In-Rack Sprinkler Design Options for Warehouse Locations: A Case Study

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In-Rack Sprinkler Design Options for Warehouse Locations: A Case Study
Weston Baker, FM Global

Current in-rack sprinkler (IRAS) protection guidelines are based on full-scale fire tests conducted with small orifice sprinklers operating typically at minimal flow rates. In 2015, FM Global released new IRAS options in Data Sheet 8-9, Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities, based on the use of K14.0 and higher sprinklers operating at flows of 65 gpm and higher. The new IRAS designs in Data Sheet 8-9 allow for increased vertical distances between IRAS. Will the new in-rack sprinkler designs in Data Sheet 8-9 be practical and less costly compared to IRAS designs in current codes? A case study will look at a warehouse location where IRAS protection was provided in accordance with the new protection options offered in Data Sheet 8-9.

Presented by:

Weston Baker, FM Global
Wes Baker is a Sr. Engineering Technical Specialist in the Engineering Standards Division at FM Global. He is a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and a member of NFPA serving on both the NFPA 13 installation and NFPA 13 discharge Committees. Wes has been with FM Global for 30 years and is currently responsible for data sheets related to the protection of storage as well as the installation guidelines for sprinklers that are used for storage protection.