Any Contact Allowed with Sprinkler Pipe?

10/23/2018

Have a project which requires very tight coordination between sprinkler and ductwork. The ductwork will be lined with insulation which could come in contact with the black steel fire sprinkler pipe. Is there a minimum clearance required that wouldn't permit this contact by code?

Posted anonymously by a member for discussion. Discuss this here.

9 Comments

Bruce Seiler

10/24/2018 09:14:50 am

Recently, we have had inspectors site other items touching sprinkler pipe as a violation. This wasn't a case of something laying on top of the pipe adding, albeit small, weight to the sprinkler system. They were instances of other systems touching the sprinkler pipe, whether it be duct, insulation, wire. I'd be interested in thoughts and code references on the matter as well. Good question.

Scott Walter McBride

10/24/2018 09:27:38 am

there is a clearance section, which is 9.3.4.

sean

10/24/2018 10:58:22 am

The section does not appear to address other building systems but structural and framing items.

Burnet Glover

8/19/2020 10:00:46 am

I have a similar condition where structural members and electrical conduit greater than 2” dia. are in contact with the sprinkler main supply piping, greater than 6 inch in diameter. I was only able to find clearance requirements under Section 9.3 of the 2016 edition of NFPA 13 under Protection of piping against seismic conditions. Is there a requirement in NFPA 13 for a minimum clearance around sprinkler piping.

Anthony Alarcon

7/30/2020 09:47:04 pm

Is there a code requirement that says Sprinkler Piping must maintain a certain distance from fireproofing sprayed onto structural steel?

Dave L.

10/24/2018 11:30:03 am

Interesting point, and agree with Sean - Although some common sense and judgement should prevail, I am not away of any code reference pertaining to clearance to other mechanical systems; just structure. It is assumed if this is in a seismic zone, that the mechanical systems are properly restrained, and that the sprinkler system piping is braced and branch lines are properly restrained, vertically and laterally. And of course things cannot be resting on the pipe; NFPA 25 comes to mind on that. And on CPVC pipe there are compatibility issues with anything touching the pipe.

EdwH

10/24/2018 01:36:00 pm

NFPA 13-2016

9.3.4.9 The installed horizontal and upward vertical clearance
between horizontal sprinkler piping and structural members
not penetrated or used, collectively or independently, to
support the piping shall be at least 2 in. (50 mm).

This addresses structural members or anything supporting the pipe.

HARRIS link

3/10/2020 09:50:41 am

As far as my research into this original question, there is no reason pipe cant have duct touching the bottom side (nothing in fire code prevents this unless it is CPVC). It seems fire marshals who arent 100% sure will fall on the side of safety and uphold the CPVC pipe requirement (not touching anything) for steel pipe. I do know it is an issue if inspectors cannot visually see the pipe from below for inspections, but otherwise most dont mind.

Jonathan Key

5/19/2020 08:48:47 am

Expanding on this, I have a question. Referencing 9.3.4.9 Does this mean that if i run a sprinkler line underneath an I beam or Bar joist i cannot be within 2" of any structural member with the top of the sprinkler pipe? Say 1" below the beam?

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