Protection required by Sentence 3.2.3.16.(1) for projections [roof soffits], where:

• the fire compartments behind the window and door openings are sprinklered in accordance with Article 3.2.5.13.,
• all rooms, including closets and bathrooms, having openings in the wall beneath the soffit are sprinklered, notwithstanding exceptions permitted in the standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.13. for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems,
• there is a common attic or roof space above more than 2 suites of residential occupancy or above more than 2 patients' sleeping rooms, and
• the common attic or roof space projects beyond the exterior wall of the building.

This applies to buildings described in Sentence 1.3.3.2.(1) of Division A.

To limit the application of Sentence 3.2.3.16.(1) by excluding eaves overhangs [soffits] if certain conditions are met [the fire compartments behind the window and door openings and all rooms having openings in the wall beneath the soffit are sprinklered]. This is to limit the probability that a fire in a suite or room will not be suppressed or controlled, which could lead to the spread of fire from a suite or room through openings [e.g. windows or doors] in the exterior wall and then through openings in soffits, which could lead to the spread of fire through the common attic or roof space to other suites or patients' sleeping rooms, which could lead to harm to persons.

To direct Code users to Article 3.2.5.13. for requirements pertaining to automatic sprinkler systems in Clause 3.2.3.16.(4)(a).