Dry sidewall heads are used to protect exterior balconies. The problem is
the ceiling (the underside of the balcony above) is not flat. NFPA 13, 2007
figure A.8.7.4.1.3.3 "Sidewall Under Soffit" depicts a similar situation.
The balcony ceiling (at the same height as the deck within the building)
runs horizontal (will call this portion soffit) about 39", then rises
vertically up 12", then runs horizontal another 7 feet. At the far end there
is a 13" deep beam, with its bottom 1" below the soffit.
-------------------
soffit-->l l
l l <--beam
------ l
l
l-> dry s/w
The dry s/w is 5" below the soffit ceiling, thus 17" below the upper
ceiling. The soffit space is not heated, so not possible to install a dry
s/w closer to the upper ceiling. This situation does not comply with
8.7.4.1.3.3
Any suggestions?
My feeling is sprinklers in exterior balconies are mostly for exposure
protection. The beam in this case is a bonus. Normally there is no beam to
form a pocket for trapping heat, and the head is set off mostly by
radiation. If that was the case, the "Distance Below Ceilings" is not
critical and should not apply for this case. Any comments on this logic?
Having said this, I would also like to comply with the code as much as
possible. Does anyone know of a dry s/w listed up to 18" below the ceiling?
I have seen upto 12" but not 18".
Tony
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