Question on sidewall sprinkler obstruction rules

[rpat_conversion]

Hello - I am new to this forum. I am working on a hotel to apartment conversion project (R1 to R2 use). We are going to add kitchenettes to each room and want to make sure our new use R2 fits will work under existing fire sprinkler requirements.

I have been researching sidewall sprinkler obstruction rules on NFPA and International Fire Code but can't find anything that matches my specific situation - I would appreciate some help and guidance.

Situation: We have sidewall sprinklers already installed. They are ~5 inches from the ceiling. We want to install a cabinet system and kitchenette on the same wall as the sidewall sprinklers.

Questions:

1. How far underneath the sprinkler-head can the cabinet be installed to be compliant with obstruction rules? (is 18inches enough, can it closer to the sprinkler to make the cabinets larger?)
2. We want to also install a pantry - how tall can this pantry be given it's distance from the sprinkler?

The photos in the link below will help visualize my situation. I appreciate any help you can provide. Thank you

https://imgur.com/a/tdSkA95

 

[Inspector Gadget]

Answers lie in NFPA 13. I'm at home recovering from dental surgery, but someone else here will surely give you specifics.

 

[IJHumberson]

Looking at the 2019 edition of NFPA 13, for residential sidewall sprinklers (Section 12.1.11) the proposed arrangement would not comply. Section 12.1.11.1.5.3 only allows the sprinkler to be mounted on the same wall that the cabinets are attached to when the sprinkler is at least 3 ft. above the top of the cabinets. However, per Section 12.1.11.1.5 .2, if the cabinets are not more than 12 inches deep, then the sprinkler can be mounted on the face of a soffit above the cabinets, with the face of the soffit at the front face of the cabinets.

Generally, a sidewall sprinkler is not the best option in a kitchen. From the NFPA 13 commentary: "When protecting kitchens or similar rooms with cabinets, the pendent sprinkler should be the first option. If pendent sprinklers cannot be installed, the next best option is a sidewall sprinkler on the opposite wall from the cabinets. The third best option is the sidewall sprinkler on the same wall as the cabinets on a soffit flush with the face of the cabinet. The last option should be putting sprinklers on the wall back behind the face of the cabinet because this location is subject to being blocked by items placed on top of the cabinets."