In light hazard areas, how many heads are allowed off 1½" pipe?

In light hazard areas, the application of the number of sprinkler heads that can be served by 1½" pipe is crucial for ensuring adequate coverage and effectiveness of a fire protection system. The correct answer of five heads is determined by the capacity of the pipe and the hydraulic calculations based on the flow requirements for light hazard occupancy.

In light hazard environments, the risk of fire is minimal, and thus the system can be designed with fewer sprinkler heads per line while still fulfilling the requirements set by relevant codes and standards. The specifics of flow rates and pressures allow for this arrangement, enabling the system to adequately cover the area without unnecessary complexity or over-sizing.

Using more than five heads off 1½" pipe could lead to insufficient coverage, as the increased demand might exceed the available flow or pressure, thereby compromising the system's effectiveness in case of a fire incident. Therefore, five heads is both a practical and code-compliant solution for light hazard areas, ensuring that the fire protection system remains efficient and responsive.