Over the past ten years, fire sprinkler head obstruction criteria has evolved immensely. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, can be very confusing and difficult to apply in the field. Two methods are available in NFPA 13 to resolve sprinkler head obstructions: eliminating the obstruction or adding sprinklers underneath the obstruction. However, there have been some successful tests that have been conducted with head obstructions that are not allowable by NFPA 13 without taking these measures.
Head obstructions to standard pendent and upright spray sprinklers can be categorized into three classes:
- The most critical class consists of solid continuous obstructions that are generally tight to the ceiling or roof deck and the tops of which are above the elevation of the sprinkler deflector.
- The second most critical class consists of obstructions located entirely below the elevation of the deflector but above the assigned horizontal plane located 18 inches down from the sprinkler deflector.
- The third class consists of obstructions located entirely below the assigned plane 18 inches down from the sprinkler deflector.
Macomb Mechanical Fire Protection has sprinkler system designers with years of experience available to work with your facility demands and correct any deficiencies, including head obstructions, in your fire sprinkler layout.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule your head obstruction repair.