Sprinkler Clearance from Washer in Small Closet?

2/10/2021

Is there a minimum distance clearance required or recommended from the fire sprinkler and the top of a stacked washer dryer in small closet?

What is the reason for the clearance needed?

I heard that 4” is needed for the clearance rather than the standard 18” in a public area.

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7 Comments

Dan Wilder

2/10/2021 07:48:21 am

13-19 - 9.5.5.4 - If the closet is less than 400 sq ft, a single sprinkler at the highest ceiling level is sufficient without regard to obstructions or minimum distance to the wall.

13D -19 - 8.2.7 - Sprinkler must be within 18" of the ceiling to avoid obstructions OR the same language as 13 (above)

13R - 19 - 6.4.6.3.2 - Same as 13D

Clearance is needed for pattern development of the sprinkler.

4" clearance is a typical distance from sprinkler to wall (or ceiling for sidewalls) but not used in clearance below. If the closet is that tightly filled with equipment, including around the perimeter that there is little to no clearance at all, I would suggest having the ceiling raised a little or removed completely (if possible) and the walls run full height.

18" (or 36" for some types of sprinklers) is a standard clearance below sprinklers to top of storage (again for pattern development) and is referenced multiple times within all three standards.

CJ Bonczyk

2/10/2021 09:19:58 am

Dan is on point with everything above. Additionally, this is an issue with ASRS units where sprinklers are a couple inches above the movable storage trays inside the units. The purpose of the 9.5.5.4 rule is basically that the sprinkler location and clearance is irrelevant because it will flood the compartment during activation. Oddly enough we have had an AHJ require concealed sprinklers a half inch above the cabinets of a wine storage cabinet, knowing the plate and deflector would not drop.

Dan Wilder

2/10/2021 02:29:27 pm

As pointed out by MLANTAINGE (thank you again), the closet is measured by VOLUME and not AREA.

Closet may be no greater than 400 FT³.

Jesse

2/10/2021 09:19:37 am

Well Dan beat me to it. Agree with everything he wrote.

MLantaigne

2/10/2021 09:31:10 am

I agree with Dan, but just wanted to point out that the closet size is limited a volume of 400 cubic feet in NFPA 13.

Dan Wilder

2/10/2021 02:19:09 pm

Good catch...!

Franck

2/10/2021 10:50:15 am

Note also that the 18" clearance between the top of storage and sprinkler deflector is not required for storage against a wall (only for other storage within the room that may affect the sprinkler water distribution pattern).
See § 9.5.6.6 in NFPA 13 (2019)

I don't know if you can consider your washer dryer as a "storage", but if your head is not located directly above (and then fully obstructed by the top side of your dryer) to allow water to flow on its entire surface and cover the remaining of your closet, then it might be considered acceptable.

Note that in NFPA handbook, the following is indicated for §9.5.4.4 Closets:
"In small spaces such as closets, a sprinkler will react to a fire in a reasonable time. Significant water will flood the space, regardless of the placement of the sprinkler or potential obstructions, so providing a single sprinkler in a small closet is all that is necessary."

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