Protect Small 'Bumpouts' for Classroom Partition?

11/11/2025

I have a project where there are small bumpouts on either side of a room that are sized just big enough to store an accordion ceiling partition when not in use. The partition divides a bigger classroom into two smaller classrooms when used.

Do I need to somehow have sprinkler coverage in the bumpouts?

The small areas are only exposed when the partition is deployed, which results in two even smaller spaces on each side of the partition. NFPA 13 Section 9.2.9.1 seems like one possible code section to allow an omission.

What are your thoughts on this allowance?

Seems challenging to incorporate sprinkler protection in those small areas and not very practical for the low fire hazard they present.

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7 Comments

Dan Wilder link

11/11/2025 07:41:40 am

By the letter, yes it needs protection in both conditions stored and in use.

This is very much an AHJ discussion, I have had to provide 3 separate final designs:

1-No protection within (the top of the doors had nearly 0 clearance so even a concealed sprinkler would be damaged and potentially not let the cover plate drop. Sprinklers outside the area were spaced to cover the floor area of the bump out (much like a cabinet or trophy case) which also meant they were very close to the wall assembly making the stowed state a cold solder condition.

2-Protection with one sprinkler. This was a best option when the bump out opening was offset, not centered. Sprinkler was placed closer to the "front" so that as doors were pulled out, the initial open space was covered first.

3-Protection in opposite corners. What we have done in the past with centered assemblies like you describe. Double check that there will be at least one panel that remains within space as the decorative face of the assembly locks in that last panel so people cannot enter...that last panel exiting the space meaning that option 2 would be better

Jesse

11/11/2025 08:18:22 am

Agree with Dan here that this doesn't seem like a candidate for omitting AS protection, but the how to protect it question is the issue. I just had a situation like this in a church but in my case, I had a little space above inside the bump out enough for a recessed sprinkler. I'd get with the AHJ and arch. and explore options

Glenn Berger

11/11/2025 08:19:47 am

Sprinkler protection is required. Dan nailed this response.

Adam

11/11/2025 08:26:21 am

I have no experience with these partitions, but I am wondering if sidewall sprinklers could fit in the space without interfering with partition operation.

Dave L.

11/11/2025 12:07:51 pm

If possible, position the nearby sprinklers so that the pocket complies with the "shadow Areas" allowance of NFPA 13?

Jack G

11/11/2025 12:27:43 pm

When no room exists and in a divided room I’ve protected these with a pendent sideway on each side of the bump out at a distance equal to the length of a section off the face and maintaining the proper cold solder distance between them. This way water can shoot past a section if still operating.

Anthony

11/11/2025 03:31:49 pm

If its too small to be occupiable is it a room? How thin is the area? if its less than 18'' I could see a non occupiable floor space argument.

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Protect Small 'Bumpouts' for Classroom Partition?

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