sprinklernotes
Positioning of Open Sprinklers The following information was provided regarding the project in question: I have an NFPA 16 foam-water deluge system designed to discharge 0.16 gpm/ft2. I have a dry pilot system to activate the deluge system already in place.
You asked the following question: “Do the open nozzles have to follow the positioning rules per NFPA 13 or NFPA 16?” In response to your question(s), we have reviewed NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 edition and NFPA 16, Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems, 2019 edition and have answered each question individually. Our informal interpretation is that sprinklers do not have to adhere to any positioning requirements with respect to the deflector distance to the ceiling. NFPA 16 only requires that system design conforms to the applicable standard, which in this case is NFPA 13. While not specifically stated, the positioning of the sprinkler with respect to the deflector distance to the ceiling is a non-issue as activation is solely based on the operation of the compliant dry pilot system. The only items to take into account would be spacing, minimum clearances in order for the spray pattern to develop, and any obstructions that may be present. Similar allowances are provided for electronically operated sprinklers which allow deflectors to exceed the maximum distance from the ceiling as their detection devices are installed at the appropriate level. This void in the requirements of the standard has been noted by AFSA Engineering and Technical staff and new language will be proposed when the next edition is open for public input.
