MeyerFire
  • Blog
  • Forum
  • TOOLKIT
    • ALL TOOLS
    • BUY THE TOOLKIT
  • UNIVERSITY
    • ALL COURSES
    • JOIN THE UNIVERSITY
  • PE Exam
    • PE Forum & Errata
    • PE Store
    • PE Tools
    • PE PREP SERIES
    • PE 100-Day Marathon
  • LOGIN
    • TOOLKIT-ONLY LOGIN
    • UNIVERSITY LOGIN
  • PRICING
    • SOFTWARE & TRAINING
    • STORE
  • OUR CAUSE
    • ABOUT MEYERFIRE
    • JOB OPENINGS
    • BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
    • HELP/SUPPORT
Picture

Allowed to Mix Extended & Standard Coverage?

2/23/2022

11 Comments

 
​ We are working on a project where the Architect is very particular about the placement of ceiling components, including sprinkler heads. The idea is to line up diffusers, lights, sprinkler heads, smoke detectors etc. The problem is, in several locations, their preferred location will place heads more than 15 feet apart. The obvious solution for him is to require the heads more than 15 feet apart to be extended coverage type.

From a practical standpoint, it doesn't make sense to scatter extended coverage heads throughout the project as it becomes an installation and maintenance (heads that down the road needing replacement may be replaced with standard coverage by mistake) nightmare.

Is there anything in the code preventing the installation of extended coverage and standard coverage heads of the same style (i.e. concealer style) in the same area?

​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
11 Comments
Wayne Ammons
2/23/2022 06:48:09 am

You can mix standard spray sprinklers and extended coverage spray sprinklers within the same compartment as long as they are the same response and the spacing requirements for each type of sprinkler is maintained. If your standard spray sprinklers are quick response, your extended coverage spray sprinklers will need to be listed as quick response as well.

Reply
Alex
2/23/2022 07:09:22 am

HI,

I cannot think of a code section that states you cannot mix standard and extended coverage sprinklers. There should be some plan set forth though to prevent sprinklers from being replaced with standard coverage down the road.

The only code section that comes to mind is NFPA 13 (2013) 8.3.3.2 which states if quick response sprinklers are used, all sprinklers shall be quick response.

Thanks,
Alex

Reply
Anthony
2/23/2022 07:39:06 am

I'd suggest using concealed type sprinklers the cover plates look the same on each.

Reply
Jesse
2/23/2022 08:09:25 am

Yep, as long as the response is the same.

And watch your calcs if this becocmes the hydraulic remote area. Obviously, sprinkler coverage area is critical to the calcs, but the listing of the extended coverage sprinkler will dictate the flow / pressure that the sprinkler needs to calculate at.

Reply
Glenn Berger
2/23/2022 08:11:18 am

Mixing standard (coverage) pendent and extended coverage pendent in the same ceiling plane is a bad idea. I would ensure that the requirements for extended coverage sprinklers are met and use these throughout the given space.

Reply
Mike
2/23/2022 08:11:28 am

I thought mixing heads of different orifices within the same compartment was not permitted. Can't remember the section.

Reply
Cliff Schulze
2/23/2022 08:45:16 am

The code prohibits using different orifice sizes to minimize sprinkler discharge (NFPA 13 -2013 23.4.4.8.2). Obviously you can mix orifice sizes in situations like hotel rooms where you have an extended coverage sidewall protecting the sleeping area and a standard coverage head in the entry way.

Reply
Mike
2/23/2022 09:39:42 am

You're correct.

CJ
2/23/2022 08:46:23 am

This is allowed per the standard. Be careful of a few items:

1. Calculation methods, area reductions should still follow rules for NFPA and EC sprinkler manufacturer requirements.
2. Be careful spacing regarding sprinklers. Remember many EC sprinkler require a 8' minimum to prevent cold soldering vs 6' for standard coverage.
3. Pay attention to obstruction rules as outlined in NFPA as both will be different for each type for the same type of architectural feature.
4. Ensure response type matches.
5. A practice I like to do is making the EC sprinklers a different orifice if possible. I.E. make all EC sprinklers 8.0K and Standard sprinklers 5.6K ...this helps any field installation errors, this not only requires a different symbol on the print but also a different reducer size on the drop. **This may not always be cost effective!**
6. Make sure you can utilize the same manufacturer that will be listed in both OH and LH occupancies for the style of head you are using. For example: Your building more than likely will have LH & OH rooms. You are trying to use concealed sprinklers. Find a manufacturer that has both EC and Standard coverage sprinklers that are listed as QR for both style of occupancies in concealed style. Don't mix manufacturers if you don't have to.

Just my two pennies. Hope that helps.

Reply
Fred Walker
2/23/2022 09:26:57 am

Remember our job as FPE is to ensure proper fire and life safety, not to drive the Arch decisions. We have a tool bag that allows us choices which permit us to achieve our goals and permit the Arch to achieve their design intent and goals, giving the customer a safe and Arch pleasing environment.

We should not impose artificial constraints for our design simplification or maintainers connivence.

That said we do still have to address those technical design issues already identified in the comments previously.

Reply
Dave
2/23/2022 10:39:47 am

CJ covered the considerations that come to my mind, and I frequently (but not every time) mix standard coverage and EC. I often have a room (classroom for example) where four EC sprinklers make more sense than none standard coverage sprinklers, but perhaps there is an additional nook or door alcove that needs an additional sprinkler, and I might use a standard coverage sprinkler for that small area. Or in a corridor where corridor sprinklers give me the flexibility to spread them out but I need sprinklers for pockets that have significant shadowing.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    SUBMIT A QUESTION
    Picture
    Why Sponsor?

    ALL-ACCESS

    Picture
    GET ALL OUR TOOLS

    SUBSCRIBE

    Subscribe and learn something new each day:
    I'm Interested In:

    COMMUNITY

    Top May '25 Contributors
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    SEE LEADERBOARD

    YOUR POST

    SUBMIT A QUESTION

    PE EXAM

    Get 100 Days of Free Sample Questions right to you!
    SIGN ME UP!

    FILTERS

    All
    A1171
    ABA
    ADA
    ASCE 7
    ASME A17.1
    ASTM E1354
    Blog Thread
    Daily Discussion
    Design-documents
    EN 12845
    Explosion Protection
    Explosion-protection-prevention
    Fire Detection And Alarm Systems
    Fire Dynamics
    Flammable And Combustible Liquids
    Flammable-combustible-liquids
    FM Global
    Human-behavior
    IBC
    ICC 500
    IEBC
    IFC
    IMC
    IPC
    IRC
    ISO
    Means Of Egress
    NBC
    NFPA 1
    NFPA 10
    NFPA 101
    NFPA 11
    NFPA 110
    NFPA 1142
    NFPA 1221
    NFPA 13
    NFPA 13D
    NFPA 13R
    NFPA 14
    NFPA 15
    NFPA 16
    NFPA 17A
    NFPA 20
    NFPA 2001
    NFPA 214
    NFPA 22
    NFPA 220
    NFPA 24
    NFPA 241
    NFPA 25
    NFPA 291
    NFPA 30
    NFPA 307
    NFPA 30B
    NFPA 31
    NFPA 33
    NFPA 37
    NFPA 400
    NFPA 409
    NFPA 415
    NFPA 45
    NFPA 495
    NFPA 497
    NFPA 5000
    NFPA 502
    NFPA 54
    NFPA 55
    NFPA 654
    NFPA 68
    NFPA 70
    NFPA 701
    NFPA 72
    NFPA 75
    NFPA 770
    NFPA 82
    NFPA 855
    NFPA 90A
    NFPA 92
    NFPA 96
    NICET
    OBC
    OSHA
    Passive Building Systems
    PE Prep Guide
    PE Prep Series
    PE Sample Problems
    Poll
    Smoke Management
    Special Hazard Systems
    UFC 3-600-01
    UFC 4-021-01
    UFC 4-211-01
    UPC
    Updates
    Water Based Fire Suppression
    Weekly Exams


    ARCHIVES

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016


    PE PREP SERIES

    SEE LEADERBOARD

    RSS Feed

Picture
​Home
Our Cause
The Blog
The Forum
PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit

MeyerFire University
​Pricing
Login
​Support
Contact Us
Picture

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

​MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.

All text, images, and media ​Copyright © 2016-2025 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 
The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

  • Blog
  • Forum
  • TOOLKIT
    • ALL TOOLS
    • BUY THE TOOLKIT
  • UNIVERSITY
    • ALL COURSES
    • JOIN THE UNIVERSITY
  • PE Exam
    • PE Forum & Errata
    • PE Store
    • PE Tools
    • PE PREP SERIES
    • PE 100-Day Marathon
  • LOGIN
    • TOOLKIT-ONLY LOGIN
    • UNIVERSITY LOGIN
  • PRICING
    • SOFTWARE & TRAINING
    • STORE
  • OUR CAUSE
    • ABOUT MEYERFIRE
    • JOB OPENINGS
    • BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
    • HELP/SUPPORT