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Side Wall

This document discusses the installation requirements for back-to-back sidewall sprinklers, emphasizing that they must be separated by a continuous lintel, soffit, or baffle to comply with NFPA 13 standards. The baffle is crucial for ensuring timely operation of the sprinkler and preventing 'cold soldering.' Specific dimensions and material requirements for the baffles are also outlined to ensure proper functionality.

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33 views1 page

Side Wall

This document discusses the installation requirements for back-to-back sidewall sprinklers, emphasizing that they must be separated by a continuous lintel, soffit, or baffle to comply with NFPA 13 standards. The baffle is crucial for ensuring timely operation of the sprinkler and preventing 'cold soldering.' Specific dimensions and material requirements for the baffles are also outlined to ensure proper functionality.

Uploaded by

teha.yahaya89
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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No.

2008-46 November 11, 2008

U.S. Fire Administration / National Fire Academy

Coffee Break Training


Topic: Back-to-Back Sidewall Sprinklers
Learning objective: The student shall be able to explain the requirements for separating back-to-
back sidewall sprinklers.

The sidewall sprinklers in this photograph were installed in this back-to-back


configuration to spray water in either direction along means of egress that is open
along one side to a multiple story atrium.

While this may have been a well-intentioned solution to a particular design


challenge, it does not appear to meet the installation guidance of nationally
recognized fire protection standards.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13, Standard for the
Installation of Sprinkler Systems, standard horizontal or extended coverage sidewall
sprinklers should not be installed back-to-back without being separated by a
continuous lintel, soffit, or baffle. In this example, the baffle extends only a few
inches on either side and above the sprinkler.

The baffle performs two functions: it slows the ceiling jet so the sprinkler fusible
element will operate in a timely fashion, and protects the second sprinkler from
water spray that might result in a condition known as “cold soldering.” (See Coffee
Break Training 2008-45)

To satisfy the requirements of NFPA 13, baffles for standard and extended coverage
sidewall sprinklers should

(1) Be installed and located midway between sprinklers and


arranged to protect the actuating elements.
(2) Be of noncombustible or limited-combustible material that
will stay in place before and during sprinkler operation.
(3) Be not less than 8 inches (203 mm) wide and 6 inches
(152 mm) high.

For additional information, refer to NFPA 13, Standard for the


Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Chapter 8.

These sprinklers should be separated by a


continuous lintel, soffit, or baffle.

Automatic Sprinklers For archived downloads, go to: www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/coffee-break/

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