Are sprinklers required in all protective compartments?

Are sprinklers required in all protective compartments?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only in kitchens
• D. Only in exterior compartments

Answer: (A)

In NFPA 13R, sprinklers are required in all protective compartments. A protective compartment is an interior space—such as a room or a defined area bounded by walls and floors—that helps confine a fire. Placing sprinkler heads in every compartment ensures that a fire is controlled where it starts, limits its growth, and protects occupants as they escape while the system operates. If a compartment lacked sprinklers, a fire could grow and spread to adjacent spaces before suppression or safe exit is achieved. Kitchens and other habitable interior spaces are included in this coverage, because the goal is uniform protection throughout all interior compartments. Options suggesting sprinklers are needed only in kitchens or only in exterior compartments don’t align with providing full interior compartment protection.

In NFPA 13R, sprinklers are required in all protective compartments. A protective compartment is an interior space—such as a room or a defined area bounded by walls and floors—that helps confine a fire. Placing sprinkler heads in every compartment ensures that a fire is controlled where it starts, limits its growth, and protects occupants as they escape while the system operates. If a compartment lacked sprinklers, a fire could grow and spread to adjacent spaces before suppression or safe exit is achieved. Kitchens and other habitable interior spaces are included in this coverage, because the goal is uniform protection throughout all interior compartments. Options suggesting sprinklers are needed only in kitchens or only in exterior compartments don’t align with providing full interior compartment protection.