In NFPA 13R, the term 'Shadow Areas' indicates new sections addressing configurations in which type of structures?

• A. New sections addressing configurations in protected structures.
• B. Areas behind walls that are shadowed from sprinklers.
• C. Regions with light obstruction around beams.
• D. Fire-resistant zone boundaries.

Answer: (A)

Shadow Areas in NFPA 13R refer to configurations where sprinkler spray coverage can be obscured by obstructions, so the standard provides new guidance specifically for how to handle these patterns. The term signals that there are updated sections addressing how to design and place sprinklers in protected structures to ensure all areas receive adequate coverage despite walls, partitions, or other obstructions. In low-rise residential occupancies, this means recognizing where typical head coverage might be blocked and applying design approaches that maintain protection within those protected structures. The other options describe scenarios that aren’t the focus of the term; the emphasis here is on how to deal with obstructions within structures that are already protected by the NFPA 13R system.