135

136 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

OBSTRUCTIONS
 137

CHAPTER 6

SPRINKLER SPACING AND OBSTRUCTIONS

A. Basic Sprinkler System Principles (Chapter 8)

1. The basic principles of providing adequate sprinkler protection is as

follows:

a. SPRINKLER ALL AREAS - including electrical equipment rooms,

computer rooms, bathrooms, shower areas, telephone equipment
rooms, hospital operating rooms, combustible attic spaces, and
closets. (1-6.1, 8.1.1, and 5.12)

b. Provide adequate sprinkler coverage per sprinkler.

c. Do not obstruct the sprinkler discharge spray pattern. (8.5.5)

d. Provide adequate clearance between the sprinklers and the top of

the ceiling or beams. (8.5.5.2)

e. Obstructions to Sprinkler Discharge Pattern Development for

Standard Upright or Pendent Spray Sprinklers.

8' SPRINKLER
4'

18"

4'

DISTRIBUTION PATTERN FROM A

STANDARD SPRAY SPRINKLER
138 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

2. Protection Areas and Maximum Spacing (Standard Spray Upright /

Standard Spray Pendent) for Light Hazard. (Table 8.6.2.2.1(a))

Protection Area Maximum Spacing

Construction Type System Type
sq. ft. feet
Noncombustible obstructed
and unobstructed and
combustible unobstructed Pipe Schedule 200 15
with members 3' or more
on center
Noncombustible obstructed
and unobstructed and
Hydraulically
combustible unobstructed 225 15
Calculated
with members 3' or more
on center
Combustible obstructed
with members 3' or more All 168 15
on center
Combustible obstructed or
unobstructed with
All 130 15
members less than 3' on
center
Unoccupied attics having
combustible wood joist or 8* x 15
wood truss construction (minimum 7 psi)
with members less than 3' All 120
on center with slopes 10* x 12
having a pitch of 4 in 12 or (minimum 20 psi)
greater

*The smaller dimension shall be measured perpendicular to the slope.

 139

B. Upright & Pendent Standard Sprinkler Spacing Requirements (8.4.1)

1. The following chart provides the maximum distance between sprinklers

and the maximum protection area per sprinkler: (8.6.2; Table 8.6.2.2.1(a)
(b) (c) and (d))

PROTECTION
OCCUPANCY MAXIMUM DISTANCE AREA
BETWEEN
SPRINKLERS FROM WALL SQ. FT.

Light Hazard 15 ft. 7 ft. 6 in. * 225 **

Ordinary Hazard 15 ft. 7 ft. 6 in. 130

Extra Hazard (Except with 25
ft. bays) 12 ft. † 6 ft. 100+
High Piled Storage (Except
with 25 ft. bays) 12 ft. † 6 ft. 100+
Extra Hazard or High Piled
Storage in Bays 25 ft. Wide 12 ft. 6 in. † 6 ft. 3 in. 100+

* Except for small room rule to be discussed later. (3.3.15; 8.6.2.1.2)

† For hydraulically calculated systems with design densities below 0.25 gpm per sq. ft.,
a maximum 15 ft. distance is allowed between sprinklers and a maximum 130 sq. ft. of
protection area per sprinkler is allowed.

** For pipe schedule systems the maximum protection area per sprinkler is:

a. Light Hazard - 200 sq. ft.

b. Extra Hazard - 90 sq. ft.

For light combustible framing members spaced less than 3' on centers for light
hazard occupancies, the maximum protection area is 130 sq. ft.

For combustible, obstructed construction in light hazard occupancies, the

maximum protection area is 168 sq. ft.

2. Exception: Sprinklers can be more than 15' apart when listed for a greater
spacing.

3. Example: An ordinary hazard occupancy with sprinklers spaced at 130

sq. ft. maximum.
L X W = 130 sq. ft. maximum.
13' x 10' = 130 sq. ft.
The maximum distance of the sprinkler from the walls is 1/2 L = 6'-6" on
one wall and 1/2 W = 5' off the other wall.
140 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

4. Example: Sprinkler System Spacing for a Light Hazard Occupancy

(8.6.3)

L2 L1 L1 L3
W2

TYPICAL PENDENT
SPRINKLER
15'
MAX W1
7 1 2'
MAX 15'
MAX
11 5L

7 1 2'
M .25'

W3
.7

MAX
AX

Note:
1. W2  1/2W1
2. L2  1/2L1

a. L1 x W 1 < 225 sq. ft./sprinkler

b. (2 x L2) x (2 x W 2) < 225 sq. ft./sprinkler

c. (2 x L2) x (2 x W 3) < 225 sq. ft./sprinkler

d. (2 x L3) x (2 x W 2) < 225 sq. ft./sprinkler

e. (2 x L3) x (2 x W 3) < 225 sq. ft./sprinkler

f. L1 x (2 x W 2) < 225 sq. ft./sprinkler

g. L1 x (2 x W 3) < 225 sq. ft./sprinkler

h. (2 x L2) x W 1 < 225 sq. ft./sprinkler

i. (2 x L3) x W 1 < 225 sq. ft./sprinkler

j. .75 L < 11.25'

 141

5. Example: Sprinkler system spacing for an Ordinary Hazard Occupancy

L2 L1 L1 L3
W2

TYPICAL PENDENT
SPRINKLER
W1
1
2L
MAX

1
W 2
5L

W3
MAX
.7

Note:
1. W2  1/2W1
2. L2  1/2L1

a. L1 x W 1 < 130 sq. ft./sprinkler

b. (2 x L2) x (2 x W 2) < 130 sq. ft./sprinkler

c. (2 x L2) x (2 x W 3) < 130 sq. ft./sprinkler

d. (2 x L3) x (2 x W 2) < 130 sq. ft./sprinkler

e. (2 x L3) x (2 x W 3) < 130 sq. ft./sprinkler

f. L1 x (2 x W 2) < 130 sq. ft./sprinkler

g. L1 x (2 x W 3) < 130 sq. ft./sprinkler

h. (2 x L2) x W 1 < 130 sq. ft./sprinkler

i. (2 x L3) x W 1 < 130 sq. ft./sprinkler

j. .75 L < 11.25'

142 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

6. Examples: Sprinkler Spacing

a. Light Hazard

1. Standard sprinklers are spaced a maximum of 225 sq. ft. per

sprinkler.

2. L1 (15') x W 1 (15') = 225 sq. ft.

3. ½ L1 = 7.5' , ½ W 1 = 7.5' maximum.

b. Light Hazard

1. Standard sprinklers are spaced a maximum of 196 sq. ft. per

sprinkler.

2. L1 (14') x W 1 (14') = 196 sq. ft. per sprinkler.

3. ½ L1 = 7' , ½ W 1 = 7'.

c. Ordinary Hazard

1. Standard sprinklers are spaced a maximum of 130 sq. ft. per

sprinkler.

2. L1 (10') x W 1 (13') = 130 sq. ft. per sprinkler.

3. ½ L1 = 5', ½ W 1 = 6.5'.

d. Ordinary Hazard

1. Standard sprinklers are spaced a maximum of 120 sq. ft. per

sprinkler.

2. L1 (12') x W 1 (10') = 120 sq. ft.

3. ½ L1 = 6', ½ W 1 = 5'.

4. .75 L = .75 (12′) = 9′.

 143

7. Small Room Rule (3.3.17, 8.6.3.2.1, 8.6.3.2.4)

a. Can be used for small rooms of light hazard occupancy

classification that do not exceed 800 sq. ft. in total area. (3.3.17)

b. Automatic sprinkler may be placed a maximum of 9' off any one

wall.

c. Do not exceed the maximum spacing between sprinklers of 15' .

d. Do not exceed the maximum area coverage per sprinkler of 200 sq.
ft. for non-calculated systems or 225 sq. ft. for calculated systems.
(Table 8.6.2.2.1(a))

e. The small room rule is used in areas where there are ceiling
obstructions such as lighting fixtures and HVAC diffusers.

f. Example: Small Room Rule

6'-0"

TYPICAL PENDENT
SPRINKLER
9'-0"

7'-6" 15'-0" 7'-6"

SMALL ROOM RULE

1: LIGHT HAZARD OCCUPANCY
2: 800 Sq.Ft. MAX. ROOM SIZE
3: 9' MAX. OFF ANY ONE WALL
4: 225 Sq.Ft. MAX. SPRINKLER SPACING

7'-6"

TYPICAL PENDENT
SPRINKLER 7'-6"

6'-0" 15'-0" 9'-0"

144 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

8. UNOBSTRUCTED construction (3.7.2; 8.6.4.1.1)

a. Construction where the beams, trusses, and/or other structural

members do not obstruct the fire heat flow or the sprinkler water
distribution.

b. Unobstructed construction has:

1. structural members that are not solid.

2. openings must be at least 70% open of the members cross

section. (3.7.2; A.3.7.1 (7))

3. the thickness of the member does not exceed the least

dimension of the openings, or

4. or, in all construction types the structural beam members

exceed 7½' spacing on centers. (A.3.7.2(3))

5. Example: Unobstructed Construction

OI ST
BA RJ

70% OPEN

a = THICKNESS OF THE MEMBER

b
b = LEAST OPENING DIMENSION
a
a MUST BE LESS THEN b
 145

9. Sprinkler location for UNOBSTRUCTED construction. (3.7.2; 8.6.4.1.1.1)

a. Locate the sprinkler deflector 1" to 12" below the roof or ceiling. If
a concealed, recessed, or flush sprinkler is used, install it per it’s
listing. See NFPA 13, A.3.7.2 for examples.

b. Example: Smooth Ceiling and Bar Joist

146 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

10. Types of unobstructed construction are: (A.3.7.2)

a. smooth ceilings.

SPRINKLER BRANCH LINE ING

CEIL
ABOVE THE CEILING TH
OO
SM

SPRINKLER BRANCH LINE

BELOW THE CEILING

SPRINKLERS

b. flat slabs - smooth ceiling.

CONCRETE

SPRINKLER

SPRINKLER BRANCH LINE

c. pan-type, waffle, reinforced concrete - smooth ceiling for upright

and pendent sprinklers. (A.3.7.2(3)(a)), Exhibit 3.37.8.4.2)
 147

d. smooth roofs or floor decks that are supported by beams, girders,

or trusses that are spaced more than 7½' on center.

ROOF OR FLOOR

M
BEA

SPRINKLER

SPRINKLER BRANCH LINE

7 1/2' OR GREATER
ON CENTER

e. smooth ¾" plaster, or combination of other materials, ceilings

attached to wood joists, wood trusses, and/or bar joists.
148 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

f. open web steel beams and bar joists.

g. suspended ceilings of non-combustible and combustible

construction.
 149

h. heavy timber or standard mill construction.

i. open wood truss construction.

4" OR
LESS
FLOOR OR ROOF

20"
OR GREATER
SPRINKLER
150 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

11. OBSTRUCTED construction.

a. Sprinkler location for OBSTRUCTED construction (8.6.4.1.2;

8.6.4.1.2(1))

1. Example 1: Locate the sprinklers 1" to 6" below the

structural members AND a maximum of 22" below the
ceiling.

CEILING / ROOF

NOT TO EXCEED 22"

1" to 6" BELOW

THE MEMBER

DISTANCE BETWEEN SPRINKLERS NOT TO

EXCEED SPRINKLER LISTING

b. Example 2: Sprinklers can be located at or above the bottom of the

structural member, to a maximum of 22" below the ceiling, when
the sprinklers conform to the beam rule for obstruction.
(8.6.4.1.2(2))

7'-6" MAXIMUM
CEILING / ROOF

22" MAXIMUM

DISTANCE FROM SPRINKLER TO NEAR

SIDE OF OBSTRUCTION MUST COMPLY WITH
NFPA-13: 8.6.5.1.2
 151

c. Example 3: Sprinklers shall be located 1" to 12" below the ceiling

when sprinklers are installed in each bay of obstructed
construction.

7'-6" MAXIMUM CEILING / ROOF

1" to 12" MAXIMUM

152 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

d. Example 4: Composite wood joists.

1. Sprinklers shall only be permitted below composite wood

joists (A.3.7.1(b)) when the joist channels are fire stopped,
to the depth of the joist, with material equivalent to the web
construction so that the individual channel areas do not
exceed 300 sq. ft.. When the joist depth exceeds 22" up to
48", follow the other rules for obstructed construction.
(3.7.1(3))

2. Composite wood joists are wood I beams that vary in depth

up to 48". They can be spaced up to 48" apart on center.
The spans can be up to 60' between supports. Joist
channels should be fire stopped to the full depth of the joists
with the same material the joists are made of so that the
individual channel areas do not exceed 300 sq. ft.

3. Example: Composite Wood Joist

4. Example: Fire Stopping

 153

e. Example 5: Concrete tees – obstructed construction.

1. For concrete tee construction with tees spaced between 3'

and 7½' on center. No maximum distance below the ceiling
applies as long as sprinklers are in the plane 1" below or 1"
above the bottom of the concrete stems. (3.7.1(2);
8.6.4.1.2(5))

2. Location of the sprinkler to the tee obstructions shall be

spaced per the BEAM RULE Table 8.6.5.1.2 for
obstructions.

3. Exception: If concrete tees are spaced less than 3' on

center, use the rules for obstructed construction.

4. Example: Concrete Tee

CEILING / ROOF 3'

WEB
LEGS 1" MAX ABOVE
1" MAX BELOW

LOCATE THE SPRINKLER ON THE PLANE

OR A MAXIMUM 1" ABOVE OR BELOW THE STEMS
154 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

f. Example 6: Wood joist construction

1. Wood joist construction is rectangular solid wood members

than can vary from 2" to 4" wide and up to 14" deep. They
can be spaced up to 3' on center and can span up to 40'
between supports. (8.6.4.1.2(1))

2. Solid wood members less than 4" wide and up to 14" deep
that are spaced more than 3' on center are also considered
wood joist construction.

3. Example: Wood Joist

4. Example: Wood Joist Dry Wall Ceiling

 155

12. Vertical ceiling changes. (8.6.4.1.1.3)

a. This obstruction rule is for ceiling changes of 36" or less.

b. Ceiling changes that are greater than 36" are considered a wall for
sprinkler spacing.

c. For ceilings of 36" or less follow the beam rule.

d. Example: x < 36"

1. x < 36"

2. Follow the beam rules for sprinkler locations and spacing.

SPRINKLER
BRANCHLINE

CEILING

SPRINKLER
BRANCHLINE x < 36"

S
S = Maximum allowable distance between sprinklers

e. Example: x > 36"

SPRINKLER
BRANCHLINE

CEILING

1/2 S
MAX
SPRINKLER
BRANCHLINE
x > 36"

1/2 S Imaginary Wall

MAX

S = Maximum allowable distance between sprinklers

156 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

13. Pitched roof sprinkler protection (8.6.4.1.3)

a. Sprinklers shall be located not more than 3' vertically down from
the roof peak.

b. Maintain a minimum of 2' horizontal clearance from the sprinkler at

the peak to the side of the roof.

c. Sprinkler spacing shall be measured along the roof slope. (8.6.3)

d. Example 1: Sprinkler at the Pitched Roof Peak; Central Attic

Sprinkler

6" PITCHED ROOF

BACK TO BACK
SPRINKLER CEILING

e. Example 2: For a Standard Sprinkler Pitched Roof Vertical

Clearance

3' max PITCHED ROOF

SPRINKLER
CEILING

f. Example 3: Steeply Pitched Roofs – Horizontal and Vertical

Clearances For a Standard Sprinkler (8.6.4.1.3.3

4'
2'
MIN

3' MAX

PITCHED ROOF

SPRINKLER
CEILING
 157

14. Obstructions to the sprinkler discharge. (8.6.5)

a. The obstruction prevents the sprinkler pattern from fully developing.

b. Obstructions such as beams, columns, and pipes.

c. Exception: Place sprinklers on each side of the obstruction a

maximum of half the allowable distance (½S) between sprinklers
for the occupancy.

SPRINKLER BRANCH LINE

SPRINKLER SPRINKLER
OBSTRUCTION
4' WIDE MAX LESS THAN 18"

7'-6" MAXIMUM 7'-6" MAXIMUM

OR 21 THE SPRINKLERS LISTING OR 21 THE SPRINKLERS LISTING

Beam Rule
158 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

15. Horizontal ceiling obstructions. The spacing and location requirements

for horizontal obstructions not along a wall is as follows. This was
previously known as “beam rule”:

a. NFPA 13, Table 8.6.5.1.2

POSITION OF DEFLECTOR WHEN LOCATED ABOVE

BOTTOM OF OBSTRUCTION
Maximum allowable distance of deflector above
Distance for sprinkler to side of obstruction bottom of obstruction

Standard Sprinklers

When A dimension is B dimension shall not be more than

Less than 1' 0"

1' to less than 1' 6" 2½"

1' 6" to less than 2' 3½"

2' to less than 2' 6" 5½"

2' 6" to less than 3' 7½"

3' to less than 3' 6" 9½"

3' 6" to less than 4' 12"

4' to less than 4' 6" 14"

4' 6" to less than 5' 16½"

5' to less than 5' 6" 18"

5' 6" to less than 6' 20"

6' to less than 6' 6" 24"

6' 6" to less than 7' 30"

7' to less than 7'-6" 35"

 159

b. Example: NFPA 13, Figure 8.6.5.1.2(a)

SPRINKLER
BRANCHLINE

CEILING

B C =DISTANCE
NOT TO EXCEED THE MAX
BELOW THE CEILING
PER THE SPRINKLERS LISTING
OBSTRUCTION A

c. Workshop Example

1. “A” dimension is 3'.

2. “B” dimension shall not exceed 9½" for a standard sprinkler.

160 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

16. Horizontal Obstructions against walls. (8.6.5.1.2(3)) If the horizontal

obstruction is against a wall (i.e. soffit, cabinets, etc.) and the obstruction
is a maximum 30" wide, then the sprinkler shall be located as shown
below OR add sprinkler protection in the soffit.

a. Example: NFPA 13, Figure 8.6.5.1.2(b)

SPRINKLER BRANCH LINE

CEILING SPRINKLER

OBSTRUCTION b

d a
WALL
7'-6" MAX
OR PER SPRINKLER LISTING

1. a > (d - 8") + b when:

2. d < 30"

b. Plan View of Example

1/2 S

SPRINKLER
SOFFIT

d a
S
OBSTRUCTION

SPRINKLER

1/2 S
 161

c. Workshop Example

1. d is 24", b is 8".

2. What is minimum “a” allowed.

3. a > (d - 8") + b

a > (24 - 8) + 8

a > 16 + 8

a > 24"
162 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

17. Column obstructions.

a. Example: NFPA 13, Figure 8.6.5.2.1.3 - Plan view of Column

Obstruction.

3X RULE

OBSTRUCTION

C
SPRINKLER

D A
PLAN VIEW OF COLUMN

b. This rule applies to light and ordinary hazard occupancies only

(8.6.5.2.1.4)

c. A > 3C or 3D
A < 24"

d. For this rule to apply, A has to be a minimum of 12" from the

obstruction and a maximum of 24" from the obstruction.

e. When A is greater than 24" the 3 times rule is not applicable and
there is no obstruction. When A is less than 12" another sprinkler
is required.

f. Use dimension C or D, whichever is greater.

g. Workshop Example:

1. A is 20".

2. C and D are each 6".

3. A > 3C or 3D.

4. A > 3 (6") or 3 (6").

5. A > 18" and A is 20".

 163

18. Truss obstruction.

a. Example: NFPA 13, Figure 8.6.5.2.1.3 - Elevation view of Truss

Obstruction

CEILING

SPRINKLER OPEN WEB STEEL

OR WOOD TRUSS
MIN. 12"
MAX. 24"
A
C
D
b. A > 3C or 3D
A < 24"

c. A has to be a minimum of 12" and a maximum of 24" from the

obstruction when measured on an angle.

d. When A is greater than 24" the 3 times rule is not applicable and
there is no obstruction.

e. When A is less than 12" the truss is considered an obstruction and

additional sprinklers are required on the other side of the truss.
The truss is now acting like a wall.

f. Use dimension C or D, whichever is greater.

g. Workshop Example:

1. A is 24"

2. C + D are each 6"

3. A > 3C or 3D

4. A > 3(6") or 3(6")

5. A > 18"

6. A is 24" in this example so the truss is not an obstruction.

164 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

19. Open truss obstruction.

a. If the construction is open truss 20" or greater apart (24” on center)

with all truss members 4" or smaller in width, provide sprinklers half
way in between obstructed truss. (8.6.5.2.1.6)

1/2 1/2
4" OR LESS

20" OR GREATER
SPRINKLER CENTERED
BETWEEN TRUSS

20. Open beam and bar joist construction.

a. If the construction is bar joists beams or trusses, locate the

sprinklers in the centerline of the bar joist beams or truss.
(8.6.5.2.1.7)

1. The beam or truss chord shall not exceed 8".

2. The sprinkler deflector shall be located a minimum of 6"

above the structure members’ bottom chord.

3. The sprinkler shall be a minimum of 3 times greater than the

maximum web dimensions.
 165

21. Suspended or floor mounted vertical obstructions (8.6.5.2.2). If an

obstruction is entirely below the sprinklers (i.e. privacy curtain, room
dividers, free-standing partitions, etc.) but, less than 18" below the
sprinklers, the spacing and location requirements are as follows:

a. NFPA 13, Table 8.6.5.2.2

HORIZONTAL AND MINIMUM VERTICAL DISTANCE FOR SPRINKLERS

LIGHT HAZARD OCCUPANCIES ONLY
MINIMUM VERTICAL DISTANCE BELOW
HORIZONTAL DISTANCE A DEFLECTOR B

6" or less 3"

More than 6" to 9" 4"

More than 9" to 12" 6"

More than 12" to 15" 8"

More than 15" to 18" 9½"

More than 18" to 24" 12½"

More than 24" to 30" 15½"

More than 30" 18"

b. Example: NFPA 13, Figure 8.6.5.2.2

166 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

c. Workshop Example:

1. “A” is 24".

2. “B” must be a minimum of 12½"

d. Workshop Problem #1

1. “A” is 36"

2. “B” is 24"

3. Will this example work?

 167

22. Ceiling Pockets (8.6.7.1)

a. Sprinklers shall be required in all ceiling pockets.

b. The requirements of 8.6.7.1 shall not apply where ALL of the

following are met:

1. The total volume of the unprotected ceiling pocket does not

exceed 1,000 cu. ft.

2. The depth of the unprotected pocket does not exceed 36″.

3. The entire floor under the unprotected ceiling pocket is

protected by the sprinklers at the lower ceiling elevation.

4. Each unprotected ceiling pocket is separated from any

adjacent unprotected ceiling pocket by a minimum 10′
horizontal distance.

5. The unprotected ceiling pocket is constructed of

noncombustible or limited combustible construction.

6. Skylights not exceeding 32 sq. ft. shall be permitted to have

a plastic cover.

7. Quick response sprinklers are utilized throughout the

compartment.

c. Example: Ceiling Pocket – No Sprinklers Required

UNPROTECTED CEILING POCKET OR SKYLIGHT

MAX. VOLUME 1000 CUBIC FEET

36" 10' MIN. 36"

MAX. MAX.

QUICK RESPONSE
SPRINKLER
168 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

23. Shelving obstruction rule. (8.6.6, A.8.6.6)

a. There shall be a minimum 18" clearance between the top of

storage and the sprinkler deflector.

b. Exception: when other code sections or other NFPA standards

specify greater clearances.

c. Tire storage is 36".

d. Exception: shelving against a wall.

e. When shelving is installed on a wall and is not directly below

sprinklers, the shelves and the storage on them can go up to the
ceiling.

1. The 18" clearance rule doesn’t apply unless the sprinkler is

directly above the shelves.

f. Example of the Shelving Rule

ROOF ROOF

PENDENT PENDENT
LESS THEN 18"
SPRINKLER SPRINKLER
IS ALLOWED
18"
MINIMUM

TOYS

SHELVING

SHELVING
FLOOR FLOOR

CORRECT CORRECT
 169

24. Obstructions located below sprinklers. (8.6.5.3.3) If a fixed obstruction is

over 4' wide (i.e. ducts, decks, cat walks, overhead doors, cutting tables,
etc.) sprinklers shall be installed below the obstruction.

a. Example: Sprinkler Under Duct

ROOF

CEILING
BAR JOIST SPRINKLER

DUCT BRANCH LINE

SPRINKLER UNDER DUCT

b. Example: Sprinkler Under Overhead Door

1. Most overhead doors are located in Ordinary Hazard

occupancies. Sidewall sprinkler spacing for Light Hazard at
196 sq. ft. maximum and 14' maximum between sprinklers is
allowed for noncombustible construction. (8.7.3.1.7).
Ordinary hazard is 100 sq. ft. / sidewall sprinkler.

14'

14'

OVER
14' OR 14'
LESS

OUTLINE OF
OVERHEAD DOOR
OVER 14' OVER 14'

STANDARD SIDEWALL
SPRINKLER
14' OR 14'
170 Automatic Sprinkler Plan Review

25. Open grating sprinkler protection (8.5.5.3.1; 8.6.5.3.5; 8.6.5.3.3)

a. Sprinkler protection shall be installed under open grate flooring

over 4' wide.

b. Slatting of shelves, decks, walkways, or the use of open grating is

not a substitute to eliminate the sprinkler protection below them.
(A.12.3.2.5.1.1)

c. Sprinkler under open grating shall be provided with water shields.

(8.5.5.3.3)

d. Gratings are frequently covered with storage and/or other

obstructions that prevent the sprinklers at the roof from getting
water below the grating.

e. Example: Open Grating Sprinkler Protection

METAL MESH GRATING

TYPICAL SPRINKLER
WITH WATER SHIELD TYPICAL SPRINKLER PIPING
 171

F. ESFR (Early Suppression Fast Response) Sprinkler Requirements (8.12)

1. The maximum area of coverage shall not exceed 100 sq. ft. per sprinkler.
The minimum area of protection shall not be less than 80 sq. ft. per
sprinkler. (8.12.2.2.2)

a. Exception: It shall be permitted to deviate from the maximum

sprinkler spacing to eliminate obstructions created by trusses and
bar joists by moving a sprinkler along the branch line a maximum of
1' from its allowable spacing provided coverage for that sprinkler
does not exceed 110 sq. ft. and the average spacing for the moved
sprinkler and the adjacent sprinkler do not exceed 100'. Adjacent
branch lines shall maintain the same pattern. The maximum
distance between sprinklers shall not exceed 12'. (8.12.2.2.3)

2. Example: ESFR Sprinkler Spacing with Obstructions

5'-0"

10'-0" 1'-0"
MIN

11'-0"
5'-0" 10'-0" 10'-0" 5'-0"

10'-0"

10'-0"

5'-0" BAR JOIST OBSTRUCTION

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3. The distance between ESFR sprinklers shall be as follows:

a. NFPA 13, Table 8.12.2.2.1, Protection Areas and Maximum

Spacing of ESFR Sprinklers

CEILING/ROOF HEIGHTS CEILING/ROOF HEIGHTS

UP TO 30' OVER 30'
PROTECTION PROTECTION
AREA SPACING AREA SPACING
CONSTRUCTION TYPE SQ. FT. FT. SQ. FT. FT.
Noncombustible unobstructed 100 12 100 10
Noncombustible obstructed 100 12 100 10
Combustible unobstructed 100 12 100 10
Combustible obstructed N/A N/A N/A N/A

Table 8.12.2.2.1 indicates that ESFR sprinklers cannot be used under obstructed
combustible construction. However paragraph 8.4.6.3 identifies construction that
can be considered in this category.

4. A minimum of 36" of clear space is required below the ESFR sprinkler

deflector. (8.12.6)

ESFR SPRINKLERS
ROOF
BAR JOIST

36"
MINIMUM

FLOOR
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5. ESFR’s are only permitted with the following construction types (8.4.6.3):

a. ESFR sprinklers shall be permitted for use in buildings with

unobstructed construction. Where depths of the solid structural
members (beams, stems, etc.) exceed 12" ESFR sprinklers shall
be installed in each channel formed by the solid structural
members. Minimum sprinkler spacing and area of coverage shall
comply with 8.12.2.3 and 8.12.3.4.

b. ESFR sprinklers are not suitable for all types of building

construction. Various ceiling construction features such as those
with deep narrow ceiling channels can cause unacceptable delays
with sprinkler activation and obstruct the sprinkler’s discharge
pattern. Where sprinklers are installed in each channel of
obstructed construction, there needs to be adequate separation
between sprinklers as identified in Section 8.11. The limitations of
8.12.2.3 and 8.12.3.4 will preclude the use of ESFR sprinklers
under narrow deep channels.

6. ESFR’s cannot be used in buildings with roof slopes greater than 2" per ft.
(8.4.6.2)

a. This is a roof slope of 16.7%.

7. ESFR’s are only permitted for wet systems unless specifically listed for dry
system application. (8.4.6.1)

8. The allowable ESFR sprinkler deflector distances below the ceiling are as
follows for pendent ESFR sprinklers: (8.12.4.1)

PENDENT ESFR SPRINKERS

Deflector Distance Below the
K-Factor
Roof/Ceiling
14 6" to 14"
16.8 6" to 14"
22.4 6" to 18"
25.2 6" to 18"

9. For obstructions located at the ceiling, the same rules apply as for
standard upright and pendent sprinklers. However, ESFR’s must be
installed a minimum of 1' horizontally from the nearest edge of any bottom
chords at open trusses or open bar joists. (8.12.5.3.1)

10. For obstructions over 2' wide and located entirely below the sprinklers, the
sprinkler location must meet the requirements of NFPA 13,
Figure 8.12.5.2 – beam rule.

a. Otherwise sprinklers must be installed below the obstruction.