You need to look at 8.6.5.2.2 for suspended or floor mounted obstructions. This is assuming you're in an LH space.
Also look at 8.6.5.3. 8.6.5.3.1 Continuous or noncontinuous obstructions that interrupt the water discharge in a horizontal plane more than 18 in. (457 mm) below the sprinkler deflector in a manner to limit the distribution from reaching the protected hazard shall comply with 8.6.5.3. Handbook Commentary: Once the sprinkler spray pattern has developed, small obstructions have a limited impact on sprinkler performance. However, larger obstructions located 18 in. (457 mm) or more below the sprinkler deflector, which are addressed in 8.6.5.3.1, prevent the sprinkler discharge from reaching combustibles located below them. This information identifies when additional upright or pendent sprinklers are required to compensate for these types of obstructions. But all in all, they will disrupt the discharge pattern of the sprinkler and instead of a conical spray pattern, you will just have water running down the panels. If they could space them out to 6-8 ft then possibly you could arrange the sprinkler layout to accommodate the baffles. As they are proposing now, there will be an issue. Craig L. Prahl, CET Fire Protection Specialist Mechanical Department CH2MHILL Lockwood Greene 1500 International Drive PO Box 491, Spartanburg, SC 29304-0491 Direct - 864.599.4102 Fax - 864.599.8439 [email protected] http://www.ch2m.com -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Richardson, R Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:55 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Sound Baffles We are reviewing a proposal to install sound baffles suspended from the roof, and evaluating obstructions to sprinkler discharge. The baffles are 2 ft. deep panels hung vertically every ft. The top of the baffle is just over 18 ins. From the sprinkler heads so NFPA 13 would indicate that there is no obstruction problem because they do not exceed the 4 ft. obstruction trigger for obstruction more than 18 in. below the heads. However, the panels are every foot and it sure seems like a significant obstruction, but the installation does not violate NFPA 13 for obstructions. Has anyone ever dealt with this issue and offer any insight. Thanks, Rich Richardson Seattle Fire Department _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
