If an obstruction is within 3 ft of the sprinkler location, which action is recommended?

If an obstruction is within 3 ft of the sprinkler location, which action is recommended?

• A. Install a larger head
• B. Install an additional sprinkler
• C. Move the obstruction
• D. Ignore the obstruction

Answer: (B)

When an obstruction sits within 3 ft of a sprinkler, the discharge pattern can be blocked, creating an area that isn’t adequately protected. The usual remedy is to add another sprinkler so there are multiple discharge points reaching around the obstruction, preserving the intended coverage and hydraulic balance. Moving the obstruction would be great if feasible, but isn’t always possible, and simply choosing a larger head doesn’t reliably fix the blocked zone. Ignoring the obstruction would leave part of the space unprotected.

When an obstruction sits within 3 ft of a sprinkler, the discharge pattern can be blocked, creating an area that isn’t adequately protected. The usual remedy is to add another sprinkler so there are multiple discharge points reaching around the obstruction, preserving the intended coverage and hydraulic balance. Moving the obstruction would be great if feasible, but isn’t always possible, and simply choosing a larger head doesn’t reliably fix the blocked zone. Ignoring the obstruction would leave part of the space unprotected.