Sprinkler Location Near Soffit Under NFPA 13?

2/9/2022

We have a project that is a 4 story residential building and within each bedroom unit there are soffits along each wall. These soffits do not exceed 24-inches.

Based on Table 12.1.11.1.4(c) in NFPA 13 (2019), it says we can neglect the obstruction and place our sidewall sprinkler off of the wall behind the obstruction.

This situation I am describing is on the top floor where we will be providing sidewall coverage instead of pendents.

My question is whether or not we can space the sprinkler as close as we want to the soffit along the wall, given it being less than 24-inches?

I'm just having a hard time figuring out if the sidewall will be able to adequately protect the space under the soffit with not much parameters.

Thanks in advance.

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9 Comments

James Phifer

2/9/2022 08:45:41 am

no minimum is given except in
12.1.8.4 Residential horizontal sidewall sprinkler deflectors shall be located no more than 6 in. (150 mm) from the wall on which they are mounted unless listed for greater distances.

we try to be a minimum of 6" away from side of soffit based on the note above.

Alex

2/9/2022 09:06:20 am

The minimum distance is 6" (NFPA 13 (2019) 12.1.8.4).

Diving deeper than you asked: The wording of your question sounds like there are soffits on all (4) walls. If this is the case, review NFPA 13 (2019) 12.1.11.1.5 Soffits and Cabinets. You may be required to install pendent sprinklers beneath one or more soffits.

Jesse

2/9/2022 09:17:00 am

I'm having a hard time visualizing this. Do all 4 of the walls have soffits?

Joe F

2/9/2022 10:20:09 am

Secondary Question:
Could this Figure 12.1.11.1.4(c) be used in an NFPA-13R/D systems?
This Figure is not displayed in the NFPA-13R/D (2019 Edition)

So basically Soffits < 24" wide no protection required underneath as long as the sidewall is not in the same wall as the soffit.
But Soffits less than/or 30" wide the Figure 12.1.11.1.4(b) is to be followed by using the formula provided.

Ismael link

2/9/2022 07:03:25 pm

I was doing a high rise Around the University area where there was a soffit along one wall but less then 24 inches and I would just measure the width of the soffit let’s say it’s ten inches so I would then measure off the soffit ten inches and place my side wall and how big are the rooms? Because i have had to place a pendent or two because the side wall would be maxed out

Mark Smith link

2/12/2022 01:58:16 am

Thanks for sharing this informational article with us.

Hazel Jones link

4/29/2022 12:33:25 am

This is really an amazing article, keep up the good work. Really appreciated.

AHJ

9/27/2022 11:07:06 am

I have a question on this issue as well. My situation is a ceiling pocket (all 4 walls have soffits) in a residential application (bedroom). I saw the above section from NFPA 13 (2019) 12.1.11.1.5 Soffits and Cabinets, but I didn't see an equivalent in 13D. Am I missing something? I have a house with no sprinklers in the high point of the ceiling pocket. All sprinklers are located lower on the under side of the soffit. Floor coverage is good, however I wonder about a delayed activation time should the fire start in the middle of the room. Any thoughts on this? Thank you!

AHJ

9/27/2022 11:43:50 am

I did find the section in 13D (2019) 8.3.7...
8.3.7 Sprinklers shall not be required for ceiling pockets that
meet the following conditions:
(1) The total volume of all unprotected ceiling pockets in a
compartment does not exceed 100 ft3 (2.8 m3).
(2) The entire floor under the unprotected ceiling pocket is
protected by the sprinklers at the lower ceiling elevation.
(3)* The interior finish of the unprotected ceiling pocket
excluding decorative treatments is noncombustible or
limited-combustible material.
(4) Skylights not exceeding 32 ft2 (3 m2) shall be permitted
to have a plastic cover

So I am concluding that ceiling pockets over 100' cubed will required sprinklers inside.

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Sprinkler Location Near Soffit Under NFPA 13?

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