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Sprinkler obstruction

It probably won't work the way it should... it's a designer issue... it's up to them to ensure coverage.

We did inspections at a condo project where the '11' units all had a sprinkler head inside a fixture.. without citing anything else, they moved the heads (at close in.. not final).
 
I'd light a big fat one under the sprinkler and let's see the coverage, what you think, the system is suppose to work right!

Just don't get caught Mj.
 
Designer issue.. it's not going to work..

Having said that, the FP designer may have anticipated the architect was going to specify fixtures flush to the ceiling.. typically, the owner/tenant/architect changes the fixtures to something else.
 
Tenant is right--As coug dad said per NFPA lights in light hazard are no longer considered obstructions

As to the heads being ordinary response it looks like this is an older building--clue exit sign style.
 
Frank, Do you have a code section for this?

lights in light hazard are no longer considered obstructions
Click to expand...
8.6.5.2.1.4 - indicates the clearance calculations apply to structural members only.

I find it hard to believe one could install light fixtures or decorative features 2" below a sprinkler head, interferes with the discharge pattern, and you and Coug would be ok with it.

It seems the majority (as well as the Fire District and I) believe it's an obstruction. In order to provide a complete argument for or against, please include Code sections and interpretations.

Thanks for the great debate!

mj
 
with a ten inch wide and only two inches down from the deflector, sounds like obstruction is going to happen

.

I still think the 18 inch rule would apply

nfpa 13 2010

8.5.5.2* Obstructions to Sprinkler Discharge Pattern Development.

8.5.5.2.1 Continuous or noncontinuous obstructions less than or equal to 18 in. (457 mm) below the sprinkler deflector that prevent the pattern from fully developing shall comply with 8.5.5.2.

8.6.5.2.1.3* Unless the requirements of 8.6.5.2.1.4 through 8.6.5.2.1.9 are met, sprinklers shall be positioned away from obstructions a minimum distance of three times the maximum dimension of the obstruction (e.g., structural members, pipe, columns, and fixtures). The maximum clear distance required shall be 24 in. (609 mm) in accordance with Figure 8.6.5.2.1.3.

and other sections could apply
 
cda,

You are correct in that obstruction of the discharge will occur. However, NFPA 13 has established that non structural obstructions are not an issue in light and ordinary hazard. Clearance to storage is a different issue. Storage is not the same classification of obstruction as a light fixture.
 
You could look up the head in the data sheet and see if they have a spray pattern graphic.
 
coug

8.6.5.2.1.4* For light and ordinary hazard occupancies, structural members only shall be considered when applying the requirements of 8.6.5.2.1.3.

I don't think it says that obstructions do not matter

and 8.5.5.2.1 does not include the word storage
 
Per the NFPA 13 A-8.6.5.2.1.4

"It is the intent of this section to exempt nonstructural elements in light and ordinary hazard occupancies from the obstruction criteria commonly called the "three times rule" However the other obstruction rules including the "Beam rule" (8.6.5.1.2) and the "wide obstruction rule" (8.6.5.3.3) still apply."

Note too the nature of the hazard in the picture--this is a hallway. Even if something were in the hallway to provide a significant fuel load, it would be likely that the water would be able to reach a fire when the light fixtures either melted due to heat if plastic, broke due to thermal shock if glass, or due to water loading.
 
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Ok time to mention possible delay of head activation?

Due to heat being deflected???

Have third party access it !!
 
Because of the narrow hall configuration heat should get to the heads sooner than in an open area configuration
 
Hey! The light is gone!

IMG_6824.jpg


Everybody wins :D
 
Well either they did not like the lights or someone thought there was a sprinkler obstruction problem
 
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