How far must sidewall sprinklers be from obstructions?

• A. At least 2 ft
• B. At least 5 ft (1.52 m)
• C. At least 3 ft
• D. At least 8 ft

Answer: (B)

Sidewall sprinklers project water along the ceiling toward the center of the room. To keep that spray unobstructed and ensure it can reach the open space rather than being blocked by furniture, partitions, or other objects on the protected side, a minimum clearance of five feet (1.52 m) is required. This spacing helps prevent spray patterns from being shielded or deflected, maintaining effective coverage. Distances smaller than this increase the risk of poor distribution near obstructions, while a much larger distance isn’t required by typical residential design rules. So, at least five feet is the correct minimum.