Fire Sprinklers Anyone?? 2009 IRC Changes
March 27, 2009 · Posted in Uncategorized
photo via constructiondeal.com
I just read that, according to the 2009 IRC Building Codes, all new homes after January 1, 2011 will be required to have fire sprinklers. Some legistlation has been passed in Arizona and North Dakota to over-rule this code, but other states are embracing it. I haven’t heard anything specific about Utah. I think it’s kind of absurd. It would most likely add some $5,000 dollars to the cost of new construction, and a false alarm could cost thousands more. I have to admit, though, that I’m no expert on the subject, so maybe I’m missing something. If anybody has some new info, please let me know.
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I have heard about this as well and it will definitely add cost to a new home, however a false alarm would be very difficult to produce. see the little red ‘vial’ in the photo. that has to break to activate a sprinkler head and the only thing that will break it, other than a swift hit from something, is heat. the liquid inside heats up and expands enough to break the vial and then you’re wet. and unlike how it happens in the incredibles, only the vials that are subject to the heat will go off – not the whole house.
also, the deadline of jan. 1 2011 is not necessarily accurate. the 2009 i-codes have been released and any local jurisdiction can adopt it at any time. however it is unlikely that any will adopt it anytime in the next 6 months.