ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Distance from sprinkler heads?

What is the minimum distance allowed for lights, smoke detectors, ect. from sprinkler heads?

IIRC thats a Building Code issue... I think the last job I was on that we had issues, the inspector wanted to see 12" minumum to the edge of the fixture.

Check out this thread .

I think the rule of thumb is 3 times the size of the obstruction--so a mushroom five inches deep would need to be fifteen inches from the head.

If you can lay your hands on an NFPA-13, you will find your answer in there. No violation on a flush fixture (should not be touching though), and basically the 3X rule is correct except that your need to use the dimension which gives you the greater rating of depth or width.

You will find your dead on answer in NFPA-13, chapter 8, section 8.7

I know that's confusing, but it depends on exactly what you have there. I was looking up the answer for you when my FPE looks over my shoulder, and he came up with the same answer, so maybe for once both of us are right.