Back-to-Back Sidewalls OK for Overhead Doors?

6/17/2024

I came across a code that is in all NFPA 13's (at least 2013-2022 editions) that says sidewall sprinklers shall not be installed back to back (8.7.3.1.4 in 2016 edition).

When dealing with overhead garage doors with two doors directly adjacent to each other, I've seen two sprinklers installed back to back so often that I would consider it 'industry standard'.

Are back to back sidewall sprinklers permissible for adjacent overhead door protection?

Thanks in advance.

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

7 Comments

Pete H

6/17/2024 07:05:35 am

They're still not supposed to do that without a baffle, common or not (in my opinion).

The reason you don't have back to back sidewall sprinklers is so they don't stop each other from activating. It's done, it's still not right.

Anthony

6/17/2024 07:12:41 am

I believe that would be acceptable. The I think point of 8.7.3.1.4 is to prevent cold soldering from back spray which is less important in a garage door scenario.

Chad

6/17/2024 01:17:12 pm

Agreed, its ok, IMO.

Todd E Wyatt

6/17/2024 08:14:41 am

Per NFPA 13-2022 :

10.3.4.1.4
Sidewall spray sprinklers shall not be installed back-to-back without being separated by a continuous lintel or soffit.

ENHANCED CONTENT
Why are lintels or soffits required for back-to-back installations?

The use of a lintel or soffit is necessary to ensure that the sprinkler closest to the fire operates and to minimize the possibility of sprinklers on both sides of the lintel operating unnecessarily. The baffle also serves to prevent the discharge pattern of the operating sprinkler from impinging on the operating element of an adjacent sprinkler. The baffle is an important feature because sidewall sprinklers are actually designed to discharge a portion of their spray pattern behind the sprinkler.

Jack G

6/17/2024 04:48:20 pm

Todd is spot on. I ve installed back to backs in tent structures for FM and a large baffle is required in tents also.

Dewayne Martinez

6/19/2024 07:21:36 am

But what is considered back to back,,,,,? Usually the overhead doors are separated by a foot or two and I typically install the HSW about 6in under each door. So realistically the sprinklers are around 2ft from each other. Not what I would consider back to back. I don't worry if both heads do go off instead of one. They are coming off an overhead system that has been calculated with a full design area.

Troy N

6/19/2024 08:08:40 am

I would agree with your logic except, as pointed out in a previous response above, these sidewalls are designed to direct some water behind the head. This could cause a cold solder on the head behind it, and the fire could spread to the area where the cold soldered head is protecting.

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.

Back-to-Back Sidewalls OK for Overhead Doors?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES