When beams project more than 18 inches below the ceiling, what is the required maximum spacing between beams for treating each bay as a separate area for heat detectors?

For effective installation and compliance with fire protection standards, when beams project more than 18 inches below the ceiling, it is important to understand how this affects the spacing of heat detectors. The requirement to treat each bay as a separate area for heat detection is based on the ability of the detectors to accurately sense heat in the areas they are meant to protect.

When beams are installed at this height, they create obstructions that can hinder the performance of heat detectors, which rely on a clear path to detect heat within the protected space. To ensure that heat can be detected effectively in each bay, the maximum spacing allowed between the beams is set at 8 feet. This spacing helps to ensure that there are no significant gaps in the coverage, thereby allowing for timely detection of heat across all areas, even in the presence of obstructions.

Using a maximum spacing of more than 8 feet could result in areas where heat is not adequately monitored, increasing the risk of undetected fire hazards. Therefore, adherence to the 8-foot maximum spacing is crucial for maintaining effective fire safety standards and optimizing the reliability of heat detection systems in compliance with codes and regulations.