If an obstruction is wider than 4 ft requiring sprinklers to be installed under it, what is the acceptable distance for adding sprinklers next to the obstruction?

When dealing with obstructions that are wider than 4 feet, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines require proper spacing of sprinklers to ensure effective coverage in the presence of such obstacles. The rules dictate that sprinklers need to be installed to avoid the potential for reduced efficacy of the fire suppression system.

The acceptable distance for adding sprinklers next to the obstruction is typically set to 3 inches. This spacing allows for adequate coverage of the area directly adjacent to the obstruction, ensuring that any fire threat is addressed effectively.

The 3-inch requirement is critical because it strikes a balance between ensuring that the area nearby is adequately protected while also taking into consideration the physical space between the sprinkler heads and the obstruction. This helps to prevent any suppression issues that might arise if the spacing were too narrow or too wide, which could lead to spots that are left unprotected.

In summary, the choice of 3 inches next to an obstruction wider than 4 feet is explicitly based on standards designed to optimize sprinkler system performance and effectiveness in fire suppression scenarios.