EC design area 1

[TSDavis]

I've always thought my remote area for EC sprinklers was 5 sprinkler or 1500 sq.ft. Which ever is greater. Assuming no area reduction of course. Think uprights at 20' aff for OH.

We've had an inspector tell us that if the sprinklers are protecting say 18'6"x18'6" and the flow is increased for 20x20 coverage accordingly that the remote area now has to be 2000 sq.ft. because the we're flowing 20x20 spacing.

Anyone else run into this? I totally disagree.

Terry S. Davis
National Fire Protection
h2o-racing@comcast.net

 

[stookeyfpe]

Depends on the listing of the sprinklers, the construction type, or if the sprinklers are classified as Special per NFPA 13, Section 8.4.8.1 (2010 edition). It also could depend on the design method. NFPA 13, Chapter 11 includes density/area, room design, special design areas and special design approaches.

I would need more information before answering the question.

 

[TSDavis]

Bar joist construction, open shop, brass uprights, ordinary hazard 2, 22' deck height. Just a plain Jane type install.

Terry S. Davis
National Fire Protection
h2o-racing@comcast.net

 

[TravisMack]

The remote area does not have to be increased to 2000 sq ft. You are essentially calculating 2000 sq ft because you have 5 heads that are covering a theoretical 400 sq ft each. That may be why he thinks it has to be 2000 sq ft. But, there is nothing in NFPA 13 that requires 2000 sq ft minimum for the situation you described.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

 

[MGXFP]

The 2,000 sq.ft. isn't right, you are still protecting the minimum 1,500 sq.ft. but it is required you bump up your calcs to 20'x20' spacing criteria if the sprinklers are 18'-6" apart per 8.8.2.1. for extended coverage uprights and pendents because the listing data are only in 2' increments. You've exceeded the 18' spacing criteria so you must 'round up' to the 20' criteria.

 

[SprinklerDesigner2]

I agree with Travis and Newton on this.