Dry Sidewall Sprinkler That Throws 23-ft?

11/21/2025

We are designing a project that has a porch area (approximately 88-ft long x 23-ft deep) at grade with occupied enclosed building space above it (the building overhangs the porch by 23-ft).

To avoid a costly dry-pipe system for this area, the CM is looking to serve this area from dry sidewalls connected to the buildings automatic wet sprinkler system.

Is anyone aware of any dry sidewall heads (exposed or concealed) for this application that can throw 23-ft?

The building will have a fire pump so the extra pressure would not be an issue. Thanks in advance.

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10 Comments

Pete H

11/21/2025 06:11:17 am

If it's light hazard the Reliable DH80 Dry EC can throw up to 28'-0"...

But it's 14'-0" around it in either direction on the side (total 28'-0") and 14'-0" in front of the sidewall. Still might work depending on how the walls are shaped. Other corridor sprinklers would be the same.

Other than that if it is residential: The reliable KRes58 HSWX (5.8K RA3593) does do 14' x 26'-0" (Or 16'-0" x 24'-0") but is a residential sprinkler. So if that's not your occupancy, you might have to clear it with an AHJ due to lack of options, but the AHJ would still be right to say "No you can't use a residential sprinkler in a non-residential space"

Dan Wilder link

11/21/2025 07:35:20 am

I don't know of any commercial dry barrel sidewalls that will spray over 20'. Any option to have a heated soffit built for the first 3'?

If not, check out A9.3.19.1 (2025, 2022. 2019) for a possible clarification as to how far the sprinkler protection is "intended" to spray with the outside support columns being that line, and any extension less than 4' beyond should not be considered for protection. Then get your AHJ to buy off on the intent.

Soffit option similar to this previous blog

https://www.meyerfire.com/blog/category/detail-critique

Anthony

11/21/2025 07:58:41 am

It think dan is right, the soffit is the "easiest" option from a sprinkler stand point. Maybe be careful if this is in an area that will experience significate freezing. That soffit will need to ensure it's part of the heat envelope of the building with plenty of internal heat exchange (pocket vents). It can't just be a box thrown on the side of the building.

With the occupied over head area is there a wall or pocket you can drop down in the center of that area? Possible to strategically place several dry EC pendants?

Chad

11/21/2025 08:03:33 am

Yes, see Joe's post at that link. Best option if possible.

Connor Ross

11/21/2025 09:20:57 am

My interpretation is that A.9.3.19.1 addresses obstruction rules and not required throw distance.

“
A.9.3.19.1
Sprinkler protection under exterior projections should not be required to spray beyond the support beam on the exterior edge of the exterior projection as long as the maximum distance from the interior edge of support beam to the exterior edge of the projection does not exceed 4 ft (1.2 m). An additional line of sprinklers on the exterior edge is not required due to obstruction rules. This is considered a reasonable level of protection because sprinklers are located between the structure and the exterior edge. See Figure A.‍9.3.19.1.
“

The wording states “beam” and not “column” and the accompanying figure A.9.3.19.1 shows a horizontal structural member near the edge of the exterior projection. The figure notes that additional *sprinklers* are not required past the beam, not that sprinkler *coverage* is not required past the beam.

In the strictest interpretation, the sprinkler must still be capable of spraying the distance to the exterior edge, but the obstruction created by beams at the ceiling can be disregarded in terms of sprinkler obstruction rules which would otherwise require additional sprinklers to satisfy.

Looking at it practically, a beam that is deep enough to be considered an obstruction at ~20 ft away from the wall will likely inhibit the sprinkler spray from reaching its full coverage length regardless. One could make the argument that it doesn’t matter how far a sprinkler can spray if the water is never going to get there anyway.

Dan Wilder link

11/21/2025 12:26:22 pm

Yes, I agree with your interpretation for implied floor coverage for the sidewall but also one of the few places where exterior protection has exceptions. Using a residential sidewall may be outside of its listing (the OP did say porch not canopy, so Residential may still be on the table), providing the soffit may not be an option, and no protection may also be out of the option list. Tough spot all around.

Todd E Wyatt

11/21/2025 08:22:10 am

See "Extending Dry Sidewall Reach Just Beyond 20-ft" (https://www.meyerfire.com/blog/extending-dry-sidewall-reach-just-beyond-20-ft) ... otherwise, an extended-coverage sprinkler such as Reliable Model DH56 can cover up to 28-FT.

Dave

11/21/2025 11:46:06 am

To be clear, the greatest throw of the Reliable DH56 and DH80 is side-to-side (14' each way) not outward from the wall on which they are installed. I assume the structure is combustible construction? If NON-combustible, the occupied space above isn't necessarily a trigger for requiring sprinklers, although the handbook commentary has gone back and forth on this and some AHJ’s require it. Non-combustible might also allow the exit corridor exception of 9.2.3.3. And the use of sidewalls would mean it would have to be beneath a smooth, flat ceiling.

Jack G

11/21/2025 04:16:39 pm

20 ft is the limit and you must work out a series of soffits like the picture below
Meyer Fire pic from Feb 2024

Mark Fessenden link

11/24/2025 09:55:33 am

For this application, an anti-freeze loop with listed anti-freeze and a listed EC sidewall might be your best option.

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Dry Sidewall Sprinkler That Throws 23-ft?

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