Sidewall Sprinklers Listed for 18" Below Ceiling?

9/15/2025

NFPA mentions some sidewalls specifically listed for installation up to 18" below the ceiling.

Does anyone know a manufacturer that makes them?

All I can find is up to 12". Thanks in advance.

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6 Comments

Pete H

9/15/2025 06:22:06 am

https://www.tyco-fire.com/products-and-solutions/sprinklers-nozzles-and-accessories/extended-coverage/ec-5_fis/series-ec-5-sprinklers#resources

The Tyco EC-5 is listed up to 18" at standard temperatures (UL listings only, not FM, see tables B and C of the cut sheet) and light hazard only.

There may be additional sprinklers, but this is the only one we discussed here in 2024:

https://www.meyerfire.com/daily/sidewall-sprinkler-listed-18-inches-below-ceiling

Jose R Figueroa

9/15/2025 10:36:48 am

Dear Pete, it is indeed the Tyco EC-5 (Tyco Series EC-5 - Johnson Controls). Is is one of the few horizontal sidewall sprinkler series explicitly listed for a maximum deflector-to-ceiling distance of 18 inches (450 mm) in qualifying configurations. It’s a 5.6 K-factor glass-bulb spray sprinkler designed for light hazard occupancies.
• Approvals: UL and cUL Listed; FM Approved; Approved by the City of New York (MEA 113-04-E).
REF: FM APPROVAL GUIDE & https://www.tyco-fire.com/products-and-solutions/sprinklers-nozzles-and-accessories/extended-coverage/ec-5_fis/series-ec-5-sprinklers#productoverview

Anthony

9/15/2025 07:15:36 am

I don't think you'll find this. Side wall sprinklers depend on the heat plume spreading over large areas to the walls (obviously.) This means at 12'' down from ceiling there's already an appreciable volume to fill with hot gases, increasing that TOTAL volume by 50% is a big ask for reasonable activation times in a blanket listing.

Happy to be wrong, and I know reliable has the meat building side wall for 'beam pocket' protection and even that one only goes down to 14'' below deck. That has predictable pocket sizes though.

9/15/2025 08:08:57 am

Why do you need it to be 18 inches below the ceiling?

James Art, FPE

9/17/2025 04:27:21 pm

Avoid Sidewalls when possible:
Years ago Colma Fire Dept ran some fire sprinkler tests in a residential building scheduled for demolition.
They invited me to witness, and of course I had suggestions.
For one test they put a standard fire sprinkler in the center of the living room,
and I suggested a residential sprinkler just screwed into the sheet rock ceiling next to it.
I also suggested a couple of sidewalls also just screwed into the sheet rock, over the entry sill, where we could see what happened from the hall.
They had a large wood fire in the far corner, that developed fairly quickly. The residential sprinkler in the center popped just a little before the standard one (but with no water)
The two sidewalls NEVER activated.
Q. How far down from the ceiling must a sidewall be?
Q. Any suggestions for covers for the pipe?

9/19/2025 05:46:37 am

James Art's response is exactly why I posted the question;
Why do you need a sidewall to be installed 18 inches below the ceiling?

I looked at the existing Meyerfire forum posted and someone asked the same question but was ignored.

https://www.meyerfire.com/daily/sidewall-sprinkler-listed-18-inches-below-ceiling

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Sidewall Sprinklers Listed for 18" Below Ceiling?

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