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Ceiling Pockets with No Sprinklers in Skylight?

3/29/2022

3 Comments

 
We have a skylight scenario that's slightly different than a prior discussion here.

NFPA 13 Section 8.5.7.1.1 states:
"when a sprinkler is installed directly beneath a skylight not exceeding 32 sq.ft., the distance to the ceiling shall be measured to the plane of the ceiling as if the skylight was not present".

Two things I'm not understanding here:

1) "..sprinkler installed directly beneath..": does this mean a sprinkler in the opening, somewhere in the depth of the skylight, from the finished ceiling up to the clear glass?

2) "..as if the skylight was not present." : the way I'm interpreting this is the distance from where the sprinkler is installed (the deflector) at the lower ceiling level - or we could say at the ceiling level where the skylight opening is - can be measure as if the skylight isn't there, meaning the deflector should be placed a min. 1" down from the opening, even if from the opening to the skylight glass is say 5 feet?

If that is the case where a sprinkler is installed in this manner (so as to ignore the depth of the skylight), then here's one last proposal/query: a bulkhead is installed at a lower elevation than this ceiling level. So now, are we able to implement ceiling pocket requirements?

The total volume of ceiling pockets is less than 1000 cu.ft. in the compartment, and with the other requirements fulfilled from 8.6.7.2, we'd be able to get away with sprinklers only in the the lower bulkhead ceiling.

My issue with this though is the presence of the skylights. Hoping someone can help me out here. Thank you.


​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
3 Comments
Alex
3/29/2022 07:07:16 am

Hi,

First, I want to discuss your two numbered questions:

1) This question goes hand and hand within number two. But to answer this question at face value, yes, this is talking about a sprinkler installed directly under the skylight.

2) Like mentioned in number 1, this is regarding a sprinkler installed directly beneath the skylight. When in doing so, NFPA 13 (2016) 8.5.7.1.1 states that the “the distance to the ceiling shall be measured to the plane of the ceiling as if the skylight was not present.” It is my interpretation and understanding of the code that this means that the sprinkler must be installed in accordance with section 8.6.4, Deflector Position, as if there was no skylight above and or the sprinkler was being installed anywhere else on the ceiling. So like you mentioned, a minimum of 1 inch and a maximum of 12 inches beneath the ceiling.

I hate saying it, but for the ceiling pocket question, this requires an interpretation of the code and should be reviewed with the AHJ. BUT, I would say that as long as you still follow all bullets outlined in Section 8.6.7.2, sprinklers can be omitted, provided there is complete coverage below. To be conservative, for the total volume (1) and depth of the ceiling pockets (2), I would include the skylight within the calculations.

Hope the above makes sense. Happy to clarify anything in the comments if you would like.

Thanks,
Alex

[Response references NFPA 13 (2016) edition]

Reply
Dan Wilder
3/29/2022 08:31:47 am

Further discussion on a previous thread.

https://www.meyerfire.com/daily/omit-sprinkler-from-4-x-6-x-5-skylight-in-pocket

Third paragraph summarizes this as well

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2020/May-June-2020/In-Compliance/NFPA-13

You will lose the ability for an area reduction by using this but it seems allowable on review as Alex stated above.

You are not required to keep the standard 1"-12" below the top of a skylight (just provide protection as if it was not there) and if you have a ceiling pocket that is no greater than 36" and is less than the 1000 cu. ft. with the 10' separation, you meet the requirements of each section.

Playing devils advocate, the AHJ could require the ceiling pocket depth be measured from the top of the skylight to the bottom of the bulkhead which may cause problems...are there enough of these to warrant going down this path?

Reply
Jesse
3/29/2022 09:35:45 am

I agree with everything Alex and Dan wrote, and I certainly want to reiterate and emphasize consulting with your AHJ before. Its way easier to address any concerns they may have now, in the design-phase than it would be in the inspection.

Reply



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  • Blog
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