What is the maximum area allowed for compartment openings?

What is the maximum area allowed for compartment openings?

• A. 25 ft2
• B. 50 ft2
• C. 75 ft2
• D. 100 ft2

Answer: (B)

In NFPA 13R for low-rise residential buildings, you limit the total area of openings in the boundary of a fire compartment to keep fire growth and heat venting under control so the sprinkler system can do its job effectively. The maximum allowed combined area of openings (such as windows and doors that connect the compartment to other spaces) is 50 square feet. If openings were larger, fire and heat could spread more quickly before the sprinklers can suppress it; smaller openings, like 25 square feet, are within the limit but not the maximum, while larger values (75 or 100 square feet) exceed the standard.

In NFPA 13R for low-rise residential buildings, you limit the total area of openings in the boundary of a fire compartment to keep fire growth and heat venting under control so the sprinkler system can do its job effectively. The maximum allowed combined area of openings (such as windows and doors that connect the compartment to other spaces) is 50 square feet. If openings were larger, fire and heat could spread more quickly before the sprinklers can suppress it; smaller openings, like 25 square feet, are within the limit but not the maximum, while larger values (75 or 100 square feet) exceed the standard.