How many clouds? I ask because technically sprinklers are not required under them. You stated 3'-6"..
R/ Matt From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Nicky Marshall Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2016 10:30 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Cloud ceilings & sprinklers in gaps I would appreciate if anyone has some thoughts on this arrangement: ~4m (13ft) high roof, ~3.5m (11.5 ft) high ceiling. Both slope 3 degrees. The 'ceiling' is to be made up of many Autex acoustic panels 1.1 x 2.3m (3.6 x 7.5 ft), non-combustible, suspended with 50mm (2 in) gaps around them. There will be sprinklers in the roof space because there are cable trays with loads of combustible cables. They architect wants to put the sprinklers in the 50mm gaps to avoid cutting holes in the acoustic panels. Whilst we are designing to NZS 4541, this code is silent on cloud ceilings or anything like this, so I am looking for guidance from other sources. I note NFPA 13:2016 clause 8.15.24 gives some guidance and it seems to indicate our ceiling arrangement would not require sprinklers above the clouds or have any specific sprinkler location requirements. I am also aware of the Fire Protection Research Foundation report on cloud ceilings. This seemed to suggest that each cloud must have its own sprinkler - but doesn't test with such small gaps - and recommends further study in this area where coverage can be achieved without sprinklers in every cloud. Three questions: Are the gaps small enough to just call this a ceiling - not a cloud ceiling (what size gap affects the plume flow enough to make a difference)? Is it acceptable to locate the sprinklers within the small gaps, or will this location significantly affect their operation? Do we have to cumulatively flow sprinklers above and below the ceiling, or since NFPA permits this arrangement to not have roof space sprinklers (suggesting heat flow into this space is not significant?), this would not be required? Kind regards Nicky Marshall Southern Regional Manager PROTECH DESIGN LIMITED Specialist Fire Protection Consultants Phone: +64 (0)3 579 5577 Mobile: +64 (0)21 433 488 Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Skype: nicky-marshall Web:www.protechdesign.co.nz Address:105A Alabama Rd, Redwoodtown, Blenheim 7201, NZ Postal: PO Box 4022, Redwood Village, Blenheim 7242, New Zealand
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