8-9 Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities

Page 80 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

2.3.6.9 Ceiling-Only Sprinkler Protection Recommendations for Ceiling Heights Over 40 ft (12.0 m)
2.3.6.9.1 A ceiling-only sprinkler system using quick-response, standard-coverage, 160ºF (70ºC) nominally
rated pendent Storage sprinklers can be installed when all the conditions outlined in Table 17b have been met.
2.3.6.9.2 The ceiling sprinkler system must be wet pipe; pre-action sprinkler systems designed to meet a
wet sprinkler system design do not qualify for these designs.
2.3.6.9.3 Storage racks must meet the definition of open-frame. See the guidelines in Section 2.2.3.2 to
confirm that any storage racks void of solid shelves meet the requirements to be considered open-frame.
2.3.6.9.4 Commodities applicable for these designs include Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and cartoned unexpanded plastics.
These designs do not apply to cartoned expanded plastics nor any uncartoned plastics (unexpanded or
expanded).
2.3.6.9.5 For buildings with mineral wool or glass fiber insulation between the vertical structural supports
(such as purlins), the vertical distance between the underside of the ceiling and the centerline of the sprinkler’s
thermal element can be measured as shown in Figure 25.

Fig. 25. Vertical distance between ceiling and centerline of sprinkler’s thermal element in the presence of mineral wool
or glass fiber batt insulation.

2.3.6.9.6 For ceiling sprinkler designs indicated as 9 sprinklers, base the hydraulic design on the most remote
3 sprinklers operating on the most remote 3 branchlines. For ceiling sprinkler designs indicated as 10
sprinklers, base the hydraulic design based on the following:
a. For ceiling slopes up to 5 degrees, base the hydraulic design on the most remote 3 sprinklers operating
on the most remote 3 branchlines plus 1 sprinkler operating on the most remote fourth branchline.
b. For ceiling slopes over 5 degrees, base the hydraulic design on the most remote 4 sprinklers operating
on the most remote 2 branchlines plus an additional 2 sprinklers operating on the most remote third
branchline.

©2010-2022 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities 8-9
FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 81

Table 17b. Quick-Response, 160ºF (70ºC) Nominally Rated, Standard-Coverage Pendent Storage Sprinkler Ceiling-Only
Designs for Ceiling Heights Over 40 ft (12.0 m)
Max.
Vertical Sprinkler System Design
Distance Ceiling Hose System
from Sprinkler Demand, Duration,
Ceiling to System, gpm min
Max. Max. Sprinkler’s Min. No. of (L/min)
Storage Ceiling Ceiling Thermal Aisle AS @ psi
Storage Height, ft Height, ft Sprinkler Element, Width, ft (bar)
Arrangement Commodity (m) (m) K-Factor in. (mm) (m)
Solid-Piled, Class 1, 2, 3, 45 (13.7) 50 (15.2) 22.4 13 (325) 6 (1.8) 10 @ 63 250 60
Palletized, 4 and (320) (4.3) (950)
Bin-Box, Cartoned 25.2 13 (325) 6 (1.8) 10 @ 50
Shelf, and Unexpanded (360) (3.5)
Open-Frame Plastics 17 (425) 6 (1.8) 10 @ 75
Racks* (5.2)
28.0** 13 (325) 6 (1.8) 10 @ 40
(400**) (2.8)
33.6 17 (425) 6 (1.8) 9 @ 55
(480) (3.8)
50 (15.2) 55 (16.8) 28.0 13 (325) 8 (2.4) 9 @ 80
(400) (5.5)
33.6 17 (425) 6 (1.8) 9 @ 55
(480) (3.8)
* See the guidelines in Section 2.2.3.2 to confirm that any multiple-row racks being protected in accordance with this table meet the
requirements to be considered open-frame.

** The design of 10 AS @ 40 psi (2.8 bar) can be reduced to 9 AS @ 40 psi (2.8 bar) when the water supply can also provide a minimum
pressure of 80 psi (5.5 bar) from the most remote 4 sprinklers (2 sprinklers on 2 lines).

2.3.6.9.7 Commodities Up to and Including Uncartoned Unexpanded Plastics: Ceiling Heights up to 45 ft

(13.5 m)
Protect maximum 25 ft (7.5 m) high solid-piled, palletized, shelf, or bin-box storage of commodity hazards
up to and including uncartoned unexpanded plastics maintained under a maximum ceiling height of 45 ft
(13.5 m) as follows:
A. The sprinkler system must be a wet system (pre-action sprinkler systems do not qualify).
B. Sprinklers are quick response, 160ºF (70ºC) nominally rated, minimum K25.2 (K360) pendent Storage
sprinklers and installed in accordance with FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 2-0,
Installation Guidelines for Automatic Sprinklers.
C. The sprinkler design is a minimum of 12 sprinklers operating at a minimum pressure of 60 psi (4.1
bar) allowing for a hose demand of 250 gpm (950 L/min) and a sprinkler system duration of 60 minutes.

3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 General
The fire protection recommendations in this data sheet are based on testing, loss experience, and engineering
judgment. Not every situation has been tested, nor has every potential solution been identified. Carefully
consider all the variables involved when exploring options that differ from those recommended in this data
sheet.

3.2 Loss History

Loss experience has shown that when there are no major automatic sprinkler system deficiencies, fires in
storage occupancies are controlled by the existing sprinkler system protection arrangement. Major protection
deficiencies include inadequate water supplies, closed or partially closed valves, obstructed sprinkler piping,
missing sprinklers, and flammable liquid or aerosol protection deficiencies. Protection deficiencies were
identified in all storage losses where the fire was uncontrolled.

©2010-2022 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.