Always Sprinkler Under 24"+ ESFR Obstructions?

11/12/2025

Question in relation to ESFR sprinklers. Per NFPA 13 2016 Section 8.12.5 - obstructions 12" to 24" wide, the sprinkler must be 2 feet away.

There is no specific code for obstructions larger than 24"; does this mean these obstructions would always require coverage beneath?

I ask because I have a 36" cable tray - if it's centered between two branch lines, can I apply the code to half the obstruction?

In this case, the head would be further than 2' from 18" of the obstruction on both sides.

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

3 Comments

Glenn Berger

11/12/2025 08:28:44 am

In the 2016 version of NFPA 13 Section 8.12.5.3 appears to be applicable to this scenario. And yes sprinklers most likely would be required based upon specific criteria contained within the section.

Chad

11/12/2025 08:45:00 am

This is the applicable section from 2019 regarding ESFR continuous obstructions below, like a cable tray,

More than likely you need coverage below

14.2.11.3 Continuous Obstructions Below Sprinklers.
14.2.11.3.1 General Continuous Obstructions.
Sprinklers shall be arranged with respect to obstructions in accordance with one of the following:
(1)
Sprinklers shall be installed below continuous obstructions, or they shall be arranged to comply with Table 14.2.11.1.1 for horizontal obstructions entirely below the elevation of sprinklers that restrict sprinkler discharge pattern for two or more adjacent sprinklers such as ducts, lights, pipes, and conveyors.

(2)
Additional sprinklers shall not be required where the obstruction is 2 in. (50 mm) or less in width and is located a minimum of 2 ft (600 mm) below the elevation of the sprinkler deflector or is positioned a minimum of 1 ft (300 mm) horizontally from the sprinkler.

(3)
Additional sprinklers shall not be required where the obstruction is 1 ft (300 mm) or less in width and located a minimum of 1 ft (300 mm) horizontally from the sprinkler.

(4)
Additional sprinklers shall not be required where the obstruction is 2 ft (600 mm) or less in width and located a minimum of 2 ft (600 mm) horizontally from the sprinkler.

(5)
Ceiling sprinklers shall not be required to comply with Table 14.2.11.1.1 where a row of sprinklers is installed under the obstruction.

This also applies to your situation:

14.2.11.3.3*

For pipes, conduits, or groups of pipes and conduit to be considered individual, they shall be separated from the closest adjacent pipe, conduit, cable tray, or similar obstructions by a minimum of three times the width of the adjacent pipe, conduit, cable tray, or similar obstruction.

Jesse

11/12/2025 10:11:17 am

The ESFR obsturction rules are pretty stringent and it seems the more recent iterations of 13 made is less clear than before. I agree with Glenn and Chad that you'll need protection beneath the cable tray

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

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.

Always Sprinkler Under 24"+ ESFR Obstructions?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES