Building Codes FAQ
What are the Travel Distance Limits?
- Check NFPA 101 – xx.2.6 and 7.6 (Travel Distance Limits).
- Check NFPA 101 – xx.2.5.3 (Common Path of Travel).
- Check NFPA 101 – xx.2.5.2 (Dead-end Limit).
- Check this video about (Travel Distance), (Dead-end) and (Common Path of Travel).
- Check this video about (Travel distance to Smoke Compartment)
What are the required Fire Ratings?
- Check NFPA 101 – xx.3.6 (Required Fire Rating for Corridors).
- Check NFPA 101 – xx.3.1 (Required Fire Rating for Staircases, > 3-stories or ≤ 3 stories).
- Check NFPA 101 – xx.3.2 (Hazardous Areas Protection).
- Check NFPA 101 – Table 6.1.14.4.1(a) (Occupancy Separation Requirements).
- Check NFPA 5000 – Table 7.4.1 (Max. Floor Area and Building Height)
- Check NFPA 5000 – Table 7.3.2.1 (Fire Resistance Ratings for Exterior Walls)
- Check this video for (External Wall Fire Rating Requirements)
- Check this video for (Smoke Compartment Exit)
What are the minimum widths required for Corridor, Door, Ramp and Stair?
- Check NFPA 101 – xx.2.3 (Corridor Width).
- Check NFPA 101 – xx.2.3 and Table 3.3.3 (Door Width).
- Check this video for (Door Encroachment requirements)
How to know How Many Exits are required?
- Check NFPA 101 – xx.2.4 and 7.4 (Number of Means of Exit).
- Check this video for (Door Locations).
How to determine the Occupant Load?
- Check this (Sample Calculations).
- Refer to NFPA 101 – Table 7.3.1.2 (Occupant Load Factor).
- Check also this video (Occupant Load 6.0).
When is Fire Sprinkler System required to be provided in the building?
- Sprinklers are normally required for ‘High Rise’ buildings.
- Check NFPA 101 – xx.3.5.1 and 9.7 (Sprinkler requirements per Occupancy Type).
When is Fire Alarm System required to be provided in the building?
- Check NFPA 101 – xx.3.4.1 and 9.6 (Fire Alarm System Requirements per Occupancy Type).