What is the maximum distance a sprinkler head can be from the floor of an elevator hoist way?

The maximum distance a sprinkler head can be from the floor of an elevator hoistway is specified to ensure adequate fire protection in areas that may be at risk for fire hazards. In this context, the regulation typically mandates that sprinklers be installed no more than 2 feet above the floor of the hoistway. This height allows for effective coverage and ensures that the sprinkler system can operate efficiently to suppress potential fires that may break out in the elevator shaft, which can quickly escalate due to the enclosed and vertical nature of the space.

Sprinklers installed too high may not effectively reach the source of a fire, limiting their ability to control or extinguish it. Furthermore, a height of 2 feet strikes a balance between being low enough for effective operation and being above potential obstructions that could impede the spray pattern or distribution of the water. This guideline is aligned with fire safety codes that emphasize both prevention and mitigation of fire risks in critical infrastructure such as elevator systems.