Are rooms separated by partitions that extend to within 15% of ceiling height considered separate rooms?

Rooms that are separated by partitions extending to within 15% of the ceiling height are not considered separate rooms according to fire safety codes. The determination of what constitutes a separate room often hinges on the height and the integrity of the barriers between spaces. Partitions that do not reach the full height of the ceiling typically do not provide adequate fire resistance or containment necessary to classify the areas as independent rooms.

In fire safety standards, full-height partitions are required to ensure that potential hazards, such as smoke or fire, do not easily travel from one area to another. If these partitions fall short, they may fail to compartmentalize spaces effectively, allowing for the spread of smoke and fire beyond what would be acceptable in terms of safety. Therefore, given the criteria outlined in relevant codes and standards, the answer is that these spaces should not be regarded as separate rooms for fire alarm and safety purposes.