Fire Sprinklers and Conduit

[ZCBee]

I am running RMC for a lighting circuit in our plant and am not familiar with fire codes. What clearance must be maintained around sprinkler heads and pipes? What codes govern this question?

 

[raider1]

The clearances for fire sprinkler head comes from the fire sprinkler codes.

You might check with the AHJ to see if they have adopted NFPA 13 which is the standard for installation of fire sprinkler systems.

Chris

 

[ZCBee]

The clearances for fire sprinkler head comes from the fire sprinkler codes.

You might check with the AHJ to see if they have adopted NFPA 13 which is the standard for installation of fire sprinkler systems.

Chris

Thanks, I will give them a call.

 

[raider1]

Your welcome.

Chris

 

[ron]

I would guess the section of NFPA 13 -2007 that you are looking for is

8.5.5 Obstructions to Sprinkler Discharge.
8.5.5.1 Performance Objective. Sprinklers shall be located so as to minimize obstructions to discharge as defined in 8.5.5.2 and 8.5.5.3, or additional sprinklers shall be provided to ensure adequate coverage of the hazard. (See Figure A.8.5.5.1.)
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.
8.5.5.2.2 Sprinklers shall be positioned in accordance with the minimum distances and special requirements of Section 8.6 through Section 8.12 so that they are located sufficiently away from obstructions such as truss webs and chords, pipes, columns,
and fixtures.
8.5.5.3 Obstructions That Prevent Sprinkler Discharge from Reaching the Hazard. Continuous or noncontinuous obstructions that interrupt the water discharge in a horizontal plane more than 18 in. (457 mm) below the sprinkler deflector in a manner to limit the distribution from reaching the protected hazard shall comply with 8.5.5.3.
8.5.5.3.1 Sprinklers shall be installed under fixed obstructions over 4 ft (1.2 m) wide such as ducts, decks, open grate flooring, cutting tables, and overhead doors.
8.5.5.3.2 Sprinklers shall not be required under obstructions that are not fixed in place such as conference tables.