# Fire sprinkler system codes **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 19, 2013, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-sprinkler-system-codes/661326 "2013-06-19T03:37:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jonesdx3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecc23a/32.png) [@jonesdx3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jonesdx3)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2013, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-sprinkler-system-codes/661326/1 "2013-06-19T03:37:22Z")
I have a client who wants some disco lights hung in their bar. The best current place to put them would be the sprinkler main. Is this ok or does code say anything about this or is it just not a good idea? ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2013, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-sprinkler-system-codes/661326/2 "2013-06-19T03:53:29Z")
> [@](#): > > There should never be anything hanging on the sprinkler pipes, sprinklers or the sprinkler guard, as such decoration can block or obstruct the sprinkler system’s full coverage. [http://www.compliance.gov/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Fire-Sprinkler-System-Fast-Fact-10-09.pdf](http://www.compliance.gov/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Fire-Sprinkler-System-Fast-Fact-10-09.pdf) ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2013, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-sprinkler-system-codes/661326/3 "2013-06-19T05:18:37Z")
Relevant code is [NFPA 13](http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=13&cookie_test=1). Joe Bob says check it out. edit: A client? Are you a lighting contractor? ---
**Author:** ![LH75](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lh75/32/4438_2.png) [@LH75](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LH75)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2013, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-sprinkler-system-codes/661326/4 "2013-06-19T11:39:17Z")
NFPA 70, (The National Electric Code) also does not allow a lighting fixture to be hung from a sprinkler pipe. ---
**Author:** ![KCB615](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ea666f/32.png) [@KCB615](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KCB615)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2013, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-sprinkler-system-codes/661326/5 "2013-06-19T21:28:16Z")
The actual reference out of NFPA 13 regarding hanging things from any sprinkler system components, with an explanation of why the requirement is in the standard: _4.6 Support of Nonsprinkler System Components_\* Sprinkler system components shall not be used to support nonsprinkler system components unless expressly permitted by this standard. \*\*A.4.6 \*\* Non-system components can adversely affect the operation and longevity of the fire sprinkler system. Objects connected to the sprinkler system can displace sprinkler system piping, causing obstruction to the spray pattern of sprinklers, delay the activation of a sprinkler, or cause chemical compatibility problems that can cause the failure of sprinkler system components. ---
**Author:** ![md2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2013, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-sprinkler-system-codes/661326/6 "2013-06-19T21:55:10Z")
Running electrica cable in on or around pipes (or any metal conductor) without benefit of conduit protection is probably a “bad idea”, even if it might not be forbidden by code. That means anything with power (typically 110V) and probably just a plain rubber or plastic insulation cover. With semipermanent installations there’s the risk of wear either creatinga short-circuit fire hazard or setting a section of metal pipe “live”, producing a shock hazard. …or coross-connecting to other equipment (like the speaker cables) and blowing up electronic equipemnt while shocking the operators. Not to mention the effect of fire then water if there’s a fire and the srinklers go off, showering exposed electrical cables with water.