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⚠️ Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) Guidance
This article provides an overview of Air³ pod fire safety performance, design intent, and test validation information to support reviews by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), fire consultants, and building officials.
Air³ pods are designed for use within sprinklered buildings and incorporate an engineered opening roof system to maintain effective sprinkler coverage.
Pod Dimensions, Weight & Electrical Summary
Air³ pods are available in multiple sizes. Key characteristics include:
- Models: AIR‑23, AIR‑25, AIR‑27, AIR‑29
- Maximum Voltage: 120V AC
- Maximum Current: 12 Amps
- Power Usage (Occupied): 100–200W (model dependent)
- Power Usage (Unoccupied): 1–2W or less per hoop
Exact dimensions and weights vary by configuration and project.
Required Building Clearances
- Minimum floor‑to‑ceiling height (non‑sprinklered space): 8 ft 4 13/32 in
- Minimum floor‑to‑sprinkler height (sprinklered space): 9 ft 3 in
- Required clearance between open roof blades and sprinklers: 18 in
These are recommended guidelines based on the closest applicable standards. Final approval is determined by the local AHJ on a project‑by‑project basis.
Fire Detection & Roof Opening Sequence
Event Sequence in a Fire Scenario
- Heat detector inside the pod identifies elevated temperature
- Power to the pod is immediately cut
- Spring‑return actuators open the louvered roof within 8 seconds
- Heat is released, activating nearby building sprinklers
- Sprinkler water enters the pod with no roof obstruction
The roof opening creates a 74% open area, allowing even water ingress and effective fire control within the pod.
Sprinkler Performance & Testing
Independent third‑party testing was conducted at the BRE Global Fire Testing Facility.
Testing confirmed that Air³ pods:
- Do not obstruct sprinkler coverage
- Provide better water distribution than having no roof at all
- Improve water spread into pod corners
Sprinkler types tested:
- Tyco TY1236 Flat Spray K57 (common in US)
- Reliable F1FR Pendant K80 (common in UK)
Tested sprinkler distances from roof blades:
- 300 mm (UK minimum)
- 800 mm (US maximum)
Fail‑Safe Roof System (Default = Open)
The Air³ opening roof is designed as a 6‑step fail‑safe system with a default position of “Always Open”.
The roof opens automatically when:
- The pod is unoccupied (PIR motion sensor)
- Primary heat detector reaches 135°F (57°C)
- Secondary fusible link reaches 150.8°F (66°C)
- A building fire alarm signal is received (if connected)
- Power is lost to the pod
- A detector is removed or fails
All fail‑safe modes operate by cutting power to the actuators, allowing the spring mechanism to open the roof without electricity.
Fire Standards & Certifications
Air³ pods and components have been evaluated or tested against:
- UL 1286 – Assembled Pod System (Intertek Listed)
- UL 962 – Electrical Furnishings
- NFPA 13 – Installation of Sprinkler Systems
- NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code
- NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm Code
- IBC – International Building Code
Materials used throughout the pod meet appropriate flame spread, smoke development, and fire performance classifications.
Sprinkler Positioning & Roof Open Area
The opening roof provides a minimum of 74% open area, exceeding the 70% minimum open area referenced in NFPA 13 for open grid ceiling systems.
- The service hoop is exempt as it is classified as a light fitting
- Pod walls are sprinkler‑covered from above and outside
This ensures sufficient and even water ingress during sprinkler activation.
ADA Considerations
Air³ pods include features supporting ADA / ICC A117.1 compliance, including:
- Minimum clear door opening of 32 1/16 in
- Low‑profile door track
- Full‑length door handle with central grab feature
- Maximum operating force of 5 lb (22.5 N)
- User controls positioned between 15–48 in height
Key AHJ Summary
- Pods rely on the building’s sprinkler system – no internal sprinklers required
- Louvered roof opens automatically in all fire scenarios
- Roof design improves, not restricts, sprinkler effectiveness
- Extensive third‑party testing supports compliance
Reference
Tech Document – Orangebox Air³ AHJ Fire Requirements
Fire Safety & Compliance Guide
This Zendesk article is provided to support AHJ review and does not replace local code interpretation or project‑specific fire engineering analysis.
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