What is the maximum area that a sprinkler can protect in a light hazard occupancy?

In light hazard occupancies, the maximum area that a single sprinkler can effectively protect is 225 square feet. This standard is established to ensure that the sprinkler system can adequately control potential fire hazards typically found in these types of environments, such as office spaces, schools, and general retail areas, where the fire risk is relatively low compared to more hazardous environments.

The determination of this maximum coverage area is based on factors such as the type of materials present, the arrangement of the space, and the anticipated heat release rates. A sprinkler serving a light hazard occupancy is designed to cover more area because the risks associated with fire are considered to be lower, allowing for fewer sprinklers to be deployed while still maintaining effective fire suppression capabilities.

For different occupancy classifications, the maximum coverage area varies. For example, sprinklers in ordinary hazard occupancies have a different coverage limit that is less than that of light hazard occupancies, reflecting the higher risk of fire incidents. Thus, understanding these distinctions is key for fire inspectors when evaluating and designing sprinkler systems appropriate for specific types of buildings.