One of the most common code requirements that architects and engineers need to address in commercial buildings are fire separation requirements. The design a fire-separation partition with significant areas of glass must ensure the glass does not explode under fire conditions. A common assumption is that fire-rated glass is required to meet code; however, the use of a curtain wall fire sprinkler system designed and tested to meet fire-rating requirements for glass partitions is a very cost effective method to deliver code compliance and occupant safety.
Furthermore, a wet sprinkler system is easier to install, less expensive, and easier to maintain that a dry system. By utilizing an nVent RAYCHEM pipe freeze protection system in conjunction with a wet fire sprinkler system, protection for curtain wall applications can be very cost effective and fully code compliant.
What are Window Sprinklers?
Window sprinklers are different from the standard ceiling-mounted sprinklers that are designed to protect contents and occupants generally. Window sprinklers are a specialized portion of an automatic fire sprinkler system designed to ensure safety glass in fixed windows remains cool enough to maintain structural integrity during a fire event. This application’s unique sprinkler head design points directly at the glass to release water for fire protection when needed. Window sprinklers can only be used with fixed window assemblies. They are not allowed for use with movable windows or glass doors.
Window sprinklers are a specific type of fire-protection equipment that readily incorporates into a typical automatic sprinkler system. As such, they provide a coordinated automatic fire-protection solution for the curtain walls and other glass partitions.
Heat Tracing for Curtain Fire Sprinkler Systems
For areas where freezing conditions may occur, NFPA 13 allows for some trace heating systems to be used on curtain fire sprinkler systems. Only heat tracing systems that are specifically listed and certified for this purpose are code compliant. This certification covers glass in curtain walls and other glass partition applications.
It is important to verify that the equipment used on a fire sprinkler system is listed and certified for this specific use. A trace heating system intended for fire sprinkler applications, including curtain wall applications, is typically composed of several elements including the trace heating cable, components and accessories, and associated controls.
UL’s certification of a heat tracing systems for fire sprinklers includes elements from IEEE 515.1 that are relevant to sprinkler systems along with additional requirements described in UL 515A, Outline of Investigation for Electrical Resistance Trace Heating and Associated Controls for Use In Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems.
To learn more information about specifying nVent RAYCHEM products approved by UL for fire sprinkler applications, click here to get in touch with one of our experts.
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