[BoulderCouncilHotline] Re: Fire Suppression / OAU ADU codes

[Calderazzo, Michael]

Hi Warren,

I wanted to follow up on your suggestion and let you know that the fire marshal, the chief building official and I have looked into your proposed alternative as a NFPA 13D solution. While not yet UL-listed (and the code does call for a 13D sprinkler system), we agree that this misting solution appears to be a worthy substitute for such code requirements. I want to be clear, though, that our current code does not call for sprinkler retrofits of existing OAUs/ADUs, just new construction.

However, where the code does call for a residential sprinkler install, we would entertain this proposed alternative system subject to the same type of application, permit, and inspections we typically require today. That would mean:


  1.  Plans would need to be submitted for permit;
  2.  The system would need to be inspected with a qualified installer present; and
  3.  Final acceptance would occur according to the manufacturer’s procedures and with a qualified person.

I hope this information is helpful and thank you for your suggestion!


Michael Calderazzo
Fire Chief
[Boulder Fire Rescue]<https://bouldercolorado.gov/fire-rescue>
O: 303-441-3357
C: 720-633-6433
calderazzom at bouldercolorado.gov<mailto:calderazzom at bouldercolorado.gov>

Boulder Fire Rescue
3065 Center Green Dr. | Boulder, CO 80301
Bouldercolorado.gov<https://bouldercolorado.gov/fire-rescue>



On May 31, 2018, at 6:07 PM, Warren Hultquist <whultquist at gmail.com<mailto:whultquist at gmail.com>> wrote:
Dear Council Member Morzel,

In anticipation of the proposed rule changes for OAU's ADU's I've been looking at fire suppression systems for my property.  I have a suggestion that could be beneficial to all.

Current code requires NFPA 13D compliance for fire sprinklers.

I've researched compliant fire sprinkler systems and found the retrofit option is very expensive, difficult, takes up a great deal of space, uses a large amount of water, and puts the property at risk for water damage in the event of a false alarm (rare, but still a big mess).

There's a new and improved fire suppression technology from a company named Plumis that has an "Automist" system. Given the information below, I request that misting systems be allowed to meet the fire OAU / ADU suppression requirement.

According to the company they follow NFPA 750, which is the water mist standard, and their systems are also in both the 2015 IBC and IRC.

The system solves quite a few problems and dramatically reduces the cost, also smartly reducing risk from fire - as well as minimizing water damage.

No large tank necessary, misting doesn't flood the property like conventional systems, and the nozzles can track and prioritize the heat source(s) instead of just flooding the whole place even for a small ignition point.

The nozzles can be wall mounted and/or placed in-line at the base of a faucet. Since the nozzles can be aimed, one mounting point can accommodate a cluster of nozzles.  It connects to the tap and runs on a dedicated electrical circuit.

If water pressure is inadequate, a pump and tank can be mounted in a cabinet (rather than a giant setup required with conventional sprinklers).

Here's a video showing how the system works and how it is ideal for open plan rooms and small spaces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muFiwuWnLAI<https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/hWWwCpYLWVinqWzLF2jygX?domain=youtube.com>

Here's their youtube channel with several case studies and demonstrations of their various options.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-BDIHfYAFijddhdEF0NVVw<https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/oB7DCqxLW8i8n3OrcqTsLk?domain=youtube.com>

Here's their website:

https://plumis.com/<https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/mzGfCrkVW7u87YAjcQb9kz?domain=plumis.com>

Please consider including NFPA 750 (misting systems) in addition to NFPA 13D (sprinkler systems)  for fire suppression.

Thanks,

Warren Hultquist

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://list.ci.boulder.co.us/pipermail/bouldercouncilhotline/attachments/20180605/d1050ea9/attachment.html 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.png
Type: image/png
Size: 100979 bytes
Desc: image001.png
Url : http://list.ci.boulder.co.us/pipermail/bouldercouncilhotline/attachments/20180605/d1050ea9/attachment.png