Can Sprinklers Be Installed In Gap of Ceiling?

1/10/2023

The architect has specified a solid panel ceiling in an 8-ft wide corridor.

The ceiling has a 4-inch gap that extends the width of the corridor. The gap is spaced every 8-ft.

The architect would like us to locate the sprinklers in the gaps so the ceiling has a clean look. The gaps are open to above. There are no sprinklers above the ceiling.

I believe the sprinklers should be installed in the solid part of the ceiling, not the gap, so heat can collect and activation is not delayed.

Am I correct?

Thank you in advance for your responses.

9 Comments

Dan Wilder

1/10/2023 07:30:36 am

You can provide sprinkler protection within the gap based on 13-22 9.5.5.3.1.2 (2). It shall be within 3" to the side of the obstruction and it must utilize a water shield.

But as I write this, your statement indicated no protection above, making this a ceiling with small openings or maybe a cloud ceiling scenario not an obstruction to discharge issue. So assuming you have all the criteria met for the space above to be unprotected...

9.2.1.1.1 states the space above can still be considered concealed with small openings
9.2.1.1.2 limits these openings to 20% of the overall ceiling total area(or plane...assumed to be flat) and gaps greater than 4' long (the 8' wide corridor) shall not be more than 8" wide (your scenario states 4").

So now continuing to "Cloud Ceilings"...I don't think this would directly apply with the gaps already complying with 9.2.1.1.1 but in case some additional back up is needed.

9.2.7 - 20' max, smooth construction, gap no greater than 1" per foot of elevation, QR used, EC no greater than 16' O.C.

I don't think heat collection is a concern with this design scenario.

Anthony

1/10/2023 07:39:31 am

If you've met the cloud rules of NFPA 2016/19 you'll need to be in the cloud I believe though the code does not explicitly say so.

The code does require all sprinklers to be installed per their listing. So, for a recessed head that means in a ceiling same for a concealed head.

If you provide sprinklers above the clouds you can use the code below to provide sprinkler below and obstruction. However, I don't think this would be considered "best practice"

13-16:
8.5.5.3.1.1 Sprinklers shall be located below the obstruction
and not more than 3 in. (75 mm) from the outside edge of the
obstruction.

Anthony

1/10/2023 07:41:23 am

I'd add if the cloud is at 11'' from the deck its moot because the sprinkler deflector will be at 12'' and below the obstruction and within the code. Unless I'm missing the 3x rule here?

Glenn Berger

1/10/2023 08:39:24 am

I suspect the "gap" has been provided for some form of ventilation without physically supply diffusers or grilles. I do not believe that cloud ceiling rules apply to this circumstance.

I would agree with you that the sprinkler should be placed on the solid portion of the ceiling assembly.

Casey Milhorn

1/10/2023 08:41:03 am

Dan nailed it again. I would approach it the same exact way he has stated. This "3 inches from the side of the obstruction" thing is either new for the 2022 edition (maybe it showed up in 2019, can't remember). So the only issue you may have is if the project is under an older NFPA 13, and the AHJ doesn't recognize newer editions.

COLIN LUSHER

1/10/2023 02:58:42 pm

Been there since at least 2016 version....one of those things you don't notice until you need it.

Casey Milhorn

1/10/2023 05:00:44 pm

Well NFPA 13 2007 edition still seems new to me if that tells you anything.... lol. I'm not good with time...

I think I cut my teeth on the 1991 edition, or whatever was before 1996 ed.

Jesse

1/10/2023 08:57:44 am

Not much to add to what Dan wrote, other than lamenting about the problems architects create for us.

Mike M link

1/10/2023 11:01:57 am

Request additional information from writer, how long is the corridor, 4” wide by 8 ft gaps can add up to a large open area. Is it a return air plenum above, do the corridor walls extend to the deck above?
More than sprinklers involved with this scenario.

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Can Sprinklers Be Installed In Gap of Ceiling?

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