Chapter 8 of the International Building Code contains the performance requirements for controlling fire growth and smoke propagation within buildings by restricting interior finish and decorative materials. A great deal of interior square footage presents fire hazard; even bulletin boards and decorations; as a simple web search will reveal. We are respectful of the competing requirements of safety and ambience and try to assist in a reconciliation of these two objectives.
Free access to the current edition of the relevant section is linked below:
The public input period of the Group A Codes — which includes the International Fire Code; which contains parent requirements for this chapter — closed in July 2nd. Search on the word “interior”, or “school” or “classroom “in the document linked below for a sample of the ideas in play.
Most of the ICC bibliography lies at the foundation of the safety and sustainability agenda of education communities everywhere so we follow development continuously; setting priorities according to our resources. We keep the issues in this chapter on the standing agenda of our Interiors colloquium. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting; open to everyone.
Modular furniture systems with integral power and telecommunication fittings require attention to power and digital pathways. “Modular systems furniture” is a generic term for bundles of panels, worksurfaces, shelves, and other items sold by a single manufacturer as a package for furnishing offices. The modular furniture system environment is characterized by close proximity to electrical energy. Where there is electrical energy there are concerns for shock and fire safety.
Fire safety considerations appear in NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC)– generally in Articles 210 (Branch Circuits), Article 220 (Branch Circuit, Feeder and Service Load Calculations) — and with more specific safety considerations appearing in Articles 604 (Manufactured Wiring Systems) and Article 605 (Office Furnishings). The current edition of the National Electrical Code is linked below:
Over the past 30-odd years modular furniture manufacturers have worked out a lot of the bugs in products; making it easier for furniture contractors to deliver a safer and more effective installation. What remains are site-specific conditions — such as lighting load, current draw of space heaters and personal air conditioners through the furniture power pathway — that must be reckoned with. A sample of other considerations:
Harmonic heating of the furniture pathway caused by non-linear, harmonic load
The risk of double-phasing when circuit breakers are joined with handle ties back at the panelboard and share a neutral
Any lighting equipment used with the partitions must have of properly sized cord no more than 9 ft long
Modularity in power tap cords (“whips’) between furniture raceways and the first gathering point
There are other safety and sustainability issues related to USB outlets, and data/voice outlets[2] that we will cover in another post and in our collaborations with IEEE SCC-18 and the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee (IEEE E&H).
Seneca College / Toronto
We find office wiring a relatively lively “promontary” in safety and sustainability circles. The transcript of debate among interior wiring experts is always a good place to listen in on the technical discussion; linked below:
We find manufactured wiring concepts tracking that effects office occupancies for all industries. Market incumbents continue advocacy for more ground fault and tamper-resistant receptacles in day care and gymnasium.
A more significant debate tracks in Chapter 2 — related to office modular furniture wiring because electrical load calculations determine how designers specify branch circuits for all occupancy classifications present in education communities (which is nearly every occupancy type defined in the International Building Code):
,Standards Michigan, beginning with its inspiration in the original University of Michigan standards advocacy enterprises, has a long and storied engagement with Chapter 2 of the NEC covered here and also academic literature and also in research sponsored by NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation.
We always encourage our workpoint experts in the thousands of electrical and telecommunication units in the education and healthcare facilities industry to participate directly in the NFPA Code Development process (CLICK HERE to join a committee).
Since both the National Electrical Code and the National Electrical Safety Code revision cycles are roughly coincident in 2021 we working on electrical power issues every day, collaborating with the IEEE E&H Committee. Online meetings are open to everyone.
16 oz cooked turkey breast, diced small or shredded
Directions:
1.Create a slurry by combining 1/2 cup of the cold broth with flour in a medium bowl and whisk until well blended. Set aside.
2.Pour remaining broth and milk into a large pot and slowly bring to a boil.
3.Add celery, onion, mushrooms, parsley, fresh pepper, frozen vegetables, and bullion, and return to a boil. Partially cover and simmer on low until vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes.
4.Remove lid, add potatoes and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
5.Add turkey, and slowly whisk in slurry, stirring well as you add. Cook another 2-3 minutes, until soup thickens, adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve.
This content is accessible to paid subscribers. To view it please enter your password below or send mike@standardsmichigan.com a request for subscription details.
“Starry Night Over the Rhône” 1888 Vincent van Gogh
Today we refresh our understanding of the moment in illumination technologies for outdoor lighting systems— related but different from our exploration of building interior illumination systems in Illumination 200. Later in 2023 we will roll out Illumination 500 which explores litigation related to public illumination technology. As cities-within-cities the shared perimeter of a campus with the host municipality has proven rich in legal controversy and action.
Illumination technology was the original inspiration for the electric utility industry; providing night-time security and transforming every sector of every economy on earth. Lighting load remains the largest component of any building’s electric load — about 35 percent– making it a large target for energy regulations.
Our inquiry begins with selections from the following documents…
2023 National Electrical Code: Article 410 (While the bulk of the NEC concerns indoor wiring fire hazards, there are passages that inform outdoor lighting wiring safety)
…and about 20 other accredited, consortia or ad hoc standards developers and publishers aligned principally with vertical incumbents. Illumination was the original inspiration (i.e. the first “killer app”) for the electrical power industry in every nation. Its best practice literature reflects a fast-moving, shape-changing domain.
Click in today with the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Upper Wharfedale Primary Federation School District Yorkshire Dales
Outdoor lighting systems can be owned and maintained by different entities depending on the context and location. Here are some examples of ownership regimes for outdoor lighting systems:
Public ownership: In this case, outdoor lighting systems are owned and maintained by the local government or municipal authority. The lighting may be installed in public spaces such as parks, streets, and other outdoor areas for the safety and convenience of the public.
Private ownership: Outdoor lighting systems may be owned by private individuals or organizations. For example, a business owner may install outdoor lighting for security or aesthetic reasons, or a homeowner may install outdoor lighting in their garden or yard.
Co-owned: Outdoor lighting systems may be owned jointly by multiple entities. For example, a residential community may jointly own and maintain outdoor lighting in their shared spaces such as parking areas, community parks, or recreational facilities.
Utility ownership: Outdoor lighting systems may be owned and maintained by utility companies such as electric or energy companies. These companies may install and maintain street lights or other lighting systems for the public good.
Third-party ownership: In some cases, a third-party entity may own and maintain outdoor lighting systems on behalf of a public or private entity. For example, a lighting contractor may install and maintain lighting in a public park on behalf of a local government.
The ownership regime of an outdoor lighting system can have implications for issues such as installation, maintenance, and cost-sharing. It is important to consider ownership when designing and implementing outdoor lighting systems to ensure their long-term effectiveness and sustainability.
The Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences at Colorado State University prepares students to enhance individual, family, and community well-being through an interdisciplinary curriculum. The program offers two concentrations: Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Interdisciplinary FCS. The Education concentration trains students to become licensed middle or high school teachers, meeting Colorado’s teaching licensure requirements and boasting high job placement rates.
The Interdisciplinary concentration provides a broad foundation for careers in areas like counseling, advocacy, or community services, focusing on skills such as resource management, nutrition, and interpersonal relationships. Students engage in hands-on learning, including internships and student teaching, and benefit from nationally recognized faculty and professional development opportunities. The curriculum covers topics like personal finance, family systems, and wellness, equipping graduates to address real-world challenges. CSU’s program is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, and students can pursue certification through the same organization.
“One of the Family” 1880 | Frederick George Cotman
With a focus on leadership and civic engagement, the FCS degree ensures graduates are ready to make meaningful societal impacts. Scholarships and flexible online options are available, enhancing accessibility.
Neil Brown Jr. married his prom date—they’ve been together for 30 years, married for 25, and have two sons. True high school sweethearts, now in their mid-40s. Get them on a marriage podcast! They fully embraced the idea that marrying early is leveling up not “settling down.” pic.twitter.com/HAnagFEaHA
Student housing on college campuses varies widely in form—ranging from traditional dormitories to apartment-style residences, townhouses, or single-family homes leased by students. The applicability of the IRC to these housing types depends on the building’s classification and the codes adopted by the jurisdiction. Here’s how the IRC may apply:
Types of Student Housing Potentially Covered by the IRC:
Townhouse-style student housing: If campus housing is designed as townhouses (attached single-family units, each with its own entrance and not exceeding three stories), the IRC directly applies. For example, a row of townhouses built for student families or upperclassmen could fall under IRC requirements.
Single-family or duplex housing: Some campuses offer detached homes or duplexes for graduate students, faculty, or student families. These structures typically fall under the IRC’s scope.
Small-scale apartment conversions: In some cases, colleges may convert single-family homes or small multi-unit buildings (originally designed as one- or two-family dwellings) into student housing. If these buildings retain their original residential character, the IRC may govern renovations or maintenance.
Limitations of IRC Applicability:
Dormitories and larger apartment buildings: Most college dormitories and multi-unit apartment-style residences (e.g., buildings with shared corridors or multiple units per floor) are classified as Group R-2 occupancies under the International Building Code (IBC), not the IRC. The IBC applies to residential buildings with more than two dwelling units or those exceeding the IRC’s height and size limits (e.g., more than three stories). Since many campus residence halls are multi-story buildings with numerous units, they typically fall under the IBC.
Mixed-use buildings: Some student housing includes commercial or institutional spaces (e.g., dining halls, study lounges, or administrative offices). These buildings are also governed by the IBC due to their mixed-use nature.
Institutional occupancies: Certain student housing, such as supervised living facilities for students with special needs, may be classified as Group I (Institutional) occupancies under the IBC, not the IRC.
Key IRC Provisions Relevant to Student Housing: When the IRC applies to student housing (e.g., townhouses or single-family homes), it ensures safety, habitability, and efficiency through provisions such as:
Structural safety: Requirements for foundations, walls, roofs, and seismic or wind resistance, ensuring buildings can withstand environmental loads.
Fire safety: Specifications for fire-resistant construction, smoke alarms, and egress (e.g., windows and stairways), critical for student safety in densely occupied residences.
Energy efficiency: Insulation, window, and HVAC standards to reduce energy costs, which is important for sustainable campus operations.
Plumbing and electrical systems: Standards for safe water supply, sanitation, and electrical wiring to support student living needs.
Accessibility: Basic accessibility requirements for individuals with disabilities, though the IRC’s accessibility provisions are less stringent than the IBC’s or federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Jurisdictional Variations:
Colleges and universities operate within local building code jurisdictions, which may adopt the IRC, IBC, or a combination with local amendments. For example, a rural campus with townhouse-style student housing might fall under a jurisdiction that enforces the IRC, while an urban campus with high-rise dorms would likely follow the IBC.
Some states or localities exempt public institutions (like state universities) from local codes, instead requiring compliance with state-specific standards or the IBC. Private colleges are typically subject to local codes.
Campuses may also need to comply with federal regulations (e.g., ADA, Fair Housing Act) or campus-specific design standards, which can supplement or override IRC requirements.
Practical Considerations for Colleges:
Cost and design: The IRC is often less stringent and costly to implement than the IBC, making it attractive for smaller-scale student housing projects like townhouses or single-family units. For budget-conscious institutions, IRC-compliant designs can be a cost-effective way to expand housing.
Student safety and density: College housing often accommodates more occupants than typical single-family homes, which may push buildings toward IBC classification. For example, a house leased to multiple students might require additional fire safety measures under the IBC or local ordinances if it’s reclassified as a boarding house or multi-unit dwelling.
Renovations and maintenance: For existing IRC-compliant buildings (e.g., older homes repurposed for student use), renovations must comply with the IRC or the International Existing Building Code (IEBC), depending on the extent of work.
Challenges and Trends:
High-density housing needs: Modern campuses often prioritize high-density residence halls to accommodate large student populations, which typically fall under the IBC. The IRC’s focus on low-rise, single-family structures makes it less relevant for these projects.
Sustainability: Colleges increasingly aim for LEED certification or net-zero energy goals. While the IRC includes energy efficiency standards, campuses may adopt stricter sustainability requirements that align with the IBC or institutional policies.
Off-campus housing: Some students live in off-campus rentals (e.g., single-family homes or small apartment buildings) that may fall under the IRC. Colleges may work with local authorities to ensure these properties meet safety standards, indirectly involving the IRC.
The International Residential Code is relevant to student housing on college campuses primarily when the housing consists of one- and two-family dwellings or townhouses not exceeding three stories, such as family housing or small-scale student residences. However, most campus housing—especially dormitories and multi-unit apartment buildings—falls under the International Building Code (IBC) due to its scale, occupancy, or design.
This content is accessible to paid subscribers. To view it please enter your password below or send mike@standardsmichigan.com a request for subscription details.
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwBpic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
