Is Floor-Mounted Cage a Sprinkler Obstruction?

6/12/2026

I ran into this issue today with a cage installed in close proximity to an upright fire sprinkler.

Is this an obstruction to the sprinkler?

It's open wire mesh from the head to the floor; the only obstruction is the top angle near the sprinkler. The deflector is higher than the beam; it appears there would be very little obstruction to the development of the spray pattern overall. Facility has an open concrete ceiling.

Thanks in advance.

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6 Comments

Pete H

6/12/2026 07:50:40 am

Yes.

NFPA 13 (2025 Edition)

10.2.8.3.2.3 - In ordinary hazard occupancies where sprinklers are installed above freestanding partitions, room dividers, and similar obstructions, the distance from the sprinkler deflector to the top of the obstruction shall be 18 in. or greater.
10.2.8.3.2.4 - In ordinary hazard occupancies where sprinklers are installed within 6 in. horizontally of the center line of freestanding partitions, room dividers, and similar obstructions no greater than 12 in, in width the distance from the sprinkler deflector to the top of the obstruction shall be permitted to be installed 7 in. or greater vertically per figure 10.2.8.2.3.4.

If it's light hazard you only need to be 3" above the obstruction as per 10.2.8.3.2.1.

But in any capacity, you're maybe a 1/2" above the obstruction and about 1" off horizontally. It will absolutely affect spray pattern.

Dan Wilder

6/12/2026 08:05:24 am

I'm just looking at the bricks beyond and counting (old school measuring)...assuming the standard 8x8x16 CMU that sprinkler looks to exceed the 22" max below deck...again assuming obstructed construction just out of frame within the 1" to 6" above the deflector...

Alternate question, what was the purpose of the visit? NFPA 25 doesn't cover this directly and would only be a secondary or recommendation report note.

Chris

6/12/2026 08:24:32 am

Food for thought, why didn't they run the pipe directly over the cage?

Glenn Berger

6/12/2026 08:49:18 am

The sprinkler shown in the phot does not appear to be currently in compliance with NFPA 13. Would recommend a complete review of existing conditions.

The floor mounted partition being more than 2 feet below the deck above would most likely not be considered an obstruction to sprinkler discharge from a properly installed sprinkler.

Anthony Brown

6/12/2026 01:34:54 pm

Yes, on several points. As already pointed out, it appears that the deflector doesn't meet distance below ceiling requirements, also, the flow exits in a slight downward direction and from the picture there will be impediment to flow and distribution. Install a candlestick and move on to the next issue. because if there is this one, I'm sure there are others as well

Jack G

6/12/2026 03:56:17 pm

As pointed out above, it is not in compliance with code.
I think it was installed next to the partition for damage control with people moving tall objects in and out.
I m trying to figure why there is no chicken wire atop the partitions to stop people climbing into another bin to get at their storage. Move the head up.

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Is Floor-Mounted Cage a Sprinkler Obstruction?

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