Suite wall construction Q&A

The walls for a suite need to conform to the requirements for corridor walls

By Healthcare Facilities Today


In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question on the proper construction of a suite wall.

Q: I cannot find anywhere in the NFPA code information on the proper construction of a suite wall. We’ve been building them as smoke walls, but the code doesn’t address this specifically.

A: The NFPA Life Safety Code 2000 edition does not address the construction of the suite walls … directly. However, it does have something to say about it in a roundabout manner.

"A suite is nothing more than a room, albeit a very large room with many smaller rooms inside it. Nonetheless, the suite is a room. Sections 18/19.2.5 (of the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code) discusses the arrangement of the means of egress and how it relates to rooms. In this section, the Life Safety Code uses the terms “room” and “suite” interchangeably. This section also uses the phrase “suite of rooms,” which further reinforces the concept that a suite is a room. So the conclusion is: If a suite is a room, then it must be protected in the same fashion as a room," Keyes wrote

The short answer: The walls for a suite need to conform to the requirements for corridor walls.

Read the detailed answer.

 

 

 



March 10, 2014



Recent Posts

Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety 

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities rely on much more than doctors and nurses to keep patients safe.


Sanford Health and North Memorial Health Finalize Partnership

An integration process is underway to create a unified organization.


Cornerstone Behavioral Healthcare Falls Victim to Ransomware Attack

On May 26, 2026, Cornerstone discovered that a breach of the security of certain PHI that Cornerstone maintains occurred as a result of a ransomware attack.


Containing Candida Auris Across the Care Continuum

Containment becomes achievable, sustainable and far more effective for facilities that follow the same precautions, disinfectant standards and equipment rules.


Early Entry: Manager's Critical Role in Construction Planning

Facilities managers should seek a seat at the table early to shape decisions that affect operations and continuity of care from the onset.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.