be provided for the protection of the area below a raised floor in an it equipment room or it equipment area where one or more of the following exist.
Other than the few exceptions introduced in 2013 the requirements are clear.
Aim raised access floor fire barrier prevents fire from spreading under the floor void for at least the period of fire rating specified.
Raised floor fire protection utilizing separate suppression zones for both above floor and sub floor spaces is a common practice in areas where the subfloor contains a significant hazard fuel load.
Rated for upto 6 hours seals voids upto 600mm high.
The fire inspector has just asked us what fire suppression system we will have under the raised floor in addition to the fire suppression in the ceiling.
So whether you agree or disagree these few paragraphs are embedded into nfpa 13 and hence the safest bet would be to assume that they are enforceable by the authorities having jurisdiction ahj unless proven otherwise.
Aim raised access floor fire barrier is made from high density rockwool stone wool slab faced with class o foil.
Rated for up to 6 hours seals voids up to 600mm high.
You must provide a fire protection system below a raised floor and you have three options to pick from.
I have been in a lot of data centers and not once has anyone pointed out a 2nd fire suppression system under the raised floor.
There is a critical need to protect data reduce equipment damage and facilitate a return to service.