What is the maximum distance between pendent/upright sprinkler heads in a low hazard occupancy?

In low hazard occupancies, the maximum distance between pendent or upright sprinkler heads is established to ensure effective fire suppression while maintaining adequate coverage. The correct maximum spacing is 4.5 meters. This distance is supported by industry standards, which indicate that the arrangement of sprinkler heads must allow for a sufficient water spread in case of a fire, while not exceeding the designated spacing to avoid inefficient fire control.

Low hazard occupancies typically include areas like offices, classrooms, and certain types of storage rooms where the risk of fire is considered low. Spacing the sprinkler heads further apart than 4.5 meters could result in unprotected areas, leading to potentially dangerous situations in the event of a fire. It is critical to adhere to these regulations as they are designed based on extensive research into fire behavior and sprinkler system efficacy.

Using a spacing of 4.5 meters strikes the appropriate balance between cost-effectiveness and fire safety, providing an efficient system that can react quickly to suppress a fire in those types of settings. Implementing a different distance may compromise safety or unnecessarily increase installation costs without justifiable benefits.