As architecture and interior design of new construction continues to leverage creative means to provide an open look and feel, these more open designs often include glass in areas where rated construction is required. Windows serve as an opening in fire rated assemblies that are required to be rated based on the functionality of the assembly it
protrudes. A common, but often cost prohibitive method to provide a fire resistance rating to windows is through fire rated glazing that is tested in accordance with NFPA 257 or UL 9. Another method that is frequently used is to utilize automatic sprinklers to protect the opening. This approach is often misapplied within the industry, but as long as careful consideration is provided to the design it can be an effective means of fire protection. The building code does not permit the use of active fire suppression in lieu of passive fire protection without an alternative means and methods request being developed. New language was added to the 2012 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) which clarified this requirement as follows: In order to utilize sprinklers in lieu of glazed glass in a fire resistance rated assembly , an alternative means and methods or variance in accordance with IBC §104.10 or §104.11 must be submitted and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The variance / alternative means and methods request would include a performance argument that addresses how the alternative design complies with the intent of the
provision of the code. In this case the intent is to show that use of window sprinklers there is potentially an overreliance on one type of system (automatic sprinklers) to accomplish two different defense-in-depth elements to achieve life safety in the building: Prevent fire growth: relies on automatic sprinklers Prevent fire spread throughout the building: relies on fire rated construction (and sprinklers if
they are “rating” the wall) In order to minimize the likelihood that window sprinklers will be out of service at the same time as general area sprinklers, serving the window sprinklers from an independent sprinkler zone valve should be considered. As part of the alternative means and methods request, the registered design professional should consult new guidance in NFPA 13 (2016 Edition) that require
specifically listed window sprinklers to be used when protecting glass, except where the building code specifically allows standard spray sprinklers (such as for atrium separation). The use of ANSI/UL10B: Standard for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies can used as an alternative testing standard. Section 10 of this standards comprises of a hose
stream test to determine how a heated surface responds to water. During testing, the gas flow required to achieve the time/temperature relationship specified in ASTM E119 was established without sprinkler protection. A window assembly with window sprinklers was then installed in the test furnace and were applied over a two-hour period. The window assembly with window sprinklers did not show and cracking or visible damage during the testing period. This indicates that a
window with listed window sprinklers provide an equivalent level of fire-resistance rating. This testing data should be considered in the development of an alternative means and methods request. When the use of window sprinklers is found acceptable to the AHJ, window sprinklers may be used in either sprinklered or unsprinklered buildings to protect non
operable window openings. Window sprinklers have very specific listing conditions, including glass height, protected area, spacing of mullions, etc.. These requirements must be carefully reviewed by the design team prior to specifying glass and laying out the sprinkler layout.Code
Requirements
Under the prescriptive fire-resistance requirements of the International
Building Code, the fire-resistance rating of a building element, component or assembly shall be established without the use of automatic sprinklers or any other fire suppression system being incorporated as part of the assembly tested in accordance with the fire exposure, procedures, and acceptance criteria specified in ASTM E 119 or UL 263. However, this section shall not prohibit or limit the duties and powers of the building official allowed by Sections 104.10 and 104.11.
Equivalence Testing
Design Criteria
FireLite Plus WS
WS
FIRE RATING
UP TO 120 Minutes
FireLite Plus® WS is a nominal 5/16” (8 mm) thick laminated glazing material listed for use in doors, sidelites, transoms and borrowed lites. When acceptable to the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), FireLite Plus WS may be used in combination with TYCO Model WS Window Sprinklers as an alternative to fire rated assemblies requiring a 2-hour rating. Unlike tempered glass, using FireLite Plus WS glazing eliminates TYCO’s WS Special Application Sprinkler requirement for keeping combustible materials a minimum of 2" from the glass face (typically accomplished by incorporating a minimum 36" ponywall).
"There are no problems, only solutions."
KEY FEATURES
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ATTRIBUTES
DOCUMENTATION & USE
TYCO Model WS Window Sprinklers are the first to be specifically listed to provide complete wetting and coverage for FireLite Plus WS glass for windows and glazing using closed sprinklers. As part of the sprinkler testing, the gas flow required to achieve the time/temperature relationship specified in ASTM E119 was established in a test furnace. A window assembly protected with the TYCO Model WS Window Sprinklers was then installed in the test furnace, and the same gas flow conditions were maintained for a two-hour test period. No cracking or visible damage to the window was permitted during the test period, even when a hose stream was directed at the window.
The Model WS Window Sprinkler and FireLite Plus WS glazing can be used as interior protection of windows or glazing in a sprinklered or non-sprinklered building in accordance with Section 104 of the International Building Code (IBC) (“Alternate Materials, Design and Methods of Construction and Equipment”). TYCO Model WS Window Sprinkler and FireLite Plus WS glazing can be used as an open sprinkler for “Outside Sprinkler Protection against Exposure Fire”, using the design requirements of NFPA.
Important: For complete information, application, detail drawings and design criteria, please refer to the TYCO Model WS product information document ‘TFP 620’ which may be found at www.tyco-fire.com
LISTINGS
FireLite Plus (including FireLite Plus WS) is classified and labeled by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.® and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada. File number for labeled fire-rated assemblies is R13377. Tests performed in accordance with:
UL 9 UL 10B UL 10C
NFPA 80 NFPA 252 NFPA 257
CAN/ULC-S104 CAN/ULC-S106
MEA 290-90-M-6 LARR 25798
SURFACE OPTIONS
Click on the images below for a larger view, or for more information about FireLite surface grades, please see our Premium FireLite FAQ.
FireLite Premium Grade
FireLite Premium Grade is the industry leader for quality and is unmatched by alternative products or production methods. Both of its surfaces are ground and polished to provide superior surface quality, improving the overall clarity.
FireLite Standard Grade
FireLite Standard Grade polished surface quality is comparable to alternative fire-rated ceramics that are marketed as having a premium finish.