Fire Protection Design Manual - Office of Construction and Facilities ...

September-2011
Exception 4: FM Approved standard response sprinklers shall be permitted where quick
response sprinklers are prohibited. (e.g., elevator shafts or elevator machine rooms) and as
noted below.
Note: It is permissible on a case by case basis to install standard response sprinklers in
spaces within smoke zones that are protected by quick response sprinklers, such as in a main
electrical switch gear room. (It is generally not permissible to mix standard and quick
response sprinkler heads within a room or corridor). The risk of an accidental discharge
due to physical damage of the sprinkler is lessened with the installation of standard response
sprinklers since they generally have an operating element that is more massive than the
operating element of quick response heads. The advantage gained in response time by
installing quick response sprinklers would not be worth the increased risk to the electrical
equipment and personnel due to possible accidental discharge of a QR sprinkler. (It is
easier to break a quick response glass bulb head by striking it from the side than it is to
break a standard response glass bulb head).
L. Install UL listed or FM approved “institutional” type quick response sprinklers in psychiatric
areas where sheet rock or plaster ceilings are required by PG-18-14, Room Finishes, Door
and Hardware Schedule. Installation of “institutional” sprinklers in psychiatric areas with
lay-in acoustical tile ceilings may be appropriate where constant supervision by staff is not
provided. Consult facility for locations and for additional requirements. Show these areas
on drawings.
Note: For additional requirements concerning mental health facilities, consult with the
facility patient safety manager or suicide prevention coordinator and obtain a copy of the
VHA Mental Health Environment of Care Checklist (MHEOCC). Note: The issue of where
to place “institutional” sprinkler heads should be taken to the facility safety
committee/patient safety/risk management group. Staff supervision of the patients, other
institutional building features, and clinical diagnoses will all play a part in whether
“institutional” type sprinklers are required.
There are no standardized tests that are used to qualify a sprinkler as an “institutional” type
sprinkler. “Institutional” is a marketing term used by the manufacturers of the sprinklers.
At the present time, there are no FM approved sprinklers that are marketed as
“institutional” type. At the time of design, it is recommended that the market be surveyed
and that the sprinkler model with the most favorable characteristics be specified.
The following features are typically characteristic of an “institutional” sprinkler:
� Tamper resistant construction including a tamper-resistant escutcheon to reduce the
possibility of the escutcheon being removed and used as a weapon.
� Components designed to break away to reduce the possibility of being used as an anchor
for hanging. (Tyco TFP MAX [Pendent & Sidewall] 75lbs dynamic load, Viking VK410
[Pendent] 30lbs at 6 inches, Viking VK412 [Sidewall] 40lbs at 6 inches, Reliable XL
INST [Pendent and Sidewall] 50lbs at 1 inch). {Information above is for quick response
institutional sprinklers as of 4/02/2007}.
Note: While institutional fire sprinklers may be designed to break at pre-determined static or
dynamic loads, it is possible for compression of the jugular or carotid arteries to occur with
as little as 4 pounds causing death. Therefore it is very important that fire sprinklers and
their appurtenances not provide any element that could serve as an anchor point for a
lanyard or ligature.
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