of the sprinkler deflector can prevent the proper sprinkler discharge pattern from developing. Any obstruction located within the first 18 in. Obstructions are further categorized into two areas of concern based on their distance from the sprinkler deflector. Obstructions are defined in NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, as obstructions being located at the sprinkler deflector or below which can impact the sprinkler discharge pattern of the sprinkler. Installers will sometimes add “elbows” or adjust the piping in other ways to avoid unforeseen obstructions and these on-the-fly changes can impact the hydraulic calculations in place to protect the facility.Īs mentioned above, unexpected obstructions become a headache when installing sprinkler systems. When the sprinkler system is being installed, it is critical to confirm the system is installed per the design specifications and communicate any differences. In addition, it is important for sprinkler-system contractors to inspect the sprinkler piping for cracks prior to installation as objects can fall onto sprinkler piping while the material is located at the jobsite.
Once it’s time to install the numerous systems, the required fire protection during the construction phase must be reviewed and enforced as combustible materials tend to accumulate quickly once construction begins.īIM projects, which are more common in new construction, allow the trade-specific models produced by various disciplines to be reviewed together to avoid physical conflicts in the field.Įnsuring the adequate water supply is readily available at the start of construction, as well as maintaining a clean work environment will help reduce the common fire hazards associated with construction sites. The various trades on a project need to be on the same page to recognize each other’s processes in installing their respective systems and understand how one simple action could significantly impact another profession’s installation plan. Reviewing the proposed piping material also is beneficial because one could find the use of flexible piping rather than rough piping to be a more cost-effective plan than renting an elevator, lift or other large equipment to install the sprinkler system. Equipment may need to be rented to assist in the installation of the sprinkler system or be positioned prior to comply with OSHA requirements to ensure worker safety. Each project is unique and the point at which the sprinkler system is scheduled to be installed needs to be analyzed. The condition of the physical space in which sprinkler systems are being installed is important to discuss prior to installation. While this design-intensive method requires additional work, increasing the design cost, the amount of physical problems found in the field as well as time spent in the construction phase of a project decreases and therefore so does the construction cost. BIM projects, which are more common in new construction, allow the trade-specific models produced by various disciplines to be reviewed together to avoid physical conflicts in the field. One method to help coordinate this effort is known as building information modeling.