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Hi all, I am looking for the right method to deal with a decorative wood slatted (open baffle) ceiling similar to the attached images. The slats are relatively deep and closely spaced, installed below the structural ceiling. I’m trying to determine the correct sprinkler approach in accordance with NFPA 13. What's the best approach (or approaches) to locate sprinklers with baffles like this? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe 
5 Comments
Glenn Berger
5/25/2026 08:46:06 am
Dependent on actual dimensions - you may have a case for obstructed construction. NFPA 13 provides guidelines to when obstructed construction applies and how to place sprinklers in those situations..
Dan Wilder
5/25/2026 02:15:37 pm
Need some more info about the slats, width, spacing, distance below the ceiling.
anthony
5/26/2026 08:48:40 am
Please review NFPA 13-2025ed ch9.3.10 "open grid ceilings" there are specific rules for when and where you can omits sprinkler from below a slat celling such as this.
Dennis Wilson
5/26/2026 09:13:12 am
A lot of the time this has come up, they also install a black liner above the slats to hide the mechanical equipment above. If that's the case, then you will also need sprinklers below the wood slats.
Dylan Denmyer
5/26/2026 10:48:46 am
Currently working on a project that has this ceiling type in the lobby. Project falls under 2013 edition of NFPA 13. I took measurements of the ceiling to make sure it did not trigger the requirements for open-grid ceiling, then specified uprights be installed 18" above the top of the wood slat to satisfy obstruction requirements in chapter 8. Leave a Reply. |
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