How many square feet shall unsprinklered floor areas in an office building be limited to for compartmentalization purposes?

In the context of fire safety regulations, particularly regarding office buildings, compartmentalization is a critical strategy used to control the spread of fire and smoke. The limit of square footage for unsprinklered floor areas is designed to ensure that fire can be contained within a manageable area, thereby improving safety for occupants and providing adequate time for evacuation.

The correct answer of 7500 square feet reflects the established standards for unsprinklered areas in terms of fire safety management. This threshold allows for a balance between operational efficiency in design and the need for effective fire containment. By limiting the size of unsprinklered spaces, the risk associated with larger open areas can be mitigated, resulting in a safer environment.

In contrast, options suggesting smaller or larger areas do not align with the regulations that govern fire life safety in such buildings. Each choice represents a different understanding of compartmentalization requirements, but 7500 square feet is recognized as the appropriate standard, ensuring compliance with fire safety codes that aim to protect lives and property in the event of a fire emergency.