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A New Sprinkler Spacing Flowchart (PDF)

4/27/2022

 
When teaching the basics of sprinkler layout, I find it far too easy to jump right to talking about sprinkler spacing distances and the coverage area in relatable terms.

SPRINKLER SPACING AS 225 SQFT & 15x15
I say that a sprinkler is limited by a coverage area limit, and by a maximum spacing. I then introduce an example for Light Hazard with an acoustical ceiling tile, and explain that the limits are 225 sqft and 15-ft x 15-ft.

That's all technically correct. And, as an example, it's a common one for those of us that work regularly with light commercial buildings. 

However, by giving that example, there is a whole series of assumptions built in that I completely gloss over. 

UNDERSTANDING THE PATH
Experienced Designers & Engineers will tell you (they've told me), that to teach the fundamentals correctly we really need to start with all the considerations and assumptions that go into a sprinkler layout.

Is the structure combustible, noncombustible, or limited-combustible?

Is the construction Obstructed or Unobstructed?

Are we assuming standard-spray sprinklers, or something like ESFR or Extended Coverage? 

I've gotten caught making basic mistakes - spacing sidewalls inappropriately because I just assumed that a 14x14 spacing applied regardless of the construction type. 

I could be wrong here, but my guess is that even experienced people have made the same mistakes I have on sprinkler spacing because we've glossed over the combustible nature of the ceiling.
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A new sprinkler spacing flowchart. Click above to download.
A PDF FLOWCHART
Partially to satisfy my own curiosity, and partially because we're getting into a lot of detail with teaching these concepts on the University platform (all our PDF resources are there), I've broken out these different paths and decision trees in a new pdf flowchart. Click above to download the full PDF version.

EVERYDAY USE?
Unlike some of the other charts and checklists we've created, this probably isn't one I'm going to be referencing daily. There's typically only a few common limitations that apply to most of the work that I do.

However, just as a concept, I find it interesting how the considerations of combustible/noncombustible construction, obstructed and unobstructed, exposed members versus non-exposed members all play a part in how NFPA 13 tells us to properly protect each space. This can be helpful as a teaching tool in introducing the spacing concepts.

Hope you have a great rest of your week!
RJ
5/11/2022 11:22:49 am

Speaking from a contractor's view, the spacing we usually use in an office setting is 12' x 10'. 12' between the welded branch lines on the mains and 10' on the lines between heads. Might use a few more heads then necessary, but the cost saving on piping and labor makes up for it.

Karen P.
5/19/2022 03:14:52 pm

RJ, Can you explain a little further? Wouldn't 14' x 14' be more cost effective? Less piping & less heads? Thanks in advance. (Always trying to learn more)

RJ
5/19/2022 03:40:48 pm

We usually use Schedule 10 piping, (for Mains), and Schedule 40 piping (for Branch Lines). The head spacing is 12'-0" x 10"-0". The mains have a welded branch outlet every 12'-0". This allows the head spacing to be 10'-0". This now allows 1'-0" of branch piping to be used, leaving only 1'-0" of "waste", so to speak. I hope this helps you.

SCHULMAN
5/12/2022 07:47:51 am

I love the contractor's point of view.
make my designs better ...
thanks RJ ...


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  • Blog
  • Forum
  • THE TOOLKIT
    • SUBMIT AN IDEA
    • BACKFLOW DATABASE*
    • CLEAN AGENT ESTIMATOR*
    • CLOUD CEILING CALCULATOR
    • DOMESTIC DEMAND*
    • FIRE FLOW CALCULATOR*
    • FIRE PUMP ANALYZER*
    • FIRE PUMP DATABASE*
    • FRICTION LOSS CALCULATOR
    • HANGER SPACER*
    • IBC TRANSLATOR*
    • K-FACTOR SELECTOR*
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('19 ONLY)
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('99-'22)*
    • LIQUIDS ANALYZER*
    • OBSTRUCTION CALCULATOR
    • OBSTRUCTIONS AGAINST WALL*
    • PLUMBING FIXTURE COUNTS
    • QUICK RESPONSE AREA REDUCTION
    • REMOTE AREA ANALYZER*
    • SPRINKLER DATABASE*
    • SPRINKLER FLOW*
    • SYSTEM ESTIMATOR*
    • TEST & DRAIN CALCULATOR
    • THRUST BLOCK CALCULATOR
    • TRAPEZE CALCULATOR
    • UNIT CONVERTER
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