Standard Spacing (Fire Sprinklers) Building Codes & Rules

- Fire Sprinklers Standard Spacing Tools™ simplifies the National Construction Code (NCC) with interactive graphics, including deemed to comply & best practices.

Plumbing Overview

AS 2118.1:2017, 7.9.8

Prohibited Use of Piping^{AS 2118.1:2017, 7.9.8}

As a link in an earthing circuit
As a support to other services

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.5.3 (b)

Sprinkler Spacing measured horizontally^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.5.3 (b)}

Raked Ceiling

Sprinklers Near Column

Applies on column face both directions

Sprinklers Near Columns

NCC 2022 V3

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 C1V3, Specification 17, Specification 18

[2019 CV3, Spec E1.5,Spec E1.5a]

May 2022

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.7.4

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1

Ensures adequate coverage of the area surrounding the column^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.7.4}
Standards Sprinkler Spacing Applies^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1}

Applies on column face both directions

Fire Overview

High Hazard

Row Centres

Spacing

S x R

Deflectors parallel to Ceiling

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1

≤ 12m²^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1}

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1

R / 2^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1}

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1

S / 2^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1}

Ordinary Hazard

Sprinkler near Wall

Ordinary Hazard

Light Hazard

Open-joist Ceiling

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.3

Minimum Spacing^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.3}

≥ 2m Standard Coverage, or
≥ 2.4m Extended Coverage Type
Baffles allow spacing to be reduced
≥ 200 (W) x 150mm (D)
≤ 1/2 design spacing from Sprinkler

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.6.1 (c)

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.4

Distance from Walls

≥ 100mm, or^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.6.1 (c)}
Sidewall Sprinkler (vertical)
50 to 150mm^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.4}

High Hazard

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1

S ≤ 4.2m^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1}

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1

S ≤ 4.6m^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1}

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1

R / 2^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1}

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.7.7

Clearance Below Sprinkler Heads^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.7.7}

≥ 900mm for High Hazard Storage
≥ 100mm for rolling storage cabinets
≥ 250mm for washrooms & toilet cubicles
≥ 500mm for general cases
≤ 3.0m room height
Required clearance maintained on sloping ceiling or roofs

To Deflectors

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1

≤ 21m²^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1}

Light Hazard

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1

R ≤ 3.7m^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1}

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.5.3 (b)

Sprinkler Spacing measured horizontally^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.5.3 (b)}

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.5.3 (h)

≤ 150^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.5.3 (h)}

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1

≤ 9m²^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.1}

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.4

≥ 100^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.4}

Shadowed Areas

≤ 1.4m² per Sprinkler^[1]

Shadowed Areas RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S17C2 [2019 E1.5: 1]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S17C2

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S17C1

AS 2118.1:2017, 1

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.7.10

Fire Sprinkler Systems as per NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S17C2}
Requirements for Fire Sprinklers Shadowed Areas to NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S17C1}& Australian Standards^{AS 2118.1:2017, 1}
The total surface area of all the obstructed or shadowed regions within the coverage area of a single sprinkler must be ≤ 1.4m²^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.7.10}

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.7.10

≤ 1.4m² per Sprinkler^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.7.10}

Cupboards & Wardrobes

Sprinklers not required^[1]
≤ 2.5m² floor area
No flammable liquid stored

Cupboards RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S17C2 [2019 E1.5: 1]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S17C2

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S17C1

AS 2118.1:2017, 1

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.9.17

Fire Sprinkler Systems as per NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S17C2}
Requirements for Fire Sprinklers within Cupboards to NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S17C1} & Australian Standards^{AS 2118.1:2017, 1}
Sprinklers within Cupboards are not required if^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.9.17}
≤ 2.5m² floor area
Non-combustible Walls & Ceiling
Not used for storage of flammable liquids
Sprinklers in the adjacent area positioned to cover the unprotected area
Obstructions are not taken into consideration in this scenario

AS 2118.1:2017, 5.9.17

Sprinklers not required^{AS 2118.1:2017, 5.9.17}
≤ 2.5m² floor area
No flammable liquid stored