I think you have a basis in that the code doesn't really have a guide for the situation. Sure it stirs the debate of the code being what you can't do vs. what you can do.
I'd suggest having the contractor set up a mock up of the arrangement before you approve. I did this a couple times but not this arrangement. Once it worked out for the contractor. Once they tested before hand and never even invited me because it failed miserable in there observation. It's got to be bad when you don't even try to get the AHJ on board. Oh and you have some flexibility in these matter because you are an FPE. Chris Cahill, P.E. Fire Protection Engineer Sentry Fire Protection, Inc. 763-658-4483 763-658-4921 fax Email: [email protected] Mail: P.O. Box 69 Waverly, MN 55390 Location: 4439 Hwy 12 SW Waverly, MN 55390 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Richardson, R Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:22 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Sound Baffles Thanks for the thoughts. The suspended obstruction table is met quite easily (though this is not Light hazard), meaning that water can get over the top of the obstruction, but it will just hit the next panel. The rules for obstructions greater than 18 in. speak to significant horizontal obstructions, which is not the case here. The horizontal element is only 2 ins. Max. I suppose this is no different than deep exposed beams where a head is placed in each beam pocket, none of which meet the beam rule. There does not seem to be a basis to deny the proposal. Rich Richardson Seattle Fire Department -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 13:26 To: [email protected]; Richardson, R Subject: RE: Sound Baffles Unfortunately that section deals with grid or egg-crate type ceilings where the ceiling panel is much thinner than the 24 inches of depth of the sound baffles. 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 Hinson, Ryan Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:03 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Sound Baffles I would refer to NFPA 13 (2007) section 8.15.13. This refers to the obstruction of the vertical member to the developing spray pattern. I would reduce the square footage per head to protect this area. Ryan Hinson Burns & McDonnell Direct: 952-656-6003 Ext 3662 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Richardson, R Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 2:55 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) _______________________________________________ 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) X-BeenThere: [email protected] X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.9 Precedence: list Reply-To: s _______________________________________________ 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)
