Max. Height for Non-Protected Concealed-Space?

12/27/2021

What is maximum distance above a ceiling before concealed-space sprinklers have to be installed?

I can't find the code reference, but seems like there was a 3-foot maximum if it was non-combustible with insulation on the pipe?

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7 Comments

Glenn Berger

12/27/2021 08:06:35 am

NFPA 13 does not have a stated minimum distance between the ceiling and the structure for the determination of where sprinklers would be required.

There are specific requirements for where sprinklers are required and where sprinklers in concealed locations can be omitted.

Dan Wilder

12/27/2021 08:09:39 am

13-'19 Edition

Section 9.2 has several triggers to omit
-<6" (studs & joists) is the typical defining dimension where concealed spaces do not require sprinkler protection
-Composite wood joist volumes are set at 160 cu. ft. max
-Spaces over small compartments under 55 sq. ft.

There are many more to review depending on the construction type.

Dan Wilder

12/27/2021 08:31:55 am

The 36" trigger is more related to the concealed sprinkler listings and/or requirements but many of those allow up to 60" deep when I've looked through the latest data sheets.

Alex

12/27/2021 08:20:08 am

Hi,

Funny you said that - I used to think the same thing. Not sure if I read something that mentioned 3 feet or dreamt it (HA).

Either way, I haven't been able to find that article and NFPA 13 doesn't mentioned it. You want to refer to NFPA 13 (2016) 8.15.1 Concealed Spaces.

Thanks,
Alex

Jesse

12/27/2021 08:29:48 am

There is no 3-ft exclusion in 13 that I'm aware of. There are however a lot of good information in NFPA 13 8.15.1.

As a general rule, combustible concealed should be protected unless you meet the criteria to omit protection.

Anthony

12/27/2021 08:33:47 am

Any space that is non occupied has no storage or low fire load and build with non combustion construction is allowed to be omitted from sprinkler protection.

That being said common sense should prevail in all occasions. And close attention to the concealed spaces rules mention by other posters here.

sean

12/31/2021 06:20:21 pm

non-combustible concealed spaces typically do not require sprinkler protection

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Max. Height for Non-Protected Concealed-Space?

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