Downloadable version availible at the bottom of the page.

⚠️ 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

1. Heat detector inside the pod identifies elevated temperature
2. Power to the pod is immediately cut
3. Spring‑return actuators open the louvered roof within 8 seconds
4. Heat is released, activating nearby building sprinklers
5. 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.

``