Sprinklers installed in all areas unless exceptions apply.

Sprinklers installed in all areas unless exceptions apply.

• A. Sprinklers are required in all areas unless exceptions apply.
• B. Sprinklers are required only in basements.
• C. Sprinklers are not required if there are smoke detectors.
• D. Sprinklers only in new construction.

Answer: (A)

Automatic sprinklers in low-rise residential buildings are planned to cover most areas of the dwelling, with only clearly defined exceptions. The standard is built so there’s sprinkler protection throughout the living spaces, bedrooms, corridors, and typical service areas, providing a uniform level of fire protection. That’s why the idea of sprinklers being installed in all areas unless exceptions apply is the correct framing: protection is required broadly, but the code does allow specific, predefined exceptions for certain spaces. Sprinklers only in basements would leave occupied living areas unprotected. Not requiring sprinklers if there are smoke detectors confuses detection with suppression—detectors don’t provide the same fire control as sprinklers. Sprinklers only in new construction ignores the need for protection in existing buildings where required by the code and local enforcement.

Automatic sprinklers in low-rise residential buildings are planned to cover most areas of the dwelling, with only clearly defined exceptions. The standard is built so there’s sprinkler protection throughout the living spaces, bedrooms, corridors, and typical service areas, providing a uniform level of fire protection. That’s why the idea of sprinklers being installed in all areas unless exceptions apply is the correct framing: protection is required broadly, but the code does allow specific, predefined exceptions for certain spaces.

Sprinklers only in basements would leave occupied living areas unprotected. Not requiring sprinklers if there are smoke detectors confuses detection with suppression—detectors don’t provide the same fire control as sprinklers. Sprinklers only in new construction ignores the need for protection in existing buildings where required by the code and local enforcement.