With standard spray sprinklers, obstructions to discharge over how many feet wide require sprinklers to be installed under the obstruction?

In the context of fire protection systems, particularly with standard spray sprinklers, the presence of obstructions can significantly impact the effectiveness of the sprinkler's coverage. When an obstruction is over a certain width, it can interfere with the proper distribution of water to the area below.

The requirement for sprinkler installation beneath obstructions that are 4 feet wide or greater is specified to ensure that there is adequate coverage for fire suppression. When a barrier is wider than this threshold, it is necessary to install additional sprinklers to compensate for the lack of water discharge from the standard sprinklers that may not reach the area on the other side of the obstruction. This guideline helps to ensure that fire safety standards are met, providing adequate protection for areas that could otherwise be left vulnerable due to blocked or limited sprinkler effectiveness.

Thus, the requirement for installing sprinklers under obstructions that are 4 feet wide or wider is important for maintaining the integrity of fire suppression systems and ensuring that all spaces are adequately covered in the event of a fire.