Sprinkler systems in garages that are used only for the parking of vehicles shall be designed for which of the following hazard classifications?

According to NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, occupancies are classified based on their fuel load and expected rate of heat release. Garages used exclusively for parking vehicles are explicitly listed as an example of an Ordinary Hazard (Group 1) occupancy. This classification reflects a moderate quantity of combustibles (the vehicles) with a low combustibility profile and an expected moderate rate of heat release in a fire scenario. The design density and sprinkler spacing are determined by this classification to ensure effective fire control.

A. Light hazard: This classification is for areas with low quantities of combustibles and low heat release rates, such as offices or classrooms, which is not representative of a vehicle parking garage.

C. Ordinary hazard (Group 2): This classification is for occupancies with a higher quantity and/or combustibility of contents, such as repair garages or manufacturing facilities, which involve more hazards than simple parking.

D. High hazard: This classification is reserved for areas with very high fuel loads or materials that burn with high heat release rates, such as aircraft hangars or flammable liquid storage, which far exceeds the risk in a parking garage.

1. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2022 Edition. Annex A, Section A.4.3.3.1, "Ordinary Hazard (Group 1)." This section explicitly lists "Parking garages" as an example of an Ordinary Hazard (Group 1) occupancy.

2. NFPA 88A, Standard for Parking Structures, 2023 Edition. Chapter 6, Section 6.4.1. This standard mandates that where automatic sprinkler systems are required, they shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13, reinforcing NFPA 13 as the governing document for the system's design criteria, including hazard classification.

3. Cote, A. E. (Ed.). (2008). Fire Protection Handbook (20th ed., Vol. 2). National Fire Protection Association. Section 17, Chapter 2, "Automatic Sprinkler System Design," pp. 17-24 - 17-25. The handbook discusses occupancy hazard classifications and aligns with the examples provided in NFPA 13, placing parking garages in the Ordinary Hazard (Group 1) category.