Conform to the requirements of both Illinois (105 ILCS 5/22-23) and Chicago Building Code (CBC).
For a complete system replacement or replacement of the Fire Pump Assembly, refer to Volume 3, Chapter 8, Building Systems - Fire Protection, for Design standards and sizing criteria.
Renovations
- Review the existing conditions to determine if the building has a sprinkler system in place.
- When the existing building is sprinklered, the level of protection shall not be reduced/diminished. Revise existing sprinkler system as required to maintain sprinkler protection
- Modifications to an existing sprinkler system and fire pump shall include connections for water flow and tamper switches, monitoring of two alarm points on all dry pipe and pre-action fire alarm systems – alarm and trouble. Provide exterior sprinkler system bell and visual notification devices as applicable.
- Coordinate with electrical engineer and verify final quantity and location of all devices requiring electrical supervision.
- Provide a sprinkler system when alterations/renovations affect 50% or more of the square footage of the school building.
- Review the definitions of alteration and extraordinary repair outlined in the Illinois Administrative Code, Section 400.210 when determining affected area.
- Provide a sprinkler system when both –
- The changes increase the hazard index number as outlined in CBC Title 14R Section 1011.
- Sprinklers would be required for new construction of the same occupancy type, construction type, height and area.
- Provide a sprinkler system as required by CBC Title 14R in any building undergoing a repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition, or relocation.
- Provide a sprinkler system throughout buildings of Type III, IV, or V construction and with two or more stories above grade and which contain a Group E occupancy as outlined in Municipal Code of Chicago Title 14X-5-504.2
- Provide a sprinkler system throughout existing buildings of Type III, IV, or V construction and with two or more stories above grade plan which is used entirely for education above the 12th grade, adult education, or as a commercial or vocational school for more than 100 persons, must be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system which contain Group B, Adult Education occupancy as outlined in Municipal Code of Chicago 14X-5-504.2.3.
- Provide a sprinkler system in all high-rise buildings as outlined in Municipal Code of Chicago Title 14X-5-504.2
- Provide a standpipe system in all high-rise buildings as outlined in Municipal Code of Chicago Title 14X-5-504.4
- Determine level of alteration or change of occupancy, and provide any required fire protection system upgrades as outline in Municipal Code of Chicago Title 14R.
- Verify age of existing sprinklers and provide scope of work to replace sprinklers as needed.
- Standard response sprinklers must be tested or replaced after 50 years and every 10 years thereafter.
- After 75 years sprinklers must be replaced or tested every 5 years.
- Sprinklers manufactured prior to 1920 must be replaced.
- Fast response sprinklers are mostly required these days in schools, and those must be tested after 20 years and every 10 years thereafter.
- Dry sprinklers must be tested after 10 years and every 10 years thereafter.