Presenter

SprinklerSpacing
andLocation

RolandAsp
Manager of Technical Services
ManagerofTechnicalServices

March 5, 2013

asp@nfsa.org

National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

RolandAsp
ManagerofTechnicalServices
1

National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

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InstituteofArchitectsContinuingEducationSystems(AIA/CES).Credit(s)
earned on completion of this program will be reported to AIA/CES forAIA
earnedoncompletionofthisprogramwillbereportedtoAIA/CES
for AIA
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membersareavailableuponrequest.
ThisprogramisregisteredwithAIA/CES forcontinuingprofessionaleducation.
Assuch,itdoesnotincludecontentthatmaybedeemedorconstruedto
beanapprovalorendorsementbytheAIAofanymaterialofconstruction
oranymethodormannerofhandling,using,distributing,ordealinginany
materialorproduct.

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Questionsrelatedtospecificmaterials,methods,andserviceswillbe
addressedattheconclusionofthispresentation
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ProgramDescription

ReferenceMaterials

Therulesfordeterminingacceptable
spacingforspraysprinklerswillbe
reviewed.Thisincludespendent,
upright and sidewall styles Maximum
uprightandsidewallstyles.Maximum
andminimumdistancesbetween
sprinklersandthosefromsprinklersto
wallswillbecoveredalongwiththe
calculationofallowablecoverageareas
persprinkler.
National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

2ndEdition,Layout,Detail,and
CalculationofFireSprinklerSystems,
KennethE.Isman,P.E
2013EditionofNFPA13

National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

Whatspacesinabuildinggetsprinklers?

LearningObjectives

Everyspaceinabuildingunless
thereisaspecificexceptionthat
allowssprinklerstobeomitted.
Sprinklerscanbeomittedfrom:

At the end of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Employ the rules for determining

acceptable spacing for spray sprinklers.
2. Apply the maximum and minimum
distances between sprinklers.
3. Calculate the allowable coverage areas
per sprinkler.
4. Apply the small room rule correctly.

National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

Furniture&Equipment
Concealedspacesconstructedof
noncombustibleandlimited
combustiblematerial
16differentconcealedspacesmade
ofcombustiblematerial
OtherspacesasdiscussedNFPA13
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GeneralConsiderations

Considerations

Heatrises sprinklershouldbe
locatedclosetoceiling.
Gravity waterfromthesprinkler
needstoreachfire.
Damage
D
sprinklersshouldbe
i kl
h ld b
locatedtoprotectfromphysical
damage

Ceilingconstruction
Typeofsprinklerselected
Minimumallowabledistancebetween
sprinklers
Placementofwallsandroomdividers
Maximumallowabledistancesbetween
sprinklers
Hazardclassificationoftheoccupancy
Obstructionstoheatflowand
discharge
Heatzonesnearheatsources

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CeilingConstruction

10

ObstructedConstruction
Panelconstructionandother
constructionwherebeams,
trusses,orothermembers
impedeheatfloworwater
distribution in a manner that
distributioninamannerthat
materiallyaffectstheabilityof
sprinklerstocontrolorsuppress
afire.

ObstructedorUnobstructed

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UnobstructedConstruction
Constructionwherebeams,trusses,or
othermembersdonotimpedeheatflow
orwaterdistributioninamannerthat
materiallyaffectstheabilityofsprinklers
tocontrolorsuppressafire.
Horizontalstructuralmembersarenot
solidandopeningsareatleast70% ofthe
crosssectionareaandthedepthofthe
memberdoesnotexceedtheleast
dimensionoftheopening.
Allconstructionwherethespacingof
structuralmembersexceeds7.5ft on
center.

Sprinklers
Conventional Residential

Standard
Response
Several Orifice Sizes

Spray
Sprinklers

Quick
Response
Several Orifice Sizes

This seminar will concentrate

on standard response & quick
response spray sprinklers

Large
Drop
Extended
Coverage
(See Listing)

Extended Coverage
Light Hazard

ESFR

Quick Response
Extended Coverage
(See Listing)

Extended Coverage
Ordinary Hazard

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SprinklerSpacing BasicRules

RulesforUprightandPendentSpraySprinklers

Upright,PendentandSidewall
BasicRules
ProtectionAreaofSprinkler
Maximumdistancebetweensprinklers
Maximumdistancetoawall

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DeterminationofAreaofCoverageforEach
Sprinkler(8.5.2.1)

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SandLDimensionsaremeasuredtothe
sprinklers,notthebranchlines

Alongbranchlines
Chooselargerof
Distancebetweensprinklers
Twicedistancetowallor
obstruction

Thisdimensionis
This dimension is S
S

Betweenbranchlines
Distancebetweenbranchlines
Twicedistancetowallor
obstruction

ThisdimensionisL

AreaofCoverage=AS =SxL
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Minimumallowabledistancesbetweenstandard
spraysprinklers(8.6.3.4.2)

DetermineAreaofCoverageforEachSprinkler
Spr.
1
2
3
4
5
6

S
10
12
12
10
12
12

L
10
10
10
12
12
12

Minimumdistancebetween
sprinklers:6ft
Onlyappliestoceilingsprinklers
(notinrack)
Exceptionallowssprinklerstobe
closerthan6ftifbafflesare
installed.

AS
100
120
120
120
144
144

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Maximumallowabledistancesbetweenstandard
spraysprinklers(8.6.2.2.1)

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DistanceFromWalls

Maximumdistancebetween
sprinklers:
LightandOrdinaryHazard15ft
ExtraHazardandHighPiledStorage
12ft
EHandHPOccupancieswith25ft
bays,spacingof12ft6inchesis
permitted
EHandHPOccupancieswith
densitieslessthan0.25gpm/sqft,
spacingof15ftispermitted
National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

Minimum:4inchesfromwalls
Maximum:
Maximum:oftheallowable
of the allowable
distancebetweensprinklers
Alsoseethesmallroomrule

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MeasuringDistancestoWalls

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MeasuringDistancestoWalls

Measureperpendiculardistance
betweensprinklerandwall
(8.5.3.2.2).Thisisthedimension
thatisnotallowedtoexceedthe
allowable distancebetween
sprinklers
i kl

Forroomswithangleslessthen90,
additionalrulethatthedistancefrom
sprinklertocornermustnotexceed0.75
allowable distancebetweensprinklers
(8.6.3.2.3)
S
S

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MaximumAreaLimitationsStandardSpray
SprinklersTable8.6.2.2.1(a)

MeasuringDistancestoWalls

Light Hazard(HydraulicallyCalculated)
MaximumArea of
CeilingConstruction
CoverageperSprinkler

Thedistancefromthewalltothe
sprinklershallbemeasuredtothe
wallbehindfurniture,suchas
wardrobes,cabinets,andtrophy
cases

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Noncombustible Unobstructed

225sqft

NoncombustibleObstructed

225sqft

NoncombustibleUnobstructed
Noncombustible
Unobstructed withno
with no
exposedmembers

225sqft

CombustibleUnobstructedwithexposed
members3ftor moreoncenter

225sqft

CombustibleObstructedwithexposed
members3ftormoreoncenter

168sqft

Combustible(ObstructedorUnobstructed)
withmembers lessthan3ftoncenter

130sqft

Woodjoistortruss,specialatticrules

8ftx15ftor 10ftx12ft

25

26

MaximumAreaLimitationsStandardSpray
SprinklersTable8.6.2.2.1(a)

MaximumAreaLimitationsStandardSpray
SprinklersTable8.6.2.2.1(b)

Forlighthazardoccupancypipe
schedulesystems,themaximum
areashallnotexceed200sqftper
sprinkler

OrdinaryHazard
MaximumAreaof
CalculationMethod
Coverageper
Sprinkler
All
130 ft
130sqft

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MaximumAreaLimitationsStandardSpray
SprinklersTable8.6.2.2.1(c)

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MaximumAreaLimitationsStandardSpray
SprinklersTable8.6.2.2.1(d)
HighPiledStorage

ExtraHazard
MaximumArea
CalculationMethod ofCoverageper
Sprinkler
Pi S h d l
PipeSchedule
90 ft
90sqft
Hydraulically
calculatedusing0.25
100sqft
gpm/sq.ft.ormore
Hydraulically
calculatedusingless
130sq ft
than0.25 gpm/sq.ft.

CalculationMethod
Hydraulicallycalculated
using0.25gpm/sq.ft.or
more
Hydraulicallycalculated
usinglessthan0.25
gpm/sq.ft.
29

Maximum
Areaof
Coverageper
Sprinkler
100sqft

130sq ft
30

SmallRoomDefinition(3.3.21)

IsThisSpacingacceptableforOrdinaryHazard?
Spr.
1
2
3
4
5
6

S
10
12
12
10
12
12

National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

L
12
10
10
12
12
12

Roomwithinlighthazard
occupancies
Unobstructedconstruction
Floorareasnotexceeding800sqft
Eachwallcanhaveopeningswitha8
inchminimumlinteldepthandtotal
widthnotexceeding8feet
Singleopeningof3feetorless
withoutalintelispermitted

AS
120
120
120
120
144
144

31

32

SmallRoomRule

SmallRoomRule
Withinroomsoflighthazardoccupancies
havingunobstructedconstructionand
floorareasnotexceeding800sqft,
sprinklersshallbepermittedtobelocated
notmorethan9ftfromanysinglewall
Distancesbetweensprinklersand
Distances between sprinklers and
maximumarealimitationsstillapply
Theareapersprinklerisdefinedasthe
totalareaoftheroomdividedbythetotal
numberofsprinklersintheroom

AS = 30 x 15 2 = 225 sq ft

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UnobstructedConstruction
withTrussesandBarJoists

DeflectorDistancesBelowCeilings
UnobstructedConstruction(8.6.4.1.1.1)
112inchesbelowceiling

1-12

End View

Side View
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StandardSpraySprinklers
ObstructedConstruction

DeflectorDistancesBelowCeilings
StandardSpraySprinklers
ObstructedConstruction(8.6.4.1.2)
16inchesbelowstructuralmembers
Notmorethan22inchesbelowceiling
Seenextfewslidesforsomeexceptions

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ExceptiontoObstructedConstructionRule
[8.6.4.1.2(3)]

ExceptiontoObstructedConstructionRule
[8.6.4.1.2(2)]

Sprinklerscanbeinstalledineach
bayofobstructedconstruction
withdeflectors112inchesbelow
theceiling

Sprinklers are allowed to be installed with

deflectors at or above members where the
distances meet section 8.6.5.1.2 (beam rule)
National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

ExceptiontoObstructedConstructionRule
[8.6.4.1.2(4)]

Sprinklersshallonlybepermitted1to6
belowcompositewoodjoiststoamax.22
belowceiling/roofwhere joistchannelsare
firestoppedtothefulldepthofthejoists
withmaterialequivalenttotheweb
constructionsothattheindividualchannel
areasdonotexceed300sqft.

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ExceptiontoUnobstructedConstructionRule
[8.6.4.1.2(5)]
Deflectorsofsprinklersunder
concreteteeconstructionwithstems
spacedlessthan7.5ftbutmorethan
3ftoncentershall(regardlessofthe
depth of the tee) be permitted to be
depthofthetee)bepermittedtobe
locatedatorabovetheplane1inch
belowthebottomofthestemsof
theteesandshallcomplywiththe
beamrule

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ConcreteTeesBetween3ftand7.5ftOnCenter

Skylights(8.5.7)
Sprinklersarenotrequiredinskylightsup
to32sqftinarearegardlessofthedepth
andregardlessofthehazardclassification
oftheoccupancy
Appliesregardlessofthetypeofsprinkler
Applies regardless of the type of sprinkler
Ifthereismorethanoneskylightina
compartment,theyneedtobeseparated
bymorethan10ftinordertoutilizethis
provision

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National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

UnsprinkleredCeilingPockets

Ceilingpockets(8.6.7)
Sprinklerscanonlybeomittedfromceiling
pocketswhenthefollowingaremet
Volumedoesnotexceed1000ft3
Depthofthepocketdoesnotexceed36in
Floorspaceunderthepocketiscoveredby
sprinklersatthelowerceilingelevation
i kl
t th l
ili
l ti
Totalsizeofallunprotectedpocketswithin10
ftofeachotherdoesnotexceed1000cubic
feet
Constructionisnoncombustibleorlimited
combustiblefinish
Quickresponsesprinklersareusedthroughout
thecompartment

Noncombustible or
limited combustible
construction

Not to exceed 3 ft

Volume not to
Exceed 1000 ft3
Quick response sprinklers
completely protect floor area using
spacing rules of NFPA 13

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National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

CeilingPocketExample

CeilingPocketExample
Q Aresprinklersrequiredintheupperceilingarea
iftheoccupancyislighthazardandthesprinklers
areon15x15spacing?Assumeroomis20ft
wideinthedimensionnotshown.

No,sprinklersarenotrequired:
3x4x20=240ft3

4 ft

7 ft

15 ft

2 ft

4 ft
7 ft

11 ft

8 ft

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15 ft

11 ft

8 ft

47

2 ft

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Nonuniformceilings

Nonuniformceilings

Whereaceilingchangeselevationand
thedifferencebetweenthesprinkler
deflectoratthelowelevationandthe
ceilingatthehighelevationislessthan
or equal to 3 ft
orequalto3ft

Uprightandpendentstandard
sprayandextendedcoverage
sprinklers
Thedistancefromthesprinklerto
theceilingisrequiredtobe
measuredovertheentireareaof
coverageforthatsprinkler

National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

Treatthehigherelevationasapocket;or
Sprinklerignoringthechangeinelevation
Sprinklersinupperelevationmustmeet
obstructionrulesifprotectingspaceunder
lowerceilingelevation

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Nonuniformceilings

Nonuniformceilings<36ft

Ifthechangeinelevationisgreater
than3ft
Thehigherceilingelevationneeds
tohaveitsownsprinklers;and
Theplacewheretheelevation
h l
h
h l
i
changesistreatedasawallforthe
purposeofdeterminingsprinkler
spacingandlocation

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Slopedceilings

Nonuniformceilings>36ft

Measuredistancebetween
sprinklersalongslope
Highestsprinklermustbe
within3ftverticallyatthe
peak
Specialrulesforvery
steeplypitchedroof
Specialrulesforconcealed
spaces(attics)
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Slopedceilings

Steeplypitchedroofs

Measure distance between sprinklers along slope

Highest sprinkler 3 ft maximum from peak

National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

SprinklersUnderPitchedSurfaces
Distancesbetween
sprinklersaremeasured
alongtheslope
Fordeterminingthe
For determining the
amountofwaternecessary
tomeetthedensity/area
requirements(hydraulic
calculations),theprojected
areaonthefloorshallbe
used.

With steeply pitched roofs a sprinkler is

permitted to be more then 3 ft from peak in
order to maintain 2 ft clearance from
structural members
55

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SpecialConcealedSpace(Attic)Rules
Ifconstructioniswoodjoistorwoodtruss;and
Ifmembersarespacedlessthan3ftoncenter;
and
Ifroofslopeexceeds4in12.Then:
Maximumcoverageareapersprinkleris120sqft
8x15with8ftdimensionmeasuredperpendicular
8 x 15 with 8 ft dimension measured perpendicular
toslope;or
10x12(with10ftdimensionmeasured
perpendiculartoslope)ifpressureisatleast20psi
Sprinklernearbottom,minimum 5fttothe
bottomofthespace
Sprinklerwithin12inchesofpeak

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Sloped/ConcealedSpaceSprinklerSpacing

UnoccupiedAtticRules(8.6.2.2.1(a))
Choice 2

Choice 1

8 ft
10 ft

Plan View
Plan View

Elevation View

Elevation View
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SidewallSprinklers

SidewallSprinklers
Section8.4.2coverswherethe
sprinklerscanbeused
LightHazardoccupancieswithflat,
smooth,horizontalceilings
LightHazardoccupancieswithflat,
smooth,slopedceilings
h l
d ili
OrdinaryHazardoccupancieswithflat
smoothceilingswherespecificallylisted
forsuchuse
Protectbeneathoverheaddoorsinany
occupancy

Section8.7coversinstallationrules
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DeterminationofAreaofCoveragefor
EachSprinkler(8.7.2.1)

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StandardSidewallSprinklersTable8.7.2.2.1
LightHazard

Alongthewall
Chooselargerof
Distancebetweensprinklers
Twicedistancetowallorobstruction

ThisdimensionisS

Acrosstheroom

Between
Sprinklers
Room Width
(singlerow)
Maximum
Area

Distancetowalloppositesprinkler
Midpointifsprinklersareon
oppositewalls

ThisdimensionisL

AreaofCoverage=AS =SxL
National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

Combustible
Finish

Noncombustible
or Limited
Combustible
Finish

14ft

14ft

12ft

14ft

120ft2

196ft2

63

SidewallSprinklerExample

StandardSidewallSprinklersTable8.7.2.2.1
OrdinaryHazard

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Combustible
Finish

Noncombustible
or Limited
Combustible
Finish

B t
Between
Sprinklers

10ft

10ft

Room Width
(singlerow)

10ft

10ft

MaximumArea

80ft2

100ft2

Standard SidewallSprinkler

StandardSidewallSprinklerLocations

SpacingConsiderations

Deflectors46fromceiling
unlessotherwiselisted.
HorizontalS/W612or12
18
Installedathighpointofslope,
Installed at high point of slope
pointingdownwithdeflector
paralleltoslope
Wheresoffitsaremorethan8
wide,anadditionalsprinkleris
requiredbelowthesoffit

Sidewallsprinklersarenotallowedtobe
installedbacktobackunlessprotected
byacontinuouslintelorsoffit(8.7.3.1.4)
Roomwidthcanbeincreasedto24ftin
lighthazardand20ftinordinaryhazard
withsidewallsprinklersontwoopposite
walls(8.7.3.1.5)
Sidewallsprinklersshallbepermittedto
beinstalledonopposingoradjacent
wallsaslongasnosprinkleriswithinthe
maximumprotectionareaofanother
(8.7.3.1.6)
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TemperatureConsiderationsfor
LocationofSprinklers

68

ObstructionstoSprinklers
Sprinklersneedtobe
locatedfarenoughaway
fromobstructionstomake
surethatanyfireinthe
compartmentiscontrolled
p
orsuppressed

Ingeneral,useOrdinaryTemperature
sprinklersaslongasceiling
temperaturedoesnotexceed100F
Usehighertemperaturesprinklersin
thefollowing
Forambienttemperaturesover100F
seeTable6.2.5.1
Forlocalheatsources,see8.3.2.5and
Tables8.3.2.5(a) (c)
SeeFigure8.3.2.5forHighTemperature
ZoneandIntermediateTemperature
Zonearoundunitheaters
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National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

Familiarizeyourselfwiththe
obstructionruleslocatedin
Chapter8ofNFPA13

69

Summary

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ThankYou
Questions?
DontforgettodothequizforCEUcredit.
NextTechTuesday:

1.Employtherulesfordetermining
acceptablespacingforspraysprinklers.
2.Applythemaximumandminimum
di t
distancesbetweensprinklers.
b t
i kl
3.Calculatetheallowablecoverageareas
persprinkler.
4.Applythesmallroomrulecorrectly.

National Fire Sprinkler Association - 2012

March19,2013
SelectingSprinklers
Selecting
Sprinklers
Basic JefferyM.Hugo,CBO
RolandAsp
ManagerofTechnicalServices
NationalFireSprinklerAssociation
asp@nfsa.org
71

National Fire Sprinkler Association 2013

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