add sprinkler system?!??

[jcook]

We are looking at purchasing a 1998 Karsten 840 sq. ft. to put on our private property as a granny or second unit. We were just told by the town that we live in that as of April 1st the new code is that all new residences must have sprinklers installed. They will not make an exception for a used manufactured home. A local fire prevention company didn't even know how to go about installing one with no attic space. Has anyone had this experience or know of a solution?

[Bill Fry]

Sprinkers in private homes?That could lead to a world of other problems.Curiousty leads me to ask what state is that town in?

[Tom]

If by Granny your talking about joining the two together, as two separate residences, than I could understand the sprinkers. But, in my opinion joining two together is a bad idea to begin with. I have never heard of a town or county require sprinklers for an unattached residence. Tom

[jcook]

Home is located in California. This will be an unattached second unit located about 80 feet away from the primary residence. I'm going to get a hold of the ordinance and read it with my own two eyes. If there is no mention of retrofitting an existing manufactured home, I guess I'll try to appeal it.

[Tom]

Well given that you may be in a fire hazard area, it may be true. Good luck in finding someone to install the sprinklers, I know of no company who does it specifically for MH's. Tom

[Tracy]

I worked on a home about 2 years ago that had a 1-1/2" pipe and sprinkler nozzles running right down the marriage line at the top of the ceiling. The dealer bored right through walls and continued out into the laundry room and down under the home.
Owner was told that the home lived to far from a fire hydrant and thus the solution was to install this divice down the center line.. Looked bad, and the owner was never informed prior to the home being set that this would happen..

On the bright side... At least you were told prior..

Tracy
www.mbqc.com

[L Martin]

Tracy,
Please contact your local SimplexGrinnell office for this service. These systems are easier to install at the factory but we do occassionally retrofit homes that do not have them. Your local branch office should be able to assist you and offer several options for the installation. SimplexGrinnell has over 160 offices nationwide so you should be able to find one relatively close.