Stating Sprinkler Facts

In “Just Passing Through,” (June 2000), it is indicated that large-drop sprinklers can be used to protect storage with the top of storage height at 35 to 40 feet. Please be advised that these storage heights exceed those allowed for large drop sprinklers by the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) code 13 – 1999, Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Storage to the heights stated can be protected with ESFR sprinklers.

The last paragraph of that section comments on the fact that the development of large-drop and early-suppression fast-response (ESFR) sprinklers has eliminated the need for in-rack automatic sprinkler protection. This is true but limited to certain maximum storage heights. Someone might get the idea that 90- to 100-foot-high automated storage and retrieval systems could be properly protected with ceiling-only large-drop or ESFR sprinkler protection, and that is not the case. Storage to those heights would require ceiling sprinklers plus multiple levels of face and flue in-rack sprinklers.

TODD SCHUMANN

Research Consultant

Industrial Risk Insurers

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