1285

C O M M I T T E E ON RACK S T O R A G E OF M A T E R I A L S 231C-1

Report of Committee on
Rack Storage. of Materials
A. E. S h e p p a r d , Chairman,
Factory Mutual Research Corp., 1151 Bceton-Providence Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062
J e r o m e L. Huff, Secretary,
H a r t m a n Engineering, A Division of H a r t m a n Metal Fabricators, Inc.,
66 School St., Victor, NY 14564
(Rep. Rack Manufacturers Product Section of The Material Handling Institute, Inc.)

J o h n J. A h e m , NFPA Committee on Elec- C . B a r t Nixon, National-American Whole-

tronic Computer Systems sale Grocers Assn.
Ro R. Barczak, Johnson & Higgins, Inc. W. R o b e r t Powers, NFPA Committee on
J. S. B a r r i t t , Factory Insurance Aasn. General Storage
E. B e r t r a m Berkley, Envelol)e Manufac- R o b e r t L. Retelle, American I n s u r a n c e
turers Assn. Assn.
J. P. C u t h b e r t s o n , Shell Chemical Co. E. J. S c h i f f h a u e r , E a s t m a n Kodak Co~
F r a n c i s C. Evans, NFPA Sectional Com- C h e a t e r W. S c h i r m e r , Schirmer Engineer-
mittee on Detection Devices ing Corp.
R o b e r t C. E v e r s o n , Marsh & McLennan, . J a m e s C . Spence, American Iron & Steel
Inc. Institute
Lee Hall, Controlled Mechanical Storage W i l l i a m ' T e a m , National Automatic Sprin-
Stems Product Section, The Material kler & Fire Control Association
ndling Institute, Inc. W i l l i a m A. W e b b , Roll Jensen & Associates,
J o h n T. H i g g l n s , Industrial Fire Protection Inc.
Section H. V. W l l l l a m s o n , Fire Equipment Manu-
R. S. J o h n s o n , Subcommittee on High facturers Assn. -:
Piled Storage, NFPA Committee on Gen- J a c k Ao Wood, National Automatic Sprin-
eral Storage • . - • kler & Fire Control Association
A. M. L o w n s b u r y , American Warehouse- G e o r g e M. Woods, ' J r : , American Mutual
men's Assn. Insurance Alliance
D. N. M e l d r u m , NFPA Committee o n F o a m D o n a l d P. YuelliR, Fire Marshals Assn. of
A n d r e w J. Myer, Travelers Insurance Co. North America

Alternates.
W. A. Aiatedt, Controlled Mechanical Stor- D a n i e l M. McGee, American Iron & Steel
age Systems Product Section, The Ma- Institute (Alternate to James C. Spenee)
terials Handling Institute, Inc. (Alternate
to Lee Hall) W i l l i a m J. Swtngler, Factory Insurance
Association (Alternate to J. S. Barritt)
W a y n e F.. Ault, National Automatic Sprin-
lder & Fire Control Association (Alternate W. P. T h o m a s , Factory Mutual Research
to Jack A. Wood) Corp. (Alternate to A. E. Sheppard)
L. B. Donkle, Rack Manufacturers Product K e n n e t h A. Z u b e r , Fire Equipment Manu-
Section of The Materials Handling Institute, facturers Assn. (Alternate to H. V. Wil-
Inc. (Alternate to Jerome L. Huff) liamson)
G. M. Hidzick, American Mutual Insurance
Alliance (Alternate to George M. Woods,
Jr.)

This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the text of this edition.
~ince that time, changes in the membership m a y hnse occurred.

T h e C o m m i t t e e on R a c k Storage of Materials proposes a c o m -

plete revision of Rack Storage of Materials, NFPA No. 231C.
This report has been submitted Jor ballot of the Committee, which con-
sists of 27 voting members, of.whom 2# voted affirmatively. Mr. Webb
voted negatively, and Messrs. Berkley and Meldrum have not returned ballots.
1286 INTRODUCTION 231C-5

Standard for '

R a c k S t o r a g e of M a t e r i a l s

NFPA No. 231C-- 197'3

NOTICE
An asterisk (*) preceding the number or letter designating a para-
graph in the text indicates recommendations in regard to that para-
graph in Appendix A.
A dagger (t) preceding the number or letter designating a paragraph
in the text indicates explanatory test data and procedures in regard to
that paragraph in Appendix B.

Chapter 1 I n t r o d u c t i o n
t1-1 Application and Scope.
This standard applies to storage of materials representing the
broad range of combustibles stored over 12 feet in height on racks.
For storage heights of 12 feet or less, see Sprinkler Systems, oVFPA 13
1973.
Storage on plastic pallets or plastic shelves is outside the scope of
this standard.
Storage of high hazard materials such as tires, plastics, and
flammable liquids, is outside the scope of this standard. See Flam-
mable and Combustible Liquids Code, aVFPA 30 - - 1973; Cellulose
aVitrate Motion Picture Film, aVFPA 4 0 - 1967; Pyroxylin Plastic,
aVFPA 4 3 - 1967; Ammonium Nitrate Storage, ArFPA 4 9 0 - 1970;
Liquefied Petroleum Gases, aVFPA 58 - - 1972; Fur Storage, Fumigation
and Cleaning, aVFPA 81 - - 1969; Indoor General Storage, aVFPA 231
- - 1972; and Protection of Records, aVFPA 232 - - 1970 for standards
applying to such commodities or to other methods of storage.
Bin storage and sheff storage are outside the scope of this standard.
1-2 Definitions. Unless expressly stated elsewhere, the following
terms shall, for the purpose of this standard, have the meanings
indicated below.
Bulkhead. A vertical barrier across the rack.
Commodity. Designates combinations of product, packing ma-
terial, and container.
23!C~
1287
RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

Pallets. A material handling aid designed to support a unit

load with stringers to provide support for material handling de-
vices (see Fig. 1-2.1).
Encapsulated. A method of packaging consisting of a plastic
sheet completely enclosing the sides and top of a pallet load contain-
ing a combustible commodity or a combustible package or a group
of combustible commodities or combustible packages. Totally non-
combustible commodities on wood pallets enclosed only by a plastic
sheet as described are not considered to fall under this definition.
Face Sprinklers. Standard sprinklers located in transverse flue
spaces along the aisle or in the rack, within 18 inches of the aisle
face of storage to oppose vertical development of fire on the external
face of storage.
Horizontal Barrier. A solid barrier in the horizontal position
covering the entire rack including all flue spaces at certain height
increments to prevent vertical fire spread.
Longitudinal Flue Space. T h e space between rows of storage
perpendicular to the direction of loading (see Fig. 1-2.2).
Racks. Any combination of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal
members that support stored materials. Some rack structures use
solid shelves. Racks may be fixed or portable (seeFigs. A4-1.1a
throughS).
Shelf Storage. Storage in structures usually less than 30 inches
deep, seldom more than two feet between shelves and seldom higher
than 12 feet.
Slave Pallet. A special pallet captive to a material handling
system (see Fig. 1-2.1).

Solid Flat Bottom

Conventional Pallet Wood Pallet

Fig. 1-2.1 Typical Pallets.

1288
INTRODUCTION' 231C-7

Transverse Flue Space. The space between rows of storage

parallel to the direction of loading (see Fig. ?-2.2).

CONVENTIONAL"
~ :~ALLET.,,~ 11

I
SECTION VIEW
i
~~£ND VIEW
LONGITUDINAL
POSSIBLE. TRANSVERSE FLUE SPACF~ FLUE ~PACE

~~'l[i'l't ~i'gl~ ,L...,,,4.ONGiT UDI N A L

. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ FLUE SPACE
'q~"ROWS OF STORAGE
P,LAN VIEW

Fig. 1-2.2 Typical Double Row (Back-to-Back) Rack Arrangement.

 1289
231C-8 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

' Chapter 2 Classification o f Storage

t2.1 Commodity Classifications.

2-1.1 The following guide for commodity classification applies
specific~ly to rack storage and is not related to any other method
of classification of materials.
2-1.1.1 Class I commodity is defined as essentially noncom-
bustible products on wood pallets, or in ordinary corrugated car-
tons with or without single thickness dividers, or in ordinary paper
wrappings; on wood pallets. Such products may have a negligible
amount of plastic trim, such as knobs or handles.
Examples of Class I products are:
METAL PRODUCTS. Metal desks with plastic tops and trim;
electrical coils; electrical devices in their metal enclosures; pots and
pans; electrical motors; dry cell batteries; metal parts; empty cans;
stoves; washers; dryers and metal cabinets.
GLASS PRODUCTS. Glass bottles, empty or filled with noncom-
bustible liquids; mirrors.
FooDs. Foods in noncombustible containers; frozen foods;
meats; fresh fruits and vegetables in nonplastic trays or containers;
dairy products in nonwax coated paper containers; beer or wine,
up to 20 percent alcohol, in metal, glass or ceramic containers.
OTHERS. Oil-filled and other types of distribution transformers;
cement in bags; electrical insulators; gypsum board; inert pigments;
dry insecticides.
2-1.1.2 Class II commodity is defined as Class I products in
slatted wooden crates, solid wooden boxes, multiple thickness
paperboard cartons, or equivalent combustible packaging ma-
terial on wood pallets.
Examples of Class II products are: thinly coated fine wire such
as radio coil wire on reels or in cartons; incandescent or fluorescent
light bulbs, beer or wine up to 20 percent alcohol in wood con-
tainers; and Class I products, if in small cartons or small packages
placed in ordinary corrugated cartons.
1290
CLASSIFICATION OF STORAGE 231C~9

2-1.1.3 Class III commodity is defined as wood, paper,

natural fiber cloth, or products thereof, on wood pallets. Products
may contain a limited amount of plastics. Metal bicycles with
plastic handles, pedals, seats, and tires are an example of a coin.
modity with a limited amount of plastic.
Examples of Class III products are:
PAPER PRODUCTS. Books, magazines, stationery; plastic coated
paper food containers; newspapers; paper or cardboard games;
tissue products; rolled paper on side or steel banded on end.
LEATHER PRODUCTS. Shoes; jackets; gloves; and luggage.
WOOD PRODUCTS. Doors; windows; door and window frames;
combustible fiberboard; wood cabinets; furniture and other wood
products.
TEx~s. Natural fiber upholstered nonplastic furniture; wood
or metal furniture with plastic padded and covered arm rests;
mattresses without expanded plastic or rubber; absorbent cotton
in cartons; and natural fiber and viscose yarns, thread, and prod.
ucts; natural fiber clothing or textile products.
OTm~RS. Tobacco products in paperboard cartons; nonflam-
mable liquids such as soaps, detergents and bleaches, and non-
flammable pharmaceuticals in plastic containers; combustible
foods or cereal products; and nonnegative producing film packs in
sealed metal foil wrappers in paperboard packages.
2-1.1.4 Class IV commodity is defined as Class i, II, and/or
III products containing an appreciable amount of plastics in a
paperboard carton or Class I, II and/or III products With plastic
packing in paperboard cartons on wood pallets.
Examples of Class IV products are: small appliances, typewriters
and cameras with plastic parts; plastic backed tapes and synthetic
fabrics or clothing. An example of packing material is a metal
product in a foamed plastic cocoon in a corrugated carton.
Class IV commodity also includes:
TEXTR~S. Synthetic thread and yarn except viscose and non-
viscose synthetic fabrics or clothing.
OTFI~RS. Telephones; vinyl floor tile; wood or metal frame
upholstered furniture or mattresses with plastic covering and/or
padding; and plastic padded metal dashboards or metal bumpers.
 1291
231C-10 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

Chapter 3 Building Construction

3-1 Construction.
3-1.1 BUildings used for the rack storage of materials, which are
protected in accordance with this standard, may be of any of the
types described in Standard Types of Building Construction, .NFPA 220
1961.

3-2 Fire Protection of Steel.

t3-2.1 With sprinkler systems installed in accordance with
design curves in Chapters 5 and 6, fire protection of roof steel is not
necessary.
~3-2.2 When ceiling sprinklers and sprinklers in racks are in-
stalled in accordance with design curves in Chapters 5 and 6, fire
protection of steel building columns is not necessary.
" t3-2.3 When storage height exceeds 15 feet, and ceiling sprin-
Hers only are installed, fire protection by one of the following
methods is required for all types of steel building columns located
within the racks, or for vertical rack members that support the
building:
(a) One hour fire proofing
(13) Side wall sprinklers, at the 15-foot elevation, pointed
towards one side of the steel column.
(c) For storage heights above 15 feet, up to and including 20
feet, provision of ceiling sprinkler density for a minimum of 2000
square feet with 165°F or 286°F temperature-rated sprinklers as
follows:
Commodity C~ass 4 ft. Aisle 8 ft. Aisle
I 0.37 0.33
II 0.44 • 0.37
III 0.49 0.42
IV 0.68 0.57

3-3 Ventilation.
t3-3.1 Design curves are based upon roof vents and draft cur-
tains not being used.
1292
STORAGE ARRANGEMENTS 231C-11

Chapter 4 Storage A r r a n g e m e n t s

4-1 Rack Structure.

"4-1.1 Typical rack configurations are described in Appendix
A4-1.1.

4-2 Rack Loading.

"4-2.1 Racks shall not be loaded beyond their design capacity.

4-3 Flue Space.

1"4-3.1 In double row racks with height of storage up to and in-
cluding 25 feet, and without solid shelves, no minimum or maximum
longitudinal flue space (back-to-back clearance) is necessary. An
approximate six-inch transverse flue space between loads or at
rack uprights shall be maintained. (See Fig. 4-3. 7.)

MMOD~I ]

LOOR III 11

~ D vIEW,
POSSIBLETRANSVERSEFLUE SPACES NO MINIMUM LONGITUDINAL
.~...~ ROWSOF"STORAGE
:.'. :..o .~.-'. "...'. ".: NO MINIMUM LONGITUDINAL
-] } ] l-- ] I ] l- ] _ (BACK-TO-BACKCLEARANCE)
. . . . . . , --" fLuE SrACt

PLAN VIEW,
Fig. 4k~.l Typical Double Row Rack
231C-12 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1293
4-3.2 In double row racks with solid shelves, minimum six-
inch flue spaces shall be maintained between the shelf sections
thereby defining the shelf size (see Figs. A4-3.2, A4-1. lc and d).

4-4 Aisle Widths.

4-4.1 Aisle widths and depth of racks are determined by ma-
terial handling methods. Width of aisles shall be considered in the
design of the protection system (see Chapters 5, 6 and 7).
4-4.2 This standard contemplates that aisle widths will be
maintained either by fixed rack structures or control in placing of
portable racks. Any decrease in aisle width shall require a review
of the adequacy of the protective system.

*4-5 Storage Heights.

t4-5.1 T h e distance from the top of the pile to the ceiling sprin-
lder deflectors shall be not less than 18 inches.

4-6 Commodity Clearances.

"4-6.1 Commodity clearances shall be maintained in ac-
cordance with NFPA Standards as follows: Heat Producing Ap-
pliances, jVFPA 8 9 M - 1971; and Blower and Exhaust Systems, jVFPA
97 ~ 7973.

*4-6.2 Incandescent Light Fixtures.

4-7 Storage of Empty Combustible Pallets.
4-7.1 For bulk storage of emtpy combustible pallets, see In-
door General Storage, aVFPA 231 - - 1972.
1294
FIRE PROTECTION -- GENERAL 231C-13

Chapter 5 Fire Protection - - General

5-1 Protection systems which are provided for rack storage fa-
cilities shall be in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

5-2 Ceiling Sprinklers.

"5-2.1 Where automatic sprinkler systems are installed, they
shall be in accordance with Installation of Sprinkler @stems, 3fFPA
13 ~ 1973, except as modified by this Rack Storage of Materials
Standard.

5-3 Ceiling Sprinkler Spacing.

5-3.1 Sprinkler spacing for high piled storage occupancies as
defined in AfFPA 13 ~ 1973, shall apply to Class I~ II, III or IV
commodities except as modified in 5-3,.2 of this standard.
5-3.2 Sprinkler spacing may exceed 100 square feet, but shall
not exceed 130 square feet, in systems hydraulically designed in ac-
cordance with the design curves shown in Figs 6-11.1a through g
and 6-13.1a through d for densities below 0.25 gpm i~er square foot.
Densities shall not be less than those shown on the design curves.
t5-3.3 For the purpose of selecting sprinkler spacings in hy-
draulicaUy designed sprinkler systems, to obtain a stipulated den.
sity, 60 psi shall be the maximum discharge pressure used at the
calculation starting point. ,

5-4 Ceiling Sprinkler Discharge Pressure.

t5-4.1 The minimum discharge from any ceiling sprinkler in
the design area shall be 15 gpm in designs of new system.

5-5 In-Rack Sprinkler System Size.

5-5.1 The area protected by a single system of sprinklers in
racks (in-rack sprinklers) shall not exceed 40,000 square feet d
floor area occupied by the racks including aisles regardless of the
number of intermediate sprinkler levels.
*5-5.2 Slatted shelves shall be considered the same as solid
shelves.
231C-14 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1295
t5-5.3 Sprinklers shall be installed at the ceiling and beneath
each shelf in double or multiple row racks with solid shelves that
obstruct both longitudinal and transverse flue spaces. Design curves
for combined ceiling and in-rack sprinklers shall be used with this
storage configuration. (See Fig. A4-3.2.)

5-6 In-Rack Sprinkler System Control Valves.

5-6.1 When sprinklers are installed in racks, separate indi-
cating gate valves and drains shah be provided for ceiling sprinklers
and sprinklers in racks, except such drains and valves are not re-
Uired for small in-rack installations of less than 20 sprinklers
e A5-8).
5-7 In-Rack Sprinkler Water Demand.
5-7.1 Water demand of sprinklers installed in racks shall be
added to ceiling sprinkler water demand at the point of connection.
*5-7.2 In buildings that are occupied in part for rack storage
of commodities, where only a portion of the sprinkler system is
hydraulically designed, the design area shall extend 15 feet beyond
the area occupied by the racks.

* t5-8 Sprinkler Water Flow Alarm.

5-9 Hose Connections.
~5-9.1 For first aid fire fighting and for mop-up operations
small (11/~ inch) hose lines shall be available to cover all areas of
the rack structure. Such small hose may be supplied from:
(a) Outside hydrants
(13) A separate piping system for small hose stations
(c) Valved hose connections on sprinkler risers where such
connections are made upstream of all sprinkler control valves
(d) Adjacent sprinkler systems.

5-10 Hose Streams.

5-10.1 For hose stream demand at least 500 gallons per minute
shall be added to the sprinkler demand for Class I, II, III and IV
commodities.

5-11 Duration of Water Supplies.

t5-11.1 For double row racks the water supply duration shall
be at least 11~ hours for Class I, II and III commodities and at
1296
FIRE PROTECTION -- GENERAL 231C-15
least two hours for Class IV commodities. For multiple row racks
the water supply duration shall be at least two hours for all classifi.
cations of commodities.

5-12 High Expansion Foam.

"5-12.1 When high expansion foam systems are installed they
shall be in accordance with High Expansion Foam Systems, ArFPA 11,4
1970, except as modified by this Rack Storage of Materials
Standard and they shall be automatic in operation.
5-12.2 When high expansion foam systems are used in com-
bination with ceiling sprinklers, in-rack sprinklers are not required.

5-13 High Expansion Foam Detectors.

5-13.1 Detectors shall be listed by a recognized testing labora-
tory and shall be installed:
(a) At ceiling only at ~ listed spacing, or
(b) At ceiling at listed spacing and in racks at alternate levels,
or
(c) Listed for rack storage installation and installed in ac-
cordance with their listing to provide response within one minute
after ignition using ignition source equal to that used on the rack
storage testing program.
 1297
231C-16 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

Chapter 6 Fire Protection - - Storage Up to a n d

I n c l u d i n g 25 Feet in H e i g h t

Part A - - General

N O T E : See also Chapter 4.

6-1 In-Rack Sprinkler Size.

6-1.1 Sprinklers in racks shall be ordinary temperature classi-
fication with nominal l ~ i n c h orifice size pendent or upright.

6-2 In-Rack Sprinkler Pipe Size.

6-2.1 The number of sprinklers and the pipe sizing on a line
of sprinklers in racks is restricted only by hydraulic calculations,
and not by any piping schedule. Minimum pipe diameter shall be
one inch.

6-3 In-Rack Sprinkler Water Shields.

t6-3.1 Water shields shall be provided directly above in-rack
sprinklers when there is more than one level if not shielded by
horizontal barriers.
6-4 In-Rack Sprinkler Location.
6-4.1 In double row racks without solid shelves with height
of storage over 20 feet and in muliple row racks or double row
racks with solid shelves, a minimum six-inch clear space shall be
maintained between the sprinkler deflectors and the top of a tier
of storage.

6-5 In-Rack Sprinkler Water D e m a n d .

t6-5.1 Water demand for sprinklers installed in racks shall be
based on simultaneous operation of the most hydraulically remote:
(a) 6 sprinklers when only one level is installed in racks with
Class I, II or III commodity.
(13) 8 sprinklers when only one level is installed in racks with
Class IV commodity.
(c) 10 sprinklers (5 on each two top levels) when more than
one level is installed in racks with Class I, II or III commodity.
(d) 14 sprinklers (7 on each two top levels) when more than
one level is installed in racks with Class IV commodity.
1298 FIRE PROTECTION - - STORAGE TO 25 FEET 251C-17

6-6 Ceiling S p r i n k l e r W a t e r D e m a n d .
*'1"6-6.1 Design curves in Figs. 6-11.1a through g apply to
nominal 20 foot height of storage.
6-6.2 For height of storage up to and including 25 feet pro-
tected with ceiling sprinklers only and. for height of storage .up to
and including 20 feet protected with ceiling sprin~ers a n a ~ m m m u .m
acceptable in-rack sprinklers, densities given in design curves snail
be adjusted according to Fig. 6-6.2, but to not less than 15 gpm
per sprinkler.

its I I t I I ; i I I I I ..... :/. .... I '

I I I I I : i I I I I : '. *. 1. : Y: '. *. '-'. I '.
, I I I I ; i I i I I ..... /. '.' '.'' ] '
11 II1,, . . . I I .I 1 . . . ::; ;..;
I . . . . . . I' ,

>..150
IIIII IIII ..... .... : I
I I I I I I I I I : i : i iI '. i '. '. '. '. I '
I- I I I I I I II I .... :1 ...... I '
m lllll IllL::::: :::'.::. I,:
z II iii-- I I I 1 : : : : ~ . . . . . . I'
"' I I It I " - I I I I " ' :i: . . . . . " I "
I I I I " " I I I I ' ' " :Y: . . . . . . I '
I III IIII ..... i ! i i [ " I"
w I III III I E . . . . . . . . I'
> I I I I " " I I I I " " [1: . . . . ....
. . . . I '
""
Z~ 100 .
I . ] III. .
i .
III .
] ',7' . . . . . . . .
: : : ; ; ;
I '
u lllll llll / ...,.. I
IIIII " fill/'" :::::: I"
z 11 I I " I I I I :/.' " ~ : Z : ~ : I '
0 II I I 1 I II 1,7 .... ::: : :: I'
- I I I I i i I I I I/~, .... : : : : : : I '
m I I I II " " I II/ ..... :: : : [ : I'
""' I IIII llJPl . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .
. . . . .
I''

IJ.
60 - i" IIII ' ' ' * '
. . . . . . I
0 so II IIIi~ IIII . . . . . . . I''" I'
II I I I ! IIII ...... : .... ; I'
I- I I I I i " ' I I I I ..... [ [ : ~ , , [ ..
z lllll!'. I I I I i i i i i ' ' ' ~ ' ' t'
uJ I i I i I '. I I I I : i i i i . . . . . . [ '
un , 25 i I ] I I ' '' I I I I . . . . . . . . . . . I "
II I I 1 ' 1111 i:: :: . . . . . . I'
I.iJ
,, I I III : Jill . . . . . . ' .... C:,
]1111 : Jill . . . . . . . . . . . ~..
II Ill ', 111 I ..... I[i i [~ '''
o II Illii IIII ..... : . . . . . . . .
0 10 12 15 20 25 30 35

AVAILABLE HEIGHT FOR STORAGE-FT.

Fig. 6-6.2
 1299
231C-18 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

6-6.3 For height of storage over 20 feet up to and including

25 feet protected with ceiling sprinklers and minimum acceptable
in-rack sprinklers, densities given in design curves shall be used.
Densities shall not be adjusted per Fig. 6-6.2.

6-6.4 For height of storage up to and including 20 feet pro-

tected with ceiling sprinklers and with more than one level of in-
rack sprinklers, but not in every tier, densities given in design
curves and adjusted according to Fig. 6-6.2 can be reduced an addi-
tional 20 percent, but'to not less than 15 gpm per sprinkler.

6-6.5 For height of storage over 20 feet up to and including

25 feet protected with ceiling sprinklers and with more than one
level of in-rack sprinklers, but not in every tier, densities given in
design curves can be reduced 20 percent, but to not less than 15 gpm
per sprinkler. Densities shall not be adjusted per Fig. 6-6.2.

6-6.6 For height of storage up to and including 20 feet pro-

tected with ceiling sprinklers and in-rack sprinklers at each tier,
densities given in design curves and adjusted according to Fig. 6-6.2
can be reduced an additional 40 percent but to not less than 15 gpm
per sprinkler.

6-6.7 For height of storage over 20 feet up to and including

25 feet protected with ceiling sprinklers and in-rack sprinklers at
each tier, densities given in design curves can be reduced 40 per-
cent but to not less than 15 gpm per sprinkler. Densities shall not be
adjusted per Fig. 6-6.2.

6-6.8 The design curves indicate water demands for nominal

165°F and nominal 286°F sprinklers at the ceiling. The 165°F
design curves shall be used for sprinklers with ordinary and inter-
mediate temperature classification but not less than 160°F. The
286°F design curve shall be used for sprinklers with high tempera-
ture classification.

1"6-6.9 When clearance from top of storage to ceiling is less

than 41/~ feet (see 4-5.2), the sprinkler operating area indicated in
curves E, F, G, and H in Figs. 6-11.1a, b, c, d, e, f, and g can be
reduced as indicated in Fig. 6-6.9, but not less than 2,000 square
feet (see 6-6.10).
1300
FIRE PROTECTION - - STORAGE TO.25+FEET 231C-19

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W
<
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Z
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IT. 400(
w
0

o.
/
2000
0 I0 20 25 30
REDUCTION IN SPRINKLER OPERATING AREA

Fig. 6-6.9
 1301
RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS
231G-20
6-6.10 When clearance from ceiling to top of Class I or II en-
capsulated storage is 11/~ to 3 feet, sprinkler operating area indi-
cated in Curve F only of Fig. 6-11.1 may be reduced by 50 percent
but to not less than 2000 square feet.

6-6.11 Where solid flat bottom wood pallets are used, or solid
shelves four feet to eight feet deep (see Fig. A4-3.2) are used with
height of storage up to and including 25 feet, the densities indi-
cated in the design curves, based on conventional pallets, shall be
increased 20 percent for the given area. This percentage shall be
applied to the density resulting from the application of Fig. 6-6.2.
This increase does not apply when in-rack sprinklers are installed.

6-7 H i g h Expansion Foam Submergence.

"6-7.1 When high expansion foam systems are used without
sprinklers the maximum submergence time shall be five minutes
fo-r Class I, II or III commodities and four minutes for Class IV
commodities.

6-7.2 When high expansion foam systems are used in combi-

nation with ceiling sprinklers, the maximum submergence time
shall be seven minutes for Class I, II or I I I commodities and four
minutes for Class IV commodities.

6-8 High Expansion Foam Ceiling Sprinkler Density.

6-8.1 When high expansion foam systems are used in combi-
nation with ceiling sprinklers, the minimum ceiling sprinkler design
shall be a density of 0.2 gpm per square foot for Class I, II or I I I
commodities or 0.25 gpm per square foot for Class IV commodities
for the most hydraulically remote 2,000 square foot operating area.

6-9 In-Rack Sprinkler Location.

6-9.1 In double row racks without solid shelves, one level of
in-rack sprinklers shall be installed for Class IV nonencapsulated
storage exceeding 22 feet in height and for Class I and II encap-
sulated storage exceeding 20 feet in height. (See Table 6-9.1.)
1302
FIRE PROTECTION - - STORAGE TO 2 5 ~FEET 231C-21

AbI~ Ceiling Sl~ri~l~r w i r e r Demald

(Ft) Swinklm With In-Rack Swinklws Without I n . R a c k ~ - - ~ - ~
Commodity E m l P (4-4.1) Mandatory Apply F ill. ~ A p p l yFig
Height Ckm sulated (B6-11.2) In-Rack Fig. Curws 6-62 Fig. CunNl~ S-6.2
4 C&D G & H --'--'-"
NO No 6-11.1a 6-11,1e E & F
! 8 A&B . Yet
4 No 6-11.1e C & D 6-11.1e G & H
Yes 8 E&F Ye~
A&B
4 6-11.1b C & D 6-11.1b G & H
NO No E& F Yes
8 A&B
C&D 6-11.1e G&H
¢~ o Yell 48 No E& F Yes
o NO 4 NO C&D 6-11.1c G&H
6-11.1c E& F Yes
A&B
C&D
y(~ 4 1 Level 6-11,1f
8 ,A&B
C&O 6-11.1d G&H
No 4 No 6-11.1 d E& F Yes
IV 8 A&8
Yes 84 1 Level 6-11.1g
A&O ~
No 4 No 6-11.1 a C &O
A&B 6-11,1a G
E&& HF . Yes
8
I
Yes 4 1 Level 6-11.1e C & D
8 A&B
4 C&D
NO No 6-11.1 b 6-11.1b G
E&& HF Yet
-,J II 8 A&B
~ u~.
u. Yes 4 1 Level 6-11,1e C&...___OD
or, 8 A&S
'9"° No 4 No 8-11.1c C & D No 6-11.1¢ E&
G &F
H Yes
4 C&D
Yes I Level 6-11.1f
8 A&8
C&D 6-11.1d E & F
No 4 No 6-11.1d A & 8 Gall Yes
IV 8
Yes 4 1 Level 6.11.19 C & D
8 A&8
No 48 NO 6-11.1e C& D I 6-11,1a G&H
A&B E&F Yes
1
Yes 4 No 6-11,1 • ~ ~C' J 6-11,1e G &F
H
8 A&E E& Yes
4 C&O 6-11.1b G & H
No NO 6-11.1 b ' E& F Yes
8 A&B
.2~ It 4 I Level 6-11.1e : C & O

,~'- No 4 NO 6-11,1c C & O NO 6-11.1c G & HF

8 A&B E& Yes
III
4 C&O
Yes 1 Level 6-11,1 f
8 A&B
4 C&O
No 6-11,1d
IV 8 • 1 Level A&8
4
Yes 8 6-11.19 C & D
A&S

Table 6-9.1 Double row racks. H e i g h t of Storage up to and Including

25 Ft., Aisles Wider T h a n 4 Ft., Without Solid Shelves.
 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1303
231C-22

*t6-9.2 In-rack sprinklers at one level only for storage up to

and including 20 feet high in double row racks shall be located at
to 7/$ of the storage height. The elevation of in-rack sprinkler
deflectors with respect to storage is not a consideration.

*6-9.3 In-rack sprinklers at one level only for storage over

20 feet high and up to and including 25 feet high in double row
racks shall be located at the tier level nearest 1/~ to 7~ of the storage
height.
6-9.4 In-rack sprinklers at two levels only for storage up to
and including 25 feet high in double row racks shall be located at
to ~ and ~ to a/~ of the storage height.

6-9.5 In-rack sprinklers at two levels only for storage up to

and including 25 feet high in multiple row racks shall be located at
tier levels nearest 1/~ to tA and 7/$ to a/~ of the storage height.

6-9.6 In racks with solid shelves or without solid shelves but

with storage higher than 20 feet, a minimum of six inches shall be
maintained between the sprinkler deflector and top of a tier of
storage.

6-10 In-Rack Sprinkler Spacing.

"6-10.1 Maximum horizontal spacing of sprinklers in double
row racks with nonencapsulating storage up to and including 25
feet in height shall be in accordance with the following table:

Commodity (~us

Aisle Widths I&H IH IV

8ft. 12ft. 12ft. 8ft.
4ft. 12ft. 8ft. 8ft.

For encapsulated storage, maximum horizontal spacing is 8 feet.

t6-10.2 The sprinklers installed in racks with height of storage

up to and including 20 feet may be spaced without regard to rack
uprights except as noted in 6-4.2.
1304
F I R E PROTECTION - - STORAGE TO 2 5 t F E E T 231C-23

Part B. Double and Single Row Racks

N O T E : See also C h a p t e r 4.

6-1i Ceiling Sprinkler Water Demand.

"6-11.1 For Class I, II, III or I V commodities encapsulated
or nonencapsulated in double row racks, ceiling sprinkler water
demand in terms of density (gpm per square foot) and area of
sprinkler operation (square feet of ceiling or roof) shall be selected
from curves given in Fig. 6-11.1a through g. The curves in Fig.
6-11.1 a through g also apply to portable racks arranged in the same
manner as double row racks or multiple row racks. Design is in-
tended to be at a single point on the appropriate curve related to
the storage configuration and commodity class. It is not necessary
to meet all points on the selected curve. Fig. 6-6.2 shall be used to
adjust density for storage height unless otherwise specified.
t6-11.2 Design curves for single and double row racks shall be
selected corresponding to aisle width. For aisle widths between four
feet and eight feet a direct linear interpolation between curve~ may
be made. Density given for eight foot wide aisles shall be applied to
aisles wider than eight feet. Density given for four foot wide aisles
shall be applied to aisles narrower than four feet down to 3 ~ feet.
Aisles narrower than 31~ feet shall be considered as multiple row
racks.

Part C. Multiple Row Racks

NOTE: See also Chapter 4.

6-12 In-Rack Sprinkler Location

6-12.1 For encapsulated or nonencapsulated storage in mul-
tiple row racks no deeper than 16 feet with aisles no narrower than
eight feet, one level of in-rack sprinklers shall be installed for Class
II and III storage over 20 feet in height. One level of in-rack sprin-
klers shall be installed for Class IV storage over 15 feet up to and
including 20 feet in height and two levels of in-rack sprinklers shall
be installed for Class IV storage over 20 feet in height (see Table
6-12.1).
 1305
231C-24 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

A BC D E GF H
I Illl IllI~1 I |! i 1~1 I I 1
I Illl |1 I~1 I 1111 I~1

°°°
I!,ooo " II Illl I l i ! l
II I l l
II
II
I
I
II|l
III
I1|
IIll
IIIIIIt111
! [ AI I l l l l I I~tl I I
il I~1 Ill I I~11 I
III I~11 k~tl I ! I I
III I t I I~l~tl I IXI I
I~1 I 1~1 I~IN I I~d I
III I ! 1 1 1 t l I~tl I I t k t Ill
III I |11 I Ptl I II I I~1~1 I IXI
_ ,ooo [i I/ I II1 I I~1 I A l l
I--
,c,¢ [i I I~1 I1~1 I IXI I 1 1 IXI\I I I\1
I~l I I~M I IXI I IXI I XX I I X
3ooo~ I ! I I~tit I I Y I IXI\I IXI
I ~, , w , ,,, I~1 , , I%1%1
I XI I I t \ I IN
, II N
o I-', , , ,,,\,, ~1 I \ ' , , ~ , , ~,
ig II IXI !~ I IM I XI INN I XI
I~ I\Ikl I NI INI I N N IN~I I
~ ,ooo 1 , II III III Itll II 111 I
II II I III III I II II I I
-- II [I II I Ill II I I II III I
'¢ II I I 11 I III I11 I II II I I
I
I/) I 0 0 0 J~ I l I I l l llllll I~ I I
0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.~5 O. 4 ( .45

CEILING SPRINKLER DENSITY-GPM/FT z

Curve Legend Curve Legend

A ~8 ft. aisles with 2860F ceilin~ E--8 ft. aisles with 286°F ceiling
sprinklers and 1650F in-racx sprinklers
sprinklers F - - 8 ft. aisles with 165°F ceiling
B - - 8 ft. aisles with 1 6 5 ° F ceiling si~rinklers
st~inklers and 165°F in-rack G--4 ft. aisles with 2800F ceiling
sprinklers s~rinklers
C ~ 4 ft. aisles with 28fiOF ceiling H - - 4 ft. aisles with 1 6 5 " F ceiling
sprinklers and 1650F in-rack sprinklers
sprinklers
D - - 4 ft. aisles with 1650F ceiling
sprinklers and 165°F in-rack
sprinklers

Fig. 6 - 1 1 . 1 a D o u b l e R o w R a c k s - - 2 0 F o o t H i g h R a c k S t o r a g e - - S p r i n k l e r
System Design Curves -- Caass I Nonencapsudated Commodities --
Conventional Pallets.
 1306
F I R E PROTECTION - - STORAGE TO 2 5 F E E T 231C-25

A BC O E FG H
I-

!
,<
bJ
R"
,<

Z
I-
<
¢¢
bJ
r,
O

t~J
_1
,r
z
n-
n
u)
0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40 0 . 4 ~' 0.50

CEILING SPRINKLER DENSITY-GPM/FT:'

Curve Legend Curve Legend

A--8 ft. aisles with 288"F ¢eilin$ E - - 8 ft. aisles with 2860F ceiling
sprinklers and 7~*F m.rac~ sprinklers
sprinklers F - - 8 ft. aisles with I ~ * F cdling
B - - 8 ft. aisles with f65*F c.eilinl~ sprinklers
sprinklers and 165"F m-racx G - - 4 ft. aisles with 286"F ceiling
spriniders sprinklers
C - - d ft. aisles with 286°F ceiling H - - d ft. aisles with 7650F ceiling
sprinklers and 765"F in-rack sprinklers
#m'nklers
D - - J ft. aisles with 7F~F ceilin~
sprinlders and ?65eF in-rac~
sprinklers

Fig. 6 - 1 1 . l b . D o u b l e R o w R a c k s - - 20 Foot High R a c k Storage - - Sprinkler

System Design Curves - - Class IT N o n e n c a p s u l a t e d Commodhles - -
• Conventional Pallets.
 1307
231C-26 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

A BC D E FG H
6000- I
N
P 1
1
i 1
5000-

<
0
Z 4000-
P
<
W
3000-
0 I

II
II
2000- II
II
Z II
_=
||
II
iooo II
0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0.5

CEILING SPRINKLER DENSITY-GPM/FT z

Curve Legend Curve Legend

A--8 ft. aisles with 285°F ceding E--8 ft. aisles with 28~F ceiling
sprinlders and 1650F in-rack sprinklers
sprinklers F - - 8 ft. aisles with 16&OF ceiling
B - - 8 ft. aisles with 1650F ceiling sprinklers
and165*Finracksprinklers G ~ 4 3q. aisles with 28~F ceiling
C m 4 ft. aisles with 2860F ceilin~ sprir~lers
sprinlders and 1650F =n-racx H - - 4 ft. aisles with 1650F ceiling
sprinklers sprinklers
D m d ft. aisles with 7650F ceiling
sprinklers and 1650F in-rack
sprinklers

Fig. 6-11.1c. Double Row Racks - - 20 Foot H i g h Rack Storage - - Sprinkler

System Design Curves - - Class HI N o n e n c a p s u l a t e d Commodities
Conventional Pallets.
1308
FIRE P R O T E C T I O N - - S T O R A G E TO 2 5 FEET 231C-27

A B C D E FG H
6 0 0 0 ~

D
~ 5000

4000

g3ooo
J 2 0 0 0 ~

¢/) I000
0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0.5 0.55 0.6
CEILING SPRINKLER DENSITY-GPM/FT 2

Curve Legend Curve Legend

A--8 ft. aisles with 28~0F ceilinl[ E--8 ft. aisles with 2860F ceiling
sprinklers and 1650F in-racx sprinklers
sprinklers F - - 8 ft. aisles with 1650F ceiling
B - - 8 ft. aisles with 1650F ceilin[[ sprinklers
sprinklers and 16aOF in-rac~ G - - 4 ft. aisles with 286*F ceiling
sprinklers sprinklers
C ~ 4 ft. aisles with 2860F ceiling H - - 4 ft. aisles with I ~ ° F eating
sprinklers and 1 6 5 " F in-rack sprinklers
sprinklers
D - - 4 ft. aisles with 1650F ceilin~
s/n~'nlders and I050F in-rac~
sprinklers

Fig. 6-11.1d. D o u b l e Row Racks - - 20 Foot H i g h Rack Storage - - Sprinkler

System Design Curves ~ C3ass I V Nonencapsulated Commodities
Conventional Pallets.
 1309
231C-28 RACK STORAGE OF MATERI&LS

A B C D
6 o o o i i i i|l 'l II IIIIIIIIIIII
III1|1
IIIII II lilil il fl
, rllll Ii II Ill IIII I III11
, ooolIII II
II
II
Ill
L I III
] I t
I I I
:
IIIIll
IIII1'
II IIIl,
1
, ,llll:
II
IIIII II ~-IL I I I I ; I I I
0 Illtl II J I I , II I i J I! I I I.
Z 400011111 II
II111
II
II
IIII
I I I [
N1
I I%1 i P O I N T _ ~ _
III11 II I I I I I [ I%i DESIGNI
300011111 II (~ ~ /
II111 II ~ I ~t i t i i " k i T " . L ' f "
0 IIIII II
IIIII II
Illll II I I J I I~ I I I I .
W
J 2000
IILII II I I I I I ~"~11 I I I I~1~11
llill ::i II IIII III I I I11 It I
z Illll I II IIII IIIII III III
i i II I III III I I I II I I
lllll [111 IIIIIIIII I
IO00 lilll II rill IIIII I i
0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 i 0.45 0.5
CEILING SPRINKLER DENSITY-,GPM/FT 2

Curve Legend Curve Legend

A--8 ft. aisles with 286°F ceiling E--8 f t . aisles with 286°F ceiling
sprinklers and 1650F in-rack sprinklers
sprinklers F - - 8 f t . aisles with 165°F ceiling
B - - 8 ft. aisles with 165°F ceiling sprinklers
sprinklers and 1650F in-rack G - d ft. aisles with 286 ° ceiling sprin-
sprinklers klers
C ~ d f t . aisles with 2~60F ceilin~ H - - d ft. aisles with 165 ° ceiling sprin-
sprinklers and 1650F in-racx klers
sprinklers
D - - d ft. aisles with 1 6 5 " F ceiling
sprinklers and 1650F "in-rack
sprinklers

Fig. 6 - 1 1 . 1 e . D o u b l e Row Racks --20 Foot High Rack Storage -- Sprinkler

aystem uemgn Curves -- Class I & H Encapsulated Commodities --
Conventional Pallets.
 /

1310
FIRE PROTECTION m STORAGE TO 2 5 FEET 231C-29

A BC D

-,4.-,
•. ~ , . --.4._

I (
-I-- --t.-
I;_

i
T
!

I
I
I
I
0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0.5

CE-ILING S P R I N K L E R D E N S I T Y - G P M / F T z

Curve Legend Curve Legend

A--8 ft. aisles with 286°F ceiling C - - 4 ft, aisles with 286°F ceilinl[
sprinklers and 765°F in-rack sprinklers and 1 6 5 ° F " in-racx i
sprinklers sprinklers
B - - 8 ft. aisles with 165°F cdling D - - 4 ft, aisles with 1 6 5 ° F ceilin~
sprinklers and 705°F in-rack sprinklers and 7 6 5 ° F in-raex
sprinklers sprinklers

Fig. 6-11.1t". D o u b l e R o w Racks - - 20 Foot H i g h Rack Storage - - Sprinkler

System D e s i g n Curves - - Class HI E n c a p s u l a t e d Commodities
C o n v e n t i o n a l Pallets.
231C-30 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1311

A B C D
imnnnuumnummm
I-"
u..
Inmammnmmmm
I|n|miinimnl
:1
i FIIIIIBIIIII
.c IInIBnnRminl
uJ liiminlmmnil
imnmiinUllil .,-4--
linaiiiuunml
lmmmmmmmimml --4--
o immmmmmmmmml
Z immmmnmmmimi "-t-"
lmmmmmmmmmmmi
immmmmmmmmml
c~ immmmmmmmmmmi
uJ immmmmmmmmmmmml
O- immmmmmmmmml
o ;ammmmmmmmml
e~ luammmmmmmml
t~ imm,,~immmmmml
.J mmimw.qimmmml
mmnmmmmmmmml
mmmmmmmmmmmml
immmmmmmmmml
o. immmmmmmmmnl
to immmmmmmmnml
0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0.5 O.SS 0.6

C E I L I N G ,SPRINKLER D F N S I T Y - G P M / F T 2

Curve Legend Curve Legend

A--8 ft. aisles with 286°F ceiling C--J ft. aisles with 286~F feilin~
sprinklers and 765°F in-rack sprinlders and 165°F m-rac~
sprinklers sprinklers
B - - 8 ft. aides with I ~ ° F c.~lin~ D~4 ft. aisles with 165°F ceilin~
sprinlders and 165°F m-rac~ sprinklers and 1F~fOF in-rac~
sprinklers sprinklers

l~ig. 6-11.1g. D o u b l e R o w R a c k s - - 20 Foot H i g h R a c k S t o r a g e - - S p r i n k l e r

S y s t e m D e s i g n C u r v e s ~ C~ass I V e n c a p n J a t e d C o m m ~ t l t l e s
Convent~na/Pallets.
 Table 6-12.1 Mult/ple-Row Racks. Rack Depth Up to 15 Ft.,
Aisles Wider Than 8 Ft., Storage Helght Up To 25 Ft.

Ceiling Sprinkler Water Demand

Sprinklers With In-Rock Sprinklms Without In-Rack Sprinklers
, Commodity EncalP i Mandotow Apply Fig. Apply Fig.
Height Class mlutod : In-Racks Fig. No. Cumas 6-62 1.25xDonsity Fig. No. Curves 6 - 6 . 2 1.25xDensity
No 6-13.1a No 6-13.1a C,&O No
I Yes
Yes - No Yes 6-13.1a C&D Yes
NO "6-13.1b No 6-13.1b C&O No
II Yes
Over 12 Ft Yes 6-13.1b Yes 6-13.1b C&D Yes
A&B Yes
Up to 15 Ft No No 6-13.1c No 6-13.1c C&D Yes No
III
Yes No 6-13.1c Yes 6;13.1c C&D Yes Yes
No NO 6-13.1d No 6-13.1d A&B No No
IV
Yes No 6-11.1d 1.50x Density 6-11.1d E&F Yes 1.50x Density
No 6-13.1a No 6-13.1a C&D No
I Yes
Yes 6-13.1a Yes 6 - 1 3 . 1 e C,&D Yes
No
No 6-13.1b No 6-13.1b C&D No
II Yes
Over 15 Ft Yes 6-13.1b A~'B~, Yes Yes 6-13.1b C&D Yes
Up to 20 Ft No No 6-13.1c No 6-13.1c C&D Yes No
I1!
Yes No 6-13.1e Yes 6 - 1 3 . 1 c C&D Yes Yes
No 6-13.1d i
IV 1 Level
Yes 6-11.1d 1.50x Density ~ ---'--"-
No No 6-13,1a No 6-13.1a C&D No
I Yes
Yes 6-13.1a Yes 6 - 1 3 . 1 a C&D Yes
No 6-13.1b
Over 20 Ft
Up to 25 Ft
II
Yes
No
1 Level 6-13.1b A&8
6-13.1c
NO
yes"°
No
h
III im
Yes 6-13.1c Yes
No 2 Level 6-13.1d No
IV
Yes 6-13.1d 1.50x Density i
 Ceiling Sprinkler Water Demand
Sprinklers With In-Reck Sprinklers Without In-Reck Sprinklers
Commodity Encap- Mandatory Apply Fig. Apply Fig.
Height Class sulated In-Recks Fig. No. Curves 6-6.2 1.25xDensity Fig. No. Curves 6-62 1.25x Density
No 6-13.1e No 6-13.1a C&O No
I Yes
Yes 6-13.1a Yes 6-13.1 a C&D Yes
No
No 6-13.1.b No 6-13.1 b C&D No
II Yes
Over 12 Ft Yes 6-13.1b A & B Yes 6-13.1b C&D Yes
Yes
Up to 15 Ft No 6-13.1c No 6-13.1c C&D Yes No
Ill
Yes No 6-13.1c Yes 6-t3.1c C&D Yes Yes
No No 6-13.1d No 6-13.1d A-B No No
IV
Yes No 6-11.1d C~D 1.50x Density 6-11.1d G&H Yes 1.50x Density
No 6-13.1a No
I
Yes 6-13.1a Yes
No 6-13.1b No
II
Over 15 Ft
Up to 20 Ft
III
Yes
No
Yes
1 Level
6-13.1 b A & B
6-13.1c
6-13.1c
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
X
IV No 6-13.1d No /
Yes 6-11.1d C&D 1.50x Density
I No 6-13.1a No

Over 20 Ft
Up to 25 Ft
II
Yes
No
Yes
1 Level
6-13,1a
6-13,1b
6-13.1b A&B
No
Yes
No
Yes
J
No 6-13.1c No
III
Yes 6-13.1c Yes
IV No 2 Levels 6-13.1d No /
J
Yes 6-11.1d C&D 1.50x Density

Table 6-12.2 Multiple-Row Rocks. Rack Depth Over 16 Ft.

or Aisles Narrower Than 8 Ft. Storage Height Up to 25 Ft.
1314
FIRE PROTECTION ~ STORAGE TO 25 FEET 231C-33

6-12.2 For encapsulated or nonencapsulated storage in mul-

tiple row racks deeper than 16 feet or with aisles less than eight feet
wide, onc level of in-rack sprinklers shall be installed for Class I,
II and III storage over 15 feet in height. One level of in-rack
sprinklers shall be installed for Class IV storage over 15 feet up to
and including 20 feet in height and two levels of in-rack sprinklers
shall be installed for Class IV storage exceeding 20 feet in height
(see Table 6-12.2).
"6-12.3 Maximum horizontal spacing of sprinklers on branch
lines in multiple row racks with nonencapsulating storage up to and
including 25 feet in height shall not exceed 12 feet for Class I, II or
III commodities and eight feet for Class IV commodities with area
limitations of 100 square feet per sprinkler for Class I, II or I I I com-
modities, and 80 square feet per sprinkler for Class IV commodities.
(Rack plan view shall be considered in determining area covered by
each sprinkler. Aisles are not to be included in area calculations.)

6-12.4 A m i n i m u m of six inches shall be maintained between

the sprinkler deflector and top of a tier of storage. In-rack sprinklers
shall be located at least two inches from rack uprights.

6-13 Ceiling Sprinkler Water Demand.

6-13.1 For nonencapsulated Class I, II, I I I or IV commodities
ceiling sprinkler water demand in terms of density (gpm per square
foot) and area of sprinkler operation (square feet of ceiling or roof)
shall be selected from curves given in Fig. 6-13.1a through d. The
curves in Fig. 6-13.1a through d also apply to portable racks ar-
ranged in the same manner as multiple row racks. Design is in-
tended to be at a single point on the appropriate curve related to
the storage configuration and commodity class. It is not necessary
to meet all points on the selected curve. Fig. 6-6.2 shall be used to
adjust density for storage height unless otherwise specified. (See
A6-9.1.)

6-13.2 For encapsulated Class I, II or I I I commodities with

height of storage up to and including 25 feet on multiple row racks,
ceiling sprinkler density shall be 25 percent greater than for non-
encapsulated commodities on double row racks.

6-13.3 For encapsulated Class IV commodities with height of

storage up to and including 25 feet on multiple row racks, ceiling
sprinkler density shall be 50 percent greater than for nonencap-
sulated commodities on double row racks.
231C-34 RACK S T O R A G E O F M A T E R I A L S
1315

A B
t~ 6000 ~ I I 1 I I I I I I
! I I I I III I I I I I I I I I
I I I I I I II I|1 . , . I I I I I I I I I
~ 5000 I I I I I Ill I! : I I I I I t I I I I
I 11 I I Ill I | I I I I I I I 1 I
t¢ I I ' 1 1 1 Ill I It . . . I I I 1 I I I I I
,~ 1 I I I I I IN I I$ [ . . I11 I I I I I I
I 111111111 III I IIII I
I I I II I I Htl I . . . II I I I II ] I
40O0 I I I I I I I I~1 I ~] I I I I I I I I I
I I II 1 II kl _.. I I I I I It I I

;
~3ooo
0
i i
II
tl
I I II I IIl~tl
II lillll~l
I I I I I I I~
I I I I I I I I I~
I i I I 11 I I I
.L
:
~k~
~.
.%.
;
III
Illl
I I
I ,
I I
I
I I
I I
I I
I'1~
I,,
III%.1
I I IK
I I I I~
;
I
I
I
" II ' " ' " ' " " ' . "" I
I I I I I I~'~k- ' ' ' ' ' '
.s I I I I I I I [ I I I I I I I I I I'" ,SINGLE POINT
Z I I I I I I I I I I ' i ~ I I I I I I I I DESIGN ONLY
" IOOO
~'} It I 1 " 'IIIIIII
"" '
.-- ,i,I
llll ,,i,
Ilil i i i ; ; i ; ; ,
0.10 O.I ¢" 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.~5 0.40 0.45 0.50

CEILING SPRINKLER DENSITY-GPM/FT 2

O~rve Legend Curve Legend

A--8 ft. aisles with 286°F ceiling C--8 ft. aisles with 286°F ceiling
sprinklers and 1550F in-rack sprinklers
sprinklers D - - 8 ft. aisles with 165"F ceiling
B - - 8 ft. aisles with 765°F ceilinl~ sprinklers
sprinklers and 1650F in-racz
sprinklers

Fig. 6-13.1a. M u l t i p l e R o w R a c k s - - 2 0 F o o t H i g h R a c k S t o r a g e - - S p r i n k l e r
System Curves Storage -- Class I Nonencapsulated Commodities --
Conventional Pallets.
 1316
FIRE PROTECTION - - STORAGE TO 25 FEET 231C-35

N A B
6000
!
<
5000.
<

4000
<
W
3000
0

W
2000
Z

I000
0,15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.55

CEILING SPRINKLER DENSITY-GPM/FT 2

Curve Legend Curve Legend

A--8 f t . aisles with 2860F ceiling C~8 f t . aisles with 286°F ceiling
sprinklers and 7650F in-rack sprinklers
sprin.k, lers D - - 8 f t . aisles with 165°F ceiling
• B--8 f t . aisles with 165°F ceilin~ sprinklers
sprinklers •and 165*F zn-racx
sprinklers

Fig. 6-13.1b. Multiple Row Racks - - 2 0 Foot High Rack Storage - - Sprinkler
System Design Curves --= Class H Noneneapsulated Commodities
Conventional Pallets.
231C-36 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1317

N 6000 lilmllllllmilllll IIII I ] |

,ooo]
Illlilllllllllllm IlilllIlil' J
iillllllliillllll Illllllli| I
,klmUillilillliilml lilt II Ill I |
UBIIllDBIIlIlllil IIIIliill J ]
'l'nilllllmllnlllll (lillilliJ /
II,llilJllllillilll Illililll] |
IIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIII illtillll| 1
lil'lllllllllllllll Ililllllll •
~ .4oo0 Ill]lllllllllllill illilllil i J
IllUIIIIIIIIIIIIII tllllllll [ ]
IIii11111111111111 IIllll Ill I 1
III1~1111111111111 llllllllJ I |
blll~lllllllllllll ~'bllltll I
Idllllllllllllllll |1,_11 III I I
3000 ~ 15111~111111111111 IIIIMilII i I
Ildlll~lllllllllll IIIINII 1 I
IllllilNilliJliill ~IIINI' I I
lil~lil~lllilillll ~c ! !N_~ ]
~ 2oo0 IlUllimiOlililinll
IllUlmUiliimlllili
7 Illliiliillmllllll
Illlllllllllllllll
Illllllllllllillll
Illlllllllllllllll
0,15 , 0.20 0.; I 0.45 0.50 0.55

CEILING SPRINKLER DENSITY-GPM/FT z

Curve Legend Curve Legend

A--8 .ft. aisles with 286°F ceiling C--8 .ft. aisles with 28~°F ceiling
sprinMers and 165°1;" in-rack sprinklers
sprinMers D - - 8 ft. aisles with 165°1;" ceiling
B ~ 8 ft. aisles with 165°F .~lin~ sprinklers
sprinklers and 165°F m-rac~
~rinklers

Fig. 6-1~.1c. Multiple Row Racks ~ 20 Foot H i g h Rack Storage ~ Sprinkler

System Design Curves ~ (~ass 1][I Nonencapsulated Commodities - -
C~nveutlonai Pallets.
1318
FIRE P R O T E C T I O N ' - - STORAGE TO" 2 5 FEET 231C-37

A B
N 6000 i
t-- k' J II
t I I ]
d: 1 k J I ]
w 5ooo. ' , ILl
or ., i •
X ~ I
I I
I,~ X k I I
z 40o0- i '~ I i
I.- x !
I
< t I
n- '~ N I
Ik 3 o o 0 - % ~ I
O ~ • I
I
r,, % • I
L,J • I
2000- "~ I
I
z I I
-- I | I
o~ I II
o. I I I
u3 I000
o.zs o.ao 0.3~ 0.40 0.4s 0.~0 o.ss o.eo o.es

CEILING SPRINKLER DENSITY-GPM/FT 2

Curve Legend Curve Legend

A~8 ft. aisles with 286°F ceilinl~ B - - 8 f t . aisles with 165°F ceiling
sprinlders and 165°F in-rac~ sprinlders and ldS°F in-rack
sprinklers sprirdclers

Fig_6-13,1d. M u l t i p l e R o w Racks - - 20 Foot H i g h R a c k Storage - - S p r i n k l e r

s y s t e m D e s i g n C u r v e s - - Class I V N o n e n c a p s u l a t e d C o m m o d i t i e s
C o n v e n t i o n a l Pallets.

N O T E : Curves A a n d B also apply to ceiling sprinklers only for height of

storage u p to a n d including 15 feet a n d Fig. 6-6.9 shall not be applied.
231C-38 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1319

Chapter 7
Fire Protection - - Storage Over 25 Feet in Height

Part A. General

7-1 In-Rack Sprinkler Size.

7-1.1 Sprinklers in racks shall be ordinary temperature classi-
fication with nominal ~/~inch orifice size pendent or upright.

7-2 In-Rack Sprinkler Spacing.

7-2.1 In-rack sprinklers shall be staggered horizontally and
vertically when installed as indicated in Table 7-2.1, Figs. 7-2.1a
through j, and 7-11.1.

7-3 In-Rack Pipe Size.

7-3.1 The number of sprinklers and the pipe sizing on a line
of sprinklers in racks is restricted only by hydraulic calculations,
and not by any piping schedule.

7-4 In-Rack Water Shields.

7-4.1 Water shields shall be provided directly above in-rack
sprinklers when there is more than one level if not shielded by hori-
zontal barriers (see Appendix B6.3.1).

7-5 In-Rack Sprinkler Location.

7-5.1 In double row or multiple row racks, a minimum six-
inch clear space shall be maintained between the sprinkler deflectors
and the top of a tier of storage. Face sprinklers in such racks shall
be located a minimum of three inches from rack uprights and no
more than 18 inches from the aisle face of storage. Other sprinklers
in racks shall be located a minimum of two feet from rack uprights.
 Table 7-2.1 Double-Row Racks Without Solid Shelves,
Storage Higher Than 25 Feet, Aisles Wider Than 4 Feet. b,)
Commodity I In-rack sprinklers -- approximate Ceiling Ceiling Sprinkler Density
Class vertical spacing at tier nearest Maximum Sprinkler m/sq. ft.) (6)
the vertical distance and maximum Fig. Storage Operating arance (5)
horizontal spacing (1) (2). No. Height Stagger Area Up to 10 ft. (7)
Longitudinal
Flue (3) Face (4) 165 ° 286 °
Vertical 20 ft.
Horizontal 10 ft.
None 7-2.1 a 30 ft. No 0.25 0,35
I under horizontal
Barriers
Vertical 20 ft. Vertical 2000 sq. ft.
20 ft. 7-2.1b Higher than Yes 0.25 0,35
Horizontal 10 ft. Horizontal 10 ft. 25 ft. o
Vertical 10 ft.
or at 15 ft. & 25 ft. None 7-2.1c 30 ft. Yes 0.30 0.40
Horizontal 10 ft. I
Vertical 10 ft. Vertical 30 ft. 7-2.1d Yes
Horizontal 10 ft. Horizontal 10 ft. 0.30 0,40
o
Vertical 20 ft. Vertical 20 ft, 7-2.1e Higher than Yes ~o
Horizontal 10 ft. Horizontal 5 ft. 2000 ~ . ft. O.3O O.4O
25 ft.
I I& I I I Vertical 25 ft. Verti(:al 25 ft.
Horizontal 5 ft. Horizontal 5 ft. 7-2.1f No O.3O 0.40
I'iorizontal barriers at 20 ft. Vertical
Intervals-2 lines of sprinklers 7-2.1g Yes O.3O 0.4O
under barriers-maximum
horizontal spacing 1() ft. staggered.
Vertical 15 ft. I Vertical 20 ft,
Horizontal 10 ft. Horizontal 10ft, 7-2.1h Yes 0.35 0.45
Vertical 20 ft. Vertical 20 ft. 7-2.1i Higher than 2000 sq. ft.
IV Horizontal 5 ft. Horizontal 5ft, 25 ft. No O.35 O.45
Horizontal barriers at 15 ft. Verticai
intervals-2 lines of sprinkler
7-2.1j Yes 0.35 0.45
under barriers-maximum
horizontal spacing 10 ft. staggered
Foomotcs -- see page 40.
231C-4O RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1321
Footnotes to Table 7-2.1
1Minimum in-rack sprinkler pressure, 30 psi (7-6.1)
2Water shields required (6-3,1 and 7-4.1 )
qnstall sprinklers at least 2 ft. from uprights (A6-9.2)
,Install sprinklers at least 3 in. from uprights (7-5.1)
sClearance is distance between maximum height of storage and ceiling
sFor encapsulated commodity increase density 25% (7-11.1)
~See 7-9.3, 7-10.1, 7-11.1 and A7-11.1 for protection suggestions when clear-
ance is greater than 10 feet

~x~ ND
DrT
DD DD
~x~ DD
DD DD
PLAN VIEW I[ LEVATION

Fig. 7-2.1a. In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement, Class I Commodity, Maximum

Height of Storage 25 Ft. to 30 Ft.

NOTE:
1. Symbol X indicates in-rack sprinklers.
1322 Fxa~. PROT~.CTION - - STORAGe. OV~.a 2 5 FE~.T 251C-41

• D ,

x[~_.~.x s E 1":-11-7-1
,~t__j.~,
1 I , A IN-'Z..,.xL_%X x !

x ~" ~ ,-'-i r--n

L__J L_J

PLAN VIEW ELEVATION

Fig. 7-2.1b. In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement, C~ass I Commodity, Height

of Storage o v e r 25 Feet.

NOTES
1. Sprinklers labeled 1 (the selected array from Table 7-2.1) required when
loads labeled A or B represent top of storage.
2. Sprinklers labeled 1 and 2 required when loads labeled C or D represent
top of storage.
3. Sprinklers labeled 1 and 3 required when loads labeled E or F represent
top of storage.
4. For storage higher than represented by loads labeled F, the cycle defined
notes 2 and 3 is repeated W I T H S T A G G E R AS I N D I C A T E D .
5. Symbols A or X indicate sprinklers on vertical or horizontal stagger.
 1323
231C-42 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

OAO O~O
E~O O0
oo
O.r-,l
0~0 - O0
PLAN VIEW ELEVATION

Fi_g. 7-2.1c_In- .Rack $_prinkler Arrangement, ¢ ~ s s I, H or HI Commodity,

l~aximum rlelght of Storage 25 Ft. to 30 Ft.

NOTES:
I. Alternate location of in-rack sprinklers. Sprinlders may be installed at the
second and fourth or the third andfifth tiers.
2. Symbols A or X indicate sprinklers on vertical or horizontal stagger.
1324
FIRE PROTECTION - - STORAGE OVER 2 5 FEET 231C~-43

[][]
4

& x

.El
[]
s
A x

[]
PLAN VIEW
I
OxD
[]D
ELEVATION

Fig. 7-2.1d. In-Rack Sprinkler A r r a n g e m e n t , C~ass I, II or ELI Commodity,

H e i g h t of Storage o v e r 25 Feet.

NOTES:
1. Sprinklers labeled | required w h e n loads labeled A represent the top of
storage.
2. Sprinlders labeled 1 and 2 required when loads labeled B or C represent
top of storage.
3. Sprinklers labeled 1, 2 and 3 required when loads labeled D or E represent
top of storage.
4. Sprinklers labeled 1, 2, 3 and 4 required when loads labeled F or G repre-
sent top of storage.
5. Sprinklers labeled 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 required when loads labeled H repre-
sent top of storage. "
6. For storage.higher thanrepresented by loads labeled H, the cycle defined by
Notes 3, 4 and 5 is repeated with stagger as indicated.
7. T h e indicated face sprinklers may be omitted w h e n commodity consists
of unwrapped m" unpackaged metal parts on wood pallets.
8. Symbols A or X indicate-sprinklers on vertical or horizontal stagger.
 1325
231C-"44 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

x x

DD

P L A N VIEW, ELEVATIONS

Fig. 7-2.1e. In-Rack Sprinkler A r r a n g e m e n t , Class I, H or HI Commodity,

Height of Storage Over 25 Feet.

NOTES:
I. Sprinklers labeled I (the selected array from Table %2.1) required when
loads labeled A or B represent top of storage,
2. Sprinklers labeled I and 2 required when loads labeled C or D represent
top ot storage.
3. Sprinklers labeled I and 3 required when loads labeled E or F represent
top ot storage.
4. For storage higher than represented by loads labeled F, the cycle defined
by notes 2 a n d 3 is repeated, with stagger as indicated.
5. Symbols' A or X indicate sprinklers on vertical or horizontal stagger.
1326
FIRE PROTECTION -- STORAGE OVER 2 5 F E E T 231C:-45

r---lxr--1 ~ L_J L_J

l-T'Ixl'--I / a I I L._I

PLAN VIEW ..,

ELt'VATION
Fig. 7-2.1f. I n - R a c k S p r i n k l e r Arrangement, Class I, H o r III C o m m o d i t y ,
Height of Storage over 25 Feet. :..t

- N o T E s :, • t :
1. Sprinklers,labeled 1 (the selected array, f r o m T a b l e '%2.1) required w h e n
loads labeled A or B represent top of storage.
2. Sprinklers labeled I .and;2 r e q u i r e d w h e n . l o a d s labeled C o r ' D r e p r e s e n t
top of storage.
3. Sprinklers labeled 1 a n d 3 ,required w h e n loads labeled E represent
. . . . . '" top
of storage. , , .
4. Sprinklers labeled 1 a n d 4 required w h e n 'loads labeled F o r q represent
top of storage. " : . . . . . . "" " "
5. For storage h i g h e r t h a n represented b y l o a d s labeled C, the cycle defined by
notes 2, 3, a n d 4 is repeated.
6. S y m b o l X indicates face a n d in-rack sprinklers.
 1327
231C-46 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

@D

× O N @ A 2

× A s@
,, s c r"r-1

0 X "

PLAN VIEW " [~ [~[

,, EI.E VATION

Fig. 7-2.1g. In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement, Class I, H or HI Commodity,

Height of Storage over 25 Feet.

r . ,

NOTES :
I. Sprinklers labeled I (the selected array from Table 7-2.1) required when
loads ]abeledA or B represent top of storage.
2. Sprinklers labeled 1 and 2 required when loads labeled C or D represent
top ot storage.
3. Sprinklers labeled 1 and 3 required when loads E or F represent top of
storage.
4. For storage higher than represented by loads labeled F, the cycle defined
by notes 2 and 3 is repeated.
5. Symbols O, Zk or X indicate sprinklers on vertical or horizontal stagger.
1328
FlUE PUOTECTION - - STOUAGW GVEI~ 25 FEET 231C-47

Fig. 7-2. lh. In-Rack Sprinkler

Arrangement, Class I, II, HI or
I V Commodity, H e i g h t of Storage
over 25 Feet.
O O
vqD
x o NOTES:
1. Sprinklers labeled 1 (the se-
X 7 lected array from Table 7-2.1) re-
½Vq quired when loads labeled A or B
represent top of storage.

0 o E]E] 2. Sprinklers labeled 1 and 2 re-

quired when loads labeled C: or D
F-]~F-1 ,0 ~ 06 represent top of storage.
W-~ ~-d F / v " V:-] VZq 3. Sprinklers labeled 1, 2, and 3
5" required when loads labeled E or F
' IS E r-"l V'T'] represent top of storage.
0 o~ LLI L2_] 4. Sprinklers labeled 1, 2, 3 and 4
required when loads labeled G
O O i~ represent top of storage.
4 5. Sprinklers labeled 1, 2, 3, 4 and
5 required when loads labeled H
represent top of storage.
3
6. Sprinklers labeled 1, 2, 3, 4 and
6 (not 5) required when loads
labeled I o r J represent top of storage.
o o NF1 2
7. Sprinklers labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
and 7 required when loads labeled K
PLAN VIEW & represent top of storage.
8. Sprinklers labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
and 8 required when loads labeled L
represent top of storage.
I 9. Sprinklers labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, 6,
8 and 9 required when loads labeled
M or N represent top of storage.
l
10. For storage higher than repre-
V1E; sented by loads labeled N, the cycle
defined by notes 1 through 9 is
repeated, with stagger as indicated.
E]E] In the cycle, loads labeled M are
equivalent to loads labeled A.
11. Symbols, O, ~ , X , A, indicate
E]E] sprinklers on vertical or horizontal
' stagger.
ELEVATION
231C-48 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1329

DD
X X x

Nq ~,
xD@9 ~DxD 2

s~~ ~'~@
r-l~D DD
DD

ELEVATION

Fig. 7-2.1i. In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement, Class I, II, HI of IV Commodity,

Height of Storage over 25 Feet.

NOTES :
1. Sprinklers labeled 1 (the Selected array from Table 7-2.1) required when
loads labeled A or B represent top of storage.
2. Sprinklers labeled 1 and 2 required when loads labeled C or D represent
top of storage.
3. Sprinklers labeled 1 and 3 required when loads labeled E or F represent
top of storage. --
4. For storage higher than represented by loads labeled F, the cycle defined
by notes 2 and 3 is repeated.
5. Symbol X indicates.face and in-rack sprinklers.
1330
FIRE PROTECTION - - STORAGE OVER 25 FEET 231C-49

a sE I._1 L._I

~ ~ ELEVATION

X
od A
PLAN VIEW

Fig. 7-2.1j. In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement, Class I, If, 111 or IV Commodity.

Height of Storage over 25 Feet.

NOTES:
1. Sprinklers and barrier labeled 1 (the selected array from Table 7-2.1) re
quired when loads labeled A or B represent top of storage.
2. Sprinklers labeled I and 2 and barrier labeled I required when loa&
labeled C represent top of storage.
3. Sprinklers and barriers labeled 1 and 3 required when loads labeled D or E
represent top of storage.
4. For storage higher than represented by loads labeled E, the cycle defined
by notes 2 and 3 is repeated.
5. Symbols A or X indicate sprinklers on vertical or horizontal stagger.
6. Symbol 0 indicates longitudinal flue space sprinklers.
v 1331
~1C-50 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

7-6 In-Rack Sprinkler Discharge Pressure.

76.1 Sprinklers in racks shall discharge at not less than 30 psi
for all classes of commodity (see Appendix BS-J. 1).

7-7 High Expansion Foam Submergence.

7-7.1 With height of storage over 25 feet up to and including
35 feet when high expansion foam systems are used, they shall be
used in combination with ceiling sprinklers. The maximum sub-
mergence time for the high expansion foam shall be five minutes
for Class I, II or III commodities and four minutes for Class IV
commodities.

7-8 High Expansion Foam--Ceiling Sprinkler Water Demand.

7-8.1 When high expansion foam is used in combination with
ceiling sprinklers, the sprinkler design shall be 0.2 gpm pet" square
foot for Class I, II or III commodities and 0.25 gpm per square
foot for Class IV commodities over the most hydraulically remote
2,000 square foot area.

Part B. Single and Double Row Racks

7-9 In-Rack Sprinkler Location.

7-9.1 In double row racks without solid shelves and with a
maximum of 10 feet between top of storage and ceiling, in-rack
sprinklers shall be installed as indicated in Table 7-2.1 and Figs.
7-2.1a through j. The highest level of in-rack sprinklers shall not
be more than 10 feet below top of storage (see 7-10.1).

7-9.2 In-rack sprinklers for storage higher than 25 feet in

double row racks shall be spaced horizontally and located in hori-
zontal space nearest the vertical intervals indicated in Table 7-2.1,
Figs. 7-2.1 a through j.
1332
FIRE PROTECTION - - STORAGE OVER 25 FEET 231C-51

DA

D
Dx

D
X DA

DA [3
X £3
x NOTES:
DA D 1. For all storage heights, install
sprinklers in every other tier and

D D
stagger as indicated.
2. Symbols /X or X indicate

@
X
sprinklers on vertical or horizontal

D stagger.

D X Dx
PLAN VIEW
D
D
ELEVATION

Fig. 7-9.3. In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement, Single Row Racks, Height of

Storage over 25 Feet.
 t 1333
231C-52 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

*7-9.3 I n single row racks without solid shelves with height

of storage over 25 feet and a maximum of 10 feet between top of
storage and ceiling, sprinklers shall b e installed as indicated in
Fig. 7-9.3.

7-10 In-Rack Sprinkler Horizontal Barriers.

"7-10.1 Horizontal barriers .used in conjunction with in-rack
sprinklers to impede vertical fire development, shall be sheet metal,
wood, or similar material and shall extend the full length and width
of the rack. Barriers shall be fitted within two inches horizontally
from rack uprights (see Table 7-2.1 and Figs. 7-2. la, g, and j).

7-11 Ceiling Sprinkler Water Demand.

"7-11.1 Water demand for nonencapsulated storage on racks
without solidshelves separated by aisles at least four feet wide and
with not more than 10 feet between top of storage and sprinklers
shall be based on sprinklers in a 2,000 square foot operating area,
discharging a minimum of 0.25 gpm per square foot for Class I
commodity, 0.3 gpm per square foot for Class II and III commodity,
and 0.35 g p m per square foot for Class I V commodity, for 165°F
sprinklers; or a minimum of 0.35 gpm per square foot for Class I
commodity, 0.40 gpm per square foot for Class II and III commod-
ity, and 0.45 gpm per square foot for Class IV commodity, for
286°F sprinklers (see Table 7-2.1).
7-11.2 Where such storage is encapsulated, ceiling sprinkler
density shall be 25 percent greater than for nonencapsulated.

Part C. Multiple Row Racks

7-12 In-Rack Sprinkler Location.

"7-12.1 In multiple row racks with a maximum of 10 feet be-
tween top of storage and ceiling, in-rack sprinklers shall be installed
as indicated in Figs. 7-12.1a, b and c. The highest level of in-rack
sprinklers shall be not more than 10 feet below maximum height of
storage for Class I, II o r ' I I I commodities or five feet below top of
storage for Class I V commodity (see Table 7-12.1).

7-13 In-Rack Sprinkler Spacing.

7-13.1 Maximum horizontal spacing of sprinklers in multiple
row racks with storage higher than 25 feet shall conform to Figs.
7-12.1a, b and c.
 4a~
Table 7-12.1 Multiple-Row Racks. Storage Height O v e r 25 Ft.

Maximum
Spacing
In-Rack Sprinklers (1)
From Top
Maximum Maximum Of Storage Ceiling Ceiling Sprinkler
Horizontal Horizontal To Highest Sprinklw Density (gpm/ft 2 )
Approximate Spacing Spacing Height In-Rack j Operating
Commodity Eneap Vertical In A Flue Across Flue Limit Sprinklers Area 165° 286°
Class aulated Spacing (Ft) (Ft) i(Ft) (F~ Stagger Fig.No. (Ft) (Ft 2) Rating Rating

I
N.__~o 2o 12 10 7-12.1a 10
.25 .35
Yes .31 .44
No Between .30 .40
It&lit 15 10 10 None adjacent 7-12.1b 10 3000
Yes flues .37 .50
No .35 .45
IV 10 10 10 7-12.1c 5
Yes .44 .56

ZAll four rack faces should be protected by sprinklers located within 18 in. of the faces, as indicated
in Figs. 7-12.1a, b andc. It is not necessary for each sprinkler level to protect all faces (see .47-12.1).
~m-54 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1335
LOADING A I S L E

A
MAXIMUM
12 FT.
BETWEEN
SPRINKLER5
A

I
t
LOADING AISLE
PLAN VIEW
r MAXIMUM
IO FT.

N-II=rI-] I c_ la
_~
s,. N.~ERs
BETWEEN

MAXIMUM !0 FT.
H

BETWEEN SPRINKLERS
i_ : EI, 3
A N D TOP OF STORAGE
I
IE E EI B
LI _':'EIl,U.
l,i_~E I-1 ,_.7.
_--]
•t A
0

EEi
FI FI E I -EEl MAXIMUM 2 0 FT.
BETWEEN SPRINKLERS
AND FLOOR

::,E L:IE
LOADING AISLE ELEVATION
~ ,
7-12.1a. In-Rack Sprinkler A r r a n g e m e n t - Multiple-Row Racks, ~ a s s I
Commodity. H e i g h t of Storage over 25 Feet.
NOTES: quired if loads labeled D or E repre.
1. Sprinklers labeled 1 required if sent top of storage.
loads labeled A represent top of 4. For storage higher than repre-
storage. sented by loads labeled E, the cycle
2. Sprinklers labeled 1 and 2 re- defined by notes 2 and 3 is repeated,
quired if loads labeled B or C repre- with stagger as indicated.
sent top of storage. 5. Symbols Z~ or X indicate sprin.
1336
FIRE PROTECTION - - STORAGE OVER 2 5 F E E T 231C-55

LOADING AISLE
m ! m m m m

t, ,,,!
X :<

MAXIMUM
X X IO :FT,,
BETWEEN
w u i
SPRINKLERS

!x
LOADING AISLE

PLAN VIEW.

/ , ~ MAXIMUM
I0. F T .
BETWEEN
SPRINKLERS '

MAXIMUM lO FT.
I~AI~ 3 .BETW#oENSPRINKLERS
I~ r-.--i i ~ I-~AI--- ] " . AND OF STORAGE

~I-DDDDE~
¢n X x x 1 "

~ Z] r-] v] r~ r-] r-] ~ t

MAXIMUM 15 FT.
"r-] r-] [::][2] r ~ N [3 BETWEEN SPRINKLERS
AND FLOOR
|. . ..

N N N [2 D ~ [] i

LOADING AISLE ELEVATION

Fig. 7-12.1b. In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement - - M u l t i p l e - R o w Racks,
Class II or HI Commodity. Height of Storage over 25 Feet.
NOTES : :
1. Sprinklers labeled 1 a n d 2 re- 3. For storage h i g h e r t h a n repre-
quired if loads labeled A represent sented by l o a d s labeled C, the cycle"
top of storage. defined by notes 1 a n d 2 is r e p e a t e d ,
2: Sprinklers labeled 1 a n d 3 :~e- with s t a g g e r as indicated.
q u i r e d if loads labeled B o r C r e p r e s e n t 4. Symbols A or X indicate sprin-
t o p of storage. klers on vertical or horizontal stagger.
 1337
231C-56 !.RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALs

LOADING AI,SLE
& • . A .

x ×_~
& • A , ~ ,
MAX'IMUM
x • " ×E 10 FT..
BETWEEN
• & SPRINKLERS
, A • ' A _.~A

x .

LOADING AISLE ....

' PLAN WEW

. . 'L.

- ' . /-----MAXIMUM . " .

__]1
• ', . / , tO FT. " ' ::' "
BETWEEN
I S"R,N~LERS

DD x x x 4

BETWEEN
t
SPRINKLERS
X x X 3 AND TOP OF' S T O R A G E

w A B

DNDDNS
<
u. BETWEEN SPRINKLERS

I-!13 N FNF1B
A
LOADING AISLE ELEVATION T

Fig. 7-12. lc. I n - R a c k S p r i n k l e r A r r a n g e m e n t , Class I V C o m m o d i t y , M u l t i p l e -

Row Racks. H e i g h t o f S t o r a g e o v e r 25 Feet.

NOTES :
I. Sprinklers labeled 1, 2 and 3 re- 3. For storage higher than repre-
quired if loads labeled A represent top sented by loads labeled B, the cycle
of storage. defined by notes 1 and 2 is repeated,
with stagger as indicated.
2. Sprinklers labeled 1, 2 and 4 re-
quired if loads labeled B represent 4. Symbols /X or X indicate sprin-
top of storage. klers on vertical or h o r ~ o n t a l stagger.
1338
F I R E PROTECTION - - STORAGE QVER 2 5 FEET. 231C-57

7-13.2 A minimum six inch clear space shall be maintained

between the sprinkler deflectors and. the top of a tier 9f- storage.
Sprinlders in racks shall be located a minimum of two feet from
rack uprights.

7-14 Ceiling Sprinkler Water Demand.

7-14.1 Water demand for nonenchpsulated storage on racks
without solid shelvesseparated by aisles at least four feet wide and
with not more than 10 feet between top of storage and sp.rinlders,
shall be based on sprinklers in a 3,000 square foot operaung area
for multiple row racks, discharging a minimum of 0.25 gpm per
square foot for Class I commodity, 0.3 gpm per square foot for
Class II and III commodity, and 0.35 gpm per square foot for
Class IV commodity, for 165°F sprinklers; or a minimum of 0.35
gpm per square foot for Class I commodity, 0.40 gpm per square
foot for Class II and III commodity, and 0.45 gpm per square foot
for Class IV commodity, for 286°F sprinklers (see Table 7-12.0.
7-14.2 Where such storage is encapsulated, ceiling sprinkler
density shall be 25 percent greater than for nonencapsulated.
 1339
231C-58 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

Chapter 8 Equipment

8-1 Mechanical Handling Equipment.

8-1.1 Industrial Trucks.
8-1.1.1 P0wer-operated industrial trucks shall be of the type
designated in Powered Industrial Trucks, NFPA 5 0 5 - 1973, Chap-
ter 1, Type Designations and Areas of Use, and their maintenance
and operation shall be in accordance with Chapters 2 and 3.
t8-1.1.2 Industrial trucks using LP-gas or liquid fuel shall
be refueled outside of the storage building at a location designated
for that purpose.
1340
B U I L D I N G M A I N T E N A N C E AND O P E R A T I O N ' 231C-59

Chapter 9 Building Maintenance and Operation --

9-1 Building Operations Other Than Storage.

"9-1.1 Welding, soldering, brazing, and cutting may be per-
formed on rack or building componentswhich cannot be removed,
provided no storage is located below and within 25 feetof the work-
ing area, and flameproof tarpaulins enclose this section. During any
of these operations the sprinkler system shall be in service. Two and
one-half (21/~ gallon water type extinguishers and charged inside
hose lines shall be located in the working area. A fire watch shall be
maintained during these operations and for at least 30 minutes addi-
tional.

9-2 Waste Disposal.

"9-2.1 Approved type containers for rubbish and other trash
materials shall be provided.
9-3 Smoking.
9-3.1 Smoking shall be strictly prohibited, except in locations
prominently designated as smoking areas/and " N o Smoking" signs
shall be posted in prohibited areas.

*9-4 Maintenance.
9-4.1 Fire walls, fire doors, and floors shall be maintained in
good repair at all times.

*9-5 Plant Emergency Organization.

9-5.1 A fire watch shall be maintained when the sprinkler
system is not in service.

*9-6 General Fire Protection.

231c-6o .,.c,, ,To.so . oF 1341

Appendix A
This Appendix is not a part of this ArFPA Standard 231C, Rack Storage
of Materials, but is includedfor information purposes only.
The following contains additional information and recommenda-
tions bearing the same number as the text of the Standard for Rack
Storage of Materials to which they apply.

Chapter 4 Storage Arrangements

A4-1.1 Rack storage as_referred to in this standard contemplates
commodity in a rack structure, usually steel. M a n y variations of
dimensions are found. Racks may be single row, double row, or
multiple row with or without solid shelves. The standard com-
modity used in most of the tests was 42 inches on a side. Type of
racks covered in this standard:
Double row racks - - pallets rest on two beams parallel to the
aisle. Any number o f pallets can be supported by one pair of beams
(see Figs. Ad-l. la, b, c and d).
Automatic storage type rack - - the pallet is supported by two
rails running perpendicular to the aisle (see Fig. A4-1. le).
Multiple row racks are more than two pallets deep, measured
aisle to aisle - - this includes drive-in racks, drive-through racks,
flow-through racks, portable racks arranged in the same manner,
and conventional or automatic racks with aisles lessthan 42 inches
(see Figs. A4-1.1f through i).
Solid Shelving - - conventional pallet rack with plywood shelves
on the sbelf beams (see Figs. A4-1.1c and d). This is a special c a s e
(see Chapter 5).
Cantilever rack - - the load is supported on arms that extend hori-
zontally from columns. The load m a y r e s t on the arms or on shelves
supported by the arms (see Fig. A4-1.1j).
Load depth in conventional or automatic racks is considered a
nominal 48 inches (see Fig. A4-1. lb).
A4-2.1 Fixed rack structures should be designed to facilitate re-
moval or repair of damaged sections without resorting to flame
cutting or welding in the storage area.
Where sprinklers are to be installed in racks, rack design should
anticipate the additional clearances required to facilitate installation
of sprinklers. The rack structure should be anchored to prevent
1.342
•A P P E N D I X A .231C-61

r---"r--n r - - - - - ~
t~.- --t F-~
Iiiii I1 1 'd_~J r~
F'--~F
. . . . . q - -

u ~.._[

,l\
--N

,, ~! .111,!- ~N

Legend
L -- Lon~tudinal Flue Space
T - - T r a n s v e r s e Flue S p a c e

Fig, A4-1.1a. C o n v e n t i o n a l Pallet Rack.

 1343
231C-62 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

;/ N

Legend
E ~ Storage H e i g h t
A - - Load Depth
g ~ Commodity
B -- Load Width
T ~ T r a n s v e r s e H u e Space G - - Pallet

L ~ L o n g i t u d i n a l Flue Space H - - Rack D e p t h

Fig, A4-1.1b. D o u b l e Row Racks w i t h o u t Solid or Slatted SheAves.

1344
APPENDIX A 231C-63

...::..:... ,..:. . ~ ~
;.~ "- •:, - :;:..'-.~.-::'L.~x......,; ~ ,.:. ~.~-,:..";- :;... "~'.~ "~

' ~ " " "'"" ~':': :"" """: ";'~".: i

..-,..~:.~::-~ • ...:..~....:. • :.-'.'-• i

I

i
•. ",.:-~.~.:.., .~ ]
!

,. : - : . • : --: : . . : . ~': .. ~.~,.;..;~:~:: • . " , ~ . ::.~: . : ~ , . : :.;-:~-~ •

.... .,::...:~-,:......,~..:~::.~:, ~,~ "~-~." ::..
.. • • ': ~.~'-..'~;:... ::..

., :,.~..,:'......: y~.~::..'...y;.-::;..~..•... ~,.., .

• • ..~.~, :.: • ~.-:~:....~.: - -..~,.

Legend

A -- Shelf Depth L -- bongltudinal Flue Space

B -- Shelf Height E w Storage Height

T -- Transverse Flue Space F -- Commodlty

Fig. A4-1.1c. Double Row Racks with Solid Shelves.

 1345
231C--64 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

Legend
A -- Shelf Depth L --Longitudinal Flue Space
B -- Shelf Height E -- Storage Height
H -- Rack Depth F -- Commodity
T -- Transverse Flue Space

Fig. A4-1.1d. D o u b l e R o w R a c k s w i t h Slatted S h e l v e s .

1346
APPENDIX A 231C--65

" " AISLE

I I _I
I I_

•~ _ _ ~ ~W.,

111 ~
!, ,
~ C~I~JOUS FRONT
•

i! t I !,
I I I!

~ Na

AISL~ VI(W.

Legend
L - - Longitudinal Flue Space T - - Transverse Flue Space
Fig. A4-1.1e. Automatic Storage Type Rack.
 1347
231C-66 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

q f-~-L

L! II

3V lI-%
JE z
~q.q_

L - - Longitudinal Flue Space

Fig. A4-LIf. Mult/-Row Rack to b e Served b y a Reach Truck.

1348 APPENDIX A. 2~Ic~7

~._.E

T ~ Transverse Flue Spsce

]~g. A4-Llg. N1ow-Through Pallet Rack,
231C-~8 RACK-STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1349

. . . . . . . . . . I
I ,ll
r ~
VIEW

•. - --I H T
\ i I
I ,

1Li I
[ I I r
.,
r
II
1
II
I
II

H- - 4

*--- i T----..
J I
,
I
II I
d
ii
l
ii

.AIS~ v~w

T -- Transverse Flue Space

A4-1.1h. Drive-ln Rack - - Two or More Pallets Deep.
Fig.
Fork truck dr/yes into the rack to depcLit and withdraw loads in the depth
of the rack.
1350 APpERDIX A 2ste 6~

A SL~ ~EW

Flow-Through Rack

I
Portable Racks

Fig. A4-1.11.
231C-70 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1351

,L
"1 I- . . . . "IV,,
rI Ir - - - CANTILEVER RACKING
I 1%OPTIONAL
OVER AISLE TIE

r-

~L

SINGLE ARM DOUBLE ARM

END VIEW
n,, r, 'q
h P, ~ R

AISLE VIEW

Fig. A4-1.1j. Cantilever Rack.

 1352
APPENDIX A 231C-71

I---B
PLAN VIEW

Legend
A -- Shelf Depth
B -- Shelf Length
L - - Longitudinal Flue Space
T - - Transverse Flue Space

Fig. A4-3.2, Double Row Rack Solid Shelf Layout.

NOTE: When shelf depth (dimension A) is deeper than four ft. but less
than five ft. and shelf length (dimension B) is longer than eight ft. but less
than 10 ft. protection .is required in accordance with 5-5.3. Minimum
six-inch flue spaces (dimensions T and L) are required between shelf sec-
tions (see4-3.2).

damage to sprinkler lines and supply piping in racks.

Rack structures should be designed for seismic conditions in areas
where seismic resistance of building structure is required.
A~-5 T h e fire protection system design should contemplate the
m a x i m u m height of storage. For new sprinkler installations, maxi-
m u m height of storage is the usable height at which commodities
can be stored above the floor when the minimum required unob-
structed space below sprinklers is maintained. For the evaluation
of existing situations, m a x i m u m height of storage is the m a x i m u m
existing if space between sprinklers and storage is equal or greater
than required.
A4-6.1 A horizontal clearance of at least one foot should be
maintained between storage and major.unprotected roof structural
members when storage is stored above the bottom of such members.
A4-6.2 Incandescent light fixtures should have shades or guards
to prevent ignition of commodity from hot bulbs where possibility
of contact with storage exists.
231G-72 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1353

Chapter 5 Fire Protection - - General

A5-2.1 Ceiling Sprinklers. Wet systems are recommended for

rack storage occupancies.
Dry systems are acceptable only where it is impractical to provide
heat.
Preaction systems should be considered for rack storage occu-
pancies that are unheated, particularly where in-rack sprinklers
are installed or for those occupancies which are highly susceptible
to water damage.

A5-5.2 With storage no higher than 20 feet, sprinklers should be

installed at the ceiling and at one level in double row racks with
solid shelves longer than eight feet but less than ten feet longitudi-
nally and wider than four feet but less than five feet that do not
obstruct longitudinal or transverse flue spaces (see Fig. A~3.2).
Storage higher than 20 feet in this configuration is beyond the scope
of this standard.

A5-7.2 Where 286°F sprinklers are installed at the ceiling, 286°F

sprinklers should also extend beyond storage in accordance with the
following table:

Distance Beyond Perimeter

Design Area for 286 °F of High-Hazard Occupancy
SprinHers, (sq. ft.) for High-Temp. Sprinklers
(ft.)

2000 30
3000 40
4000 45
5000 50
6000 55
 1354 APPENDIX A . 23tc-7 3
A5-8 Approved supervisory alarm service should be provided
for all fire detection and extinguishing systems.
Central station, auxiliary, remote station, or proprietary sprinkler
water-flow alarm should be provided except that local water-flow
alarm is acceptable where approved guard service is provided (see
Central Station Protective Signaling Systems, ArFPA 71 ~ 1972; Local
Protective Signaling Systems, aVFPA 72,4 ~ 1972; Remote Station Pro.
tection Signaling Systems, ArFPA 72C ~ 1972; and Proprietary Protec.
tire Signaling Systems, aVFPA 721) - - 1973).
A5-12.1 Detection systems, concentrate pumps, generators and
other system components essential to the operation of the system
should have an approved standby power source.

Chapter 6 Fire Protection - -

Storage Up To and Including 25 Feet in Height

A6-6.1 Bulkheads are not a substitute for sprinklers in racks.

Their installation does not justify reduction in sprinkler densities
or design operating areas as called for in the design curves.
A6-7.1 When high expansion foam is being contemplated as the
protection media, consideration should be given to possible damage
to the commodity from soaking and corrosion. Consideration should
be given to the problems associated with removal of foam after dis-
charge.
A6-9.2 WhereIpossible, it is preferable to locate in-rack sprinklers
in the longitudinal flue space and have deflectors at least six inches
above pallet loads and at least two feet away from rack uprights.
A6-10.1 Spacing of sprinklers on branch lines in racks in the
various tests indicates maximum spacing as indicated is proper.
A6-11.1 Where dry pipe systems are used the areas of operation
indicated in the design curves should be increased by 30 percent.
Densities should be selected so that areas of operation, after the 30
percent increase, do not exceed 6,000 square feet.
A6-12.3 In-rack sprinklers at one level only for storage up to and
including 25 feet high in multiple-row racks should be located at
the tier level nearest ~ to 7/~ of the storage height.
 1355
231C~74 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

Chapter 7
Fire Protection - - Stoiage Over 25 Feet in Height

A7-9.3 In single-row racks with more than 10 feet between top

of storage and ceiling, a horizontal barrier should be installed above
storage with one line of sprinklers under the barrier.

AZ-IO.1 Double row racks - - height of storage over 25 feet - -

more t h a n 10 feet between maximum height of storage and ceiling.
When the ceiling is more than 10 feet above maximum height of
storage a horizontal barrier should be installed above storage with
one line of sprinklers under the barrier for Class I, II, and III com-
modifies and two lines of sprinklers under the barrier for Class IV
commodities. In-rack sprinkler arrays should be installed as indi-
cated in Table 7-2.1 and Figs. 7-2.1a through j.
Barriers should be of sufficient strength to avoid sagging that in-
terferes with loading and unloading operations.

AT-11.1 Water demand for height of storage over 25 feet on

racks without solid shelves separated by aisles at least four feet wide
and with more than 10 feet between top of storage and sprinklers
should be based on sprinklers in 2,000 square foot operating area for
double row racks and 3,000 square foot operating area for multiple
row racks discharging a minimum of 0.18 gpm per square foot for
Class I commodity, 0.21 gpm per square foot for Class II and III
commodity, and 0.25 gpm per square foot for Class IV commodity,
for I65°F sprinklers; or a minimum of 0.25 gpm per square foot for
Class I commodity, 0.28 gpm per square foot for Class II and III
commodity, and 0.32 gpm per square foot for Class IV commodity,
for 286°F sprinklers. (See A7-10.1 and A7-12.1.)
Where such storage is encapsulated, ceiling sprinkler density
should be 25 percent greater than for nonencapsulated.

A7-12.1 In multiple row racks with more than 10 feet between

maximum height of storage and ceiling, a horizontal barrier should
be installed above storage with a level of sprinklers, spaced as stipu-
lated for in-rack sprinklers, installed direcdy beneath the barrier.
In-rack sprinklers should be installed as indicated in Fig. 7-12.1a,
b and c.
 1356
A PPI~'NDIX 231C-75

Chapter 9
Building Maintenance and Operation
A9-1.1 The use of welding, cutting, soldering, or brazing torches
in the storage areas introduces a severe fire hazard. The use of
mechanical fastenings and mechanical saws o r cutting wheels is
recommended. When welding or cutting operations are absolutely
necessary, the precautions contained in ArFPA 51B - - 1971, Cutting
and Welding Processes, should be followed.
Locomotives should not be allowed to enter the storage area.
Fumigation operations should comply with Standard for Fumi-
gation, 3fFPA 5 7 - 1973.
A9-2.1 Containers should be emptied and contents removed from
the premises at frequent intervals (see Standard for Incinerators and
Rubbish Handling, ~fFPA 82 ~ 1972).
A g ~ Periodic inspections of all fire protection equipment should
be made in conjunction with regular inspection of the premises.
Unsatisfactory conditions should be immediately reported and
necessary corrective measures taken promptly,
The sprinkler system and the water supplies.should be checked
and maintained in accordance with Care and Maintenance oJ Sprin-
kler Systems, ~fFPA 13,4 ~ 1971.
A9-5. Plant Emergency Organization. Arrangements should be
made to permit rapid entry into-the premises in case of fire or other
emergency of the municipal fire department, police department, or
other personnel as may be summoned to deal with any emergency
without delay.
A well-trained plant emergency organization should be provided
to control emergency conditions that may arise.
The plant emergency organization should be instructed and
trained in the. following procedures:
(a) Maintaining the security of the premises.
(b) Means of summoning outside aid immediately in an emer-
gency
(c) Use of hand extinguishers and hose lines on small fires and
mop-up operations
(d) Operation of sprinkler system and water supply equipment
(e) Use of material handling equipment while sprinklers are still
operating to effect final extinguishment
(f) Supervision of sprinkler valves after system is turned off so
that system can be reactivated if rekindling occurs.
Attention should be given to advance planning and training with
respect to fire department response, access, and fire fighting.
231C-76 RACK" STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1357
A9-6 General Fire Protection.
All fire fighting and safety personnel should realize the great dan-
ger of shutting off sprinklers once opened by heat from fire
. . . . Shutung
off sprinklers to locate fire could cause a disaster. Ventilation, use of
smoke masks, smoke removal equipment and removal of material
are safer ways.
Sprinkler water may be safely shut off only after the fire is ex-
tinguished or completely under control of hose streams. Even
then, rekindling is a possibility. To be ready for prompt valve re-
opening if fire rekindles, a man stationed at the valve, a fire watch,
and dependable communicationsbetween them are needed until
automatic sprinkler protection is restored.
Pre-Fire Emergency Planning. It is important that such plan-
ning be done by management and fire protection personnel, and
the action to be taken discussed and correlated with the local fire
department personnel.
The critical time of any fire is in the incipient stage and the action
taken by fire protection personnel upon notification of fire may per-
mit containing the fire in early stages.
Pre-emergency planning should contemplate the following:
(a) Availability of hand fire-fighting equipment for the height
and type of commodity involved.
(b) Availability of fire fighting equipment and personnel properly
trained for type of storage arrangement involved.
(c) Assurance that all automatic fire protection equipment, such
as sprinkler systems, water supplies, fire pumps, hand hose, etc., is
in service at all times.
Fire Department Operations. Sprinkler protection installed as
recommended in this standard is expected to protect the building
occupancy without supplemental-fire department activity. Fires
which occur in rack storage occupancies, protected in accordance
with the standard, should be controlled within the limits outlined
in Appendix A, Application and Scope. No significant building
damage is expected. Fire department activity can, however, mini-
rnize the extent of loss. The first fire department pumper arriving
at a rack storage type fire should immediately connect to the sprin-
kler siamese fire department connection and start pumping opera-
dons.
In the test seriesup to 25 feet, the average time from ignition to
smoke obscuration in the test building was about 13 minutes. The
first sprinkler operating time in these same fires averaged about
three minutes. Considering response time for the waterflow device
to transmit a waterflow signal, approximately nine minutes remains
between time of receipt of a waterflow alarm signal at fire depart-
'1358
APPENDXX A 251C-77

ment headquarters and time of smoke obscuration within the build.

ing as an overall average.
In the over-25 foot high test series, the Visibility time was extended.
If the fire department or plant protection department arrives at the
building in time to have sufficient visibility to locate the fire,.sup.
pression activities with small hose lines should be started. (Self.
contained breathing apparatus is desirable.) If, on the other hand,
the fire is not readily visible, hose should be laid to exterior doors or
exterior openings in the building and charged lines provided to these
points ready for ultimate mop-up operations. Manual fire-fighting
operations in such a Warehouse are not a substitute for sprinkler
protection.
The sprinkler system must be kept in operation during manual fire-fighting
and mop-up operations.
During the testing program, the installed automatic extinguishing
system was capable of controlling the fire and reducing all tempera.
tures to ambient within 30 minutes of ignition. Ventilation opera.
tions and mop-up are not advisable until this time period Ires been
reached. The use of smoke removal equipment is important.
 1359
~31C-78 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

Appendix B
This Appendix is not a part of ttn's aVFPA Standard 231C, Rack Storage
of Materials, but is iniluded for information purposes only.
Appendix B explains test data and procedures which led to the
promulgation of this standard. The paragraphs bear the same
number as the text of the Standard .for Rack Storage of Materials
to which they apply.

Chapter 1 I n t r o d u c t i o n

B1-1 Application and Scope.

This standard uses as a basis the large scale fire test series con-
ducted at the Factory Mutual Research Center, West Glocester,
Rhode Island.
The test building is approximately 200 feet x 250 feet (50,000
square feet in area), of fire-resistive construction, and contains a
volume of approximately 2.25 million cubic feet, the equivalent of
a 100,000 square foot building 22.5 feet high. The test building
has two primary heights beneath a single large ceiling. The east
section is 30 feet high and the west section is 60 feet high.
The 20 foot test series was conducted in the 30 foot section with
clearances from top of storage to ceiling nominally 10 feet.
Doors at the lower and intermediate levels and ventilation louvers
at tops of walls were kept closed during the majority of the fire tests.
This minimized effect of exterior conditions.
The entire test series was fully instrumented with thermocouples
in rack members, simulated building column, bar joist, and at the
ceiling.
Racks were constructed of steel vertical and horizontal members
designed for 4000 pbund loads. Vertical members were eight foot
O.C. for conventional racks and four foot O.C., for simulated auto-
mated racks. Racks were 31/~ feet wide with six-inch longtiudinal
flue space for an overall width of 71/~ feet. Simulated automated
racks and slave pallets were used in the main central rack in the
four foot aisle tests. Conventional racks and conventional pallets
were used in the main central rack in the eight foot aisle tests. T h e
majority of the tests were conducted with 100 square foot sprinkler
spacing.
The test configuration in the 15 foot, 20 foot, and 25 foot high
tests covered an 1800 square foot floor area, including aisles between
racks. Tests, which were used in producing this Standard, limited
fire damage to this area. Maximum water damage area anticipated
in the Standard is 6000 square feet, the upper limit of the design
curves.
1360
APPENDIX B 231C-79
The test data shows that as density is increased both the extent of
fire damage and sprinkler operation are reduced. T h e ~iata also
indicates that with sprinklers installed in the racks a reduction is
gained in the area of fire damage and sprinkler operations, or water
damage.
T h e following table illustrates these points. Information shown is
taken from the 20 foot high test series using the standard commodity.

Sprinkler
Operation
Density Fire Damage (165°1~)
GPM/Sq. Ft. in Test Array Area
% Sq. Ft. Sq. Ft.
0.30 (Ceiling only) 22 395 4500-4800
0.375(Ceiling only) 17 306 1800
0.45 (Ceilingonly) 9 162 700
0.20 (Ceilingonly) 28-36 504-648 13,100--14,000
0.20 (Sprinlders at ceiling
and in racks) 8 144 4100
0.30 (Sprinklers at ceiling
and in racks) 7 126 700

These basic facts, the reduction in both fire damage and area of
water application as sprinkler densities are increased or when sprin-
klers are installed in racks, should be considered carefully by those
responsible for applying this standard to the rack storage situation.
I n the 25 foot high test, a density of 0.55 g p m per square foot pro-
duced 42 percent, or 756 square foot, fire damage in t h e t e s t array
and a sprinkler wetted area of 1400 square feet. Lesser densities
would not be expected to achieve the same limited degree of con-
trol. Therefore, if smaller areas of fire damage are to be achieved,
sprinklers in racks should be considered.
T h e over-25 foot test series was conducted in the 60 foot section
of the test building with nominal clearances from top of storage to
ceiling of either 30 feet or 10 feet.
Doors at the lower and intermediate levels and ventilation louvers
at the top of walls were kept closed during the fire tests. This
minimized the effect of exterior wind conditions.
T h e purpose of the over-25 foot series was to:
1. Determine the arrangements of in-rack sprinklers that can
be repeated as pile height increases and that produce control of the
fire.
 1361
231C-80 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

2. Determine other protective arrangements, such as high-

expansion foam, that produce control of the fire.
Control was felt tO be accomplished if the fire was unlikely to
spread from the rack of origin to adjacent racks or spread beyond the
length of the 25 foot test rack. T o aid in this judgment, control was
considered achieved if the fire did not:
1. J u m p the four foot aisles to adjoining racks.
2. Reach the end face of the end stacks (north or south ends)
of the main rack.
Control is defined as holding the-fire in check through the extin-
guis_hing system until commodities initially involved are consumed
or fire is extinguished by the extinguishing system or manual aid.
The standard commodity as selected in the 20 foot test series was
used in the majority of over-25 foot tests. Hallmark products and
3-M products described in the 20 foot report were also used as repre-
sentative of Class III a n d / o r IV' commodities in several tests. T h e
results of privately sponsored tests on Hallmark products and plastic
encapsulated standard commodity were also made available to the
committee.
A 25 foot long test array was used for the majority of over-25-foot
high test series. This decision was reached as it was felt that a fire in
racks over 25 feet high which extended to the full length of a 50 foot
long rack could not be considered controlled, particularly as storage
heights increased.
One of the purposes of the tests was to determine arrangements
of in-rack sprinklers that can be repeated as pile height increases
and that produce control of the fire. The 30 foot tests explored the
effect of such arrays. Many of these tests, however, produced appre-
t a b l e fire spread in storage in tiers above the top level of protection
within the racks. (In some cases, a total burn out of the top tiers of
both the main rack and the target rack.) In the case of the 30 foot
Hallmark Test 134 on the 60 foot site, the material in the top tiers of
storage burned vigorously and the fire jumped the aisle above the
fourth tier. The fire then burned itself downward into the south
end of the fourth tier. In the tests on the floor, a nominal 30 foot
clearance occurred between top of storage and ceiling sprinklers,
whereas on the platform this clearance was reduced to nominal
10 feet. In most cases the in-rack sprinklers were effective in control-
ling fire below the top level of protection within the racks. It has
been assumed by the Test Planning Committee that in the actual
case with clearance of 10 feet or less above storage, ceiling sprinklers
would be expected to control damage above the top level of protec-
tion within the racks. Tests are planned to investigate lesser clear-
ances.
1362 APPENDIX B 231C-81

Tests 114 and 128 explore the effect of changing the ignition
point from the in-rack standard ignition point to a face ignition
location. It should be noted, however, that both of these tests were
conducted with 30 foot clearance from ceiling sprinklers tO top of
storage and, as such, ceiling sprinklers had little effect on the fire
in the top two tiers of storage. Fire spread in the three lower tiers
is essentially the same. A similar change in the fire spread when the
ignition point is changed was noted in Tests 126 and 127. Here
again, 30 foot clearance occurred between top of storage and ceiling
sprinklers, and, as such, ceiling sprinklers had little effect on the face
fire. Comparisons of Tests 129, 130 and 131 in the 50 foot series
indicate little effect of point of ignition in the particular configura-
tion tested.
Test 125 compared with Test 133 indicates no significant differ-
ence in results between approved low profile sprinklers and standard
sprinklers in the racks.

Chapter 2 Classification of Storage

B2-1 A review of full scale fire tests run on the standard commod.
ity (double tri-wall carton with metal finer), Hallmark products and
3-M products (abrasives, pressure sensitive tapes of plastic fiber, and
paper, etc.) as well as a review of the considerable number of com-
modity tests conducted indicates a guide for commodity classifica-
tions. This guide is not related to any other method of classification
of materials, therefore sound engineering judgment and, analysis
of the commodity and the packaging must be made when selecting a
commodity classification.

Chapter 3 Building Construction

B3-2.1 None of the tests which were conducted with densities in
accordance with the design curves produced critical temperatures in
bar joists 12 feet six inches from the ignition source. Therefore, with
sprinkler systems designed in accordance with the curves, fireproof-
ing of roof steel is not necessary.
B3-2.2 Temperatures in the test column were maintained below
1000°F in all tests where sprinklers in racks were used.
B3-2.3 Temperatures in the test column were maintained below
1000°F with densities of roof ceiling sprinklers only of 0.375 gallons
per minutes per square foot with 8 foot aisles and 0.45 gallons per
square foot with four foot aisles using the standard commodity.
 1363
251C-82 . RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

153-3.1 Venting tests which were conducted as a part of the test

program are not considered conclusive as to either the advantageous
detrimental effect "of roof .vents and draft curtains. Venting tests
which have been conducted in other programs were without the
benefit of sprinkler protection, and, as such, are not considered in
this report which is dealing only with buildings protected by sprin-
Iders. The design curves are based upon roof vents or draft curtains
not being installed in the building. During mop-up operations,
ventilating systems, where installed, should be capable of manual
exhaust operations.

Chapter 4 Storage Arrangements

B4-$.1 Test 80 was conducted todetermine the effect of closing
back-to-back longitudinal six inch flue space in conventional pallet
racks. Test results indicated fewer sprinklers operating, t h a n with
the flue space open, and, as such, no minimum back-to-back clear-
ance is necessary if the transverse flue space is maintained open.

154-5.1 Most tests in the 25 feet and under series were conducted
with clearance of 10 feet from top of storage to sprinkler deflectors
and the basic design curves in Figures 6-1 l . l a through g and 6-13.1a
through d reflect this condition.
Tests 140 and 141 were conducted with three foot clearance be-
tween the top of storage and ceiling sprinkler deflectors. In Test 140
with 0.30 density, 36 sprinklers operated compared with 45 and 48
sprinklers in tests 65 and 66 with 10 foot clearance. In Test 141, 89
sprinklers operated compared with 140 sprinklers in .Test 70 with
10 foot clearance. Fire spread in Tests 140 and 141 was somewhat
less than in Tests 65, 66 and 70.
Test 143 was conducted with 18 inch clearance between the top
of storage and ceiling sprinkler deflectors, and with 0.30 density.
37 sprinklers operated compared with 36 sprinklers in Test 140 with
3 foot clearance and 45 and 48 sprinklers in Tests 65 and 76 with
10 foot clearance. Fire spread in Test 143 with 18-inch clearance
was somewhat less than in tests 65, 66 and 140 with 10 foot and three
foot clearance.
Privately sponsored tests, using a 0.45 ceiling sprinkler density
and an encapsulated commodity, indicated 40 sprinklers operating
with 10 foot clearance, 11 sprinklers operating with three foot clear-
ance, and 10 sprinklers operating with 18 inch clearance. Fire
spread was less in the test with 18 inch clearance than three foot
clearance, and was also less with three foot clearance than with
10 foot clearance.
1364 APPENDIX B 231C-83

• Chapter 5 Fire Protection -- General

B5-3.3 The highest operating pressure at any sprinkler in the

test program was 62.5 psi.
Tests in the 20 foot high series were conducted using wood and
metal bulkheads to determine whether bulkheads could be a sub.
stitute for either higher ceiling sprinkler densities or for intermediate
sprinkleR. Bulkheads of either type had no appreciable beneficial
effect on the overall sprinkler performance in double row rack tests.
Tests 125 and .134 were conducted to compare the effect of a
different commodity in the 30 foot high test array. If the degree of
damage above the top level of protection (fifth and sixth tiers) is
ignored, the Class I I I commodity represented by Hallmark cards
would appear to be protected to the same degree as Class II corn.
modity.
Tests 132 and 135 were conducted to determine the effect of a
different commodity in the 50 foot test array. The degree of control
achieved with the 3-M commodity in Test 135 closely approximates
that achieved with standard commodity in Test 132. T h e results
of the Hallmark Test 134 and the private Hallmark Test with ge-
ometry, in-rack sprinkler array and in-rack sprinkler flow rate
different from other tests, conducted as a separate program, suggests
that in storage over 25 feet high, Class I I I commodity may be
protected in the same fashion as Class II commodity.
Tests 112 and 115 compare 10 foot clearance above storage to
sprinklers with 30 foot clearance above storage.

B5--4.1 Operating pressures were 15 psi on all tests of sprinklers

in racks with storage 20 feet high and 30 psi with storage 30 feet and
50 feet high.
Tests 112 and 124 were conducted to compare the effect of in-
creasing sprinkler discharge pressure at in-rack sprinklers from 30
psi to 75 psi. With the higher discharge pressure the fire did not
jump the aisle and damage below the top level of protection within
the racks was somewhat better controlled by the higher discharge
pressure of the in-rack sprinklers. A pressure of 15 psi was main-
mined on in-rack sprinklers in the first 30 foot high Tests 103 and
104. Pressure on in-rack sprinklers in subsequent tests was 30 psi
except in Test 124 where it was 75 psi.

B5-5.3 Test 98 with solid shelves 24 feet long and seven feet six
inches deep at each level produced total destruction of the com-
modity in the main rack and jumped the aisle. Density was 0.3
 1365
251C-84 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

n p e r square foot from ceiling sprinklers only. Test 108 with

yes 24 feet long and three feet six inches deep and with six inch
longitudinal flue space and one level of sprinklers in the rack re-
suited in d a m a g e to most of the commodity in the main rack, but
did not j u m p the aisle. Density from ceiling sprinklers was 0.375
gpm per square foot and rack sprinklers discharged at 15 psi.
These tests did not yield sufficient information to develop a com-
prehensive protection standard for solid shelf~acks. Items, such as
increased ceiling density, use of bulkheads, other configurations of
sprinklers in racks and limitation of shelf length and width require
consideration.
Where such rack installations exist or are contemplated, the
damage potential should be considered and sound engineering
judgment should be used in designing the protection system.
Test 98, with solid shelving obstructing both the longitudinal
and transverse flue space, produced unsatisfactory results and
indicates a need for sprinklers at each level in such a rack structure.

B5-8 Time of operation of the first sprinkler varied from 52

seconds to three minutes 55 seconds with most tests under three
minutes, except in Test 64 (commodity Class III) where the
first sprinkler operated in seven minutes 44 seconds. Fire detection
more sensitive than waterflow is, therefore, considered necessary
only in exceptional cases.

B~-9.1 In most tests conducted, it was necessary to use small hose

for mop-up operations. Small hoses were not used in the high ex-
pansion foam test.
Test 97 was conducted to evaluate the effect of dry pipe sprinkler
operation. Test results were approximately the same as base test
with wet pipe system. A study of NFPA records, however, indi-
cates an increase in area of operation of 30 percent to be in order
for dry pipe systems as compared with wet pipe systems.

BS-11.1 In all valid tests, with double row racks, sprinkler water
supplies were shut off at approximately 60 minutes. In only one
test did the last sprinkler operate in excess of 30 minutes after igni-
tion, the last sprinkler operated in excess of 25 minutes in three tests
wj.'th the majority of tests, involving the last sprinkler operating
within 20 minutes.
1366
APPENDIX B 231C-85

Chapter 6 Fire Protection

Storage Up To and Including 25 Feetin Height

B&3.1 Tests 71, 73, 81, 83, 91, 92, 95, and 100 in the 20 foot high
array involving single level of in-rack sprinklers were conducted
without heat or water shields. Results were satisfactory.
Test 115 was conducted with two levels of sprinklers in racks
with shields. Test 116, identical to 115 but without water shields,
produced a lack of control. Visual observation of lower level in-rack
sprinklers which did not operate although they were in the fire area,
indicated a need for water shields.
Tests 115 and 116 were conducted to investigate the necessity
for water shields when multiple levels of in-rack sprinklers are in.
stalled. Where water shields were not installed in Test 116, the
fire jumped the aisle and approximately 76 boxes were damaged.
In Test 115 with water shields, the fire did not jump the aisle and
only 32 "boxes were damaged. Water shields are, therefore, suggested
wherever multiple levels of in-rack sprinklers are installed. (With
the exception of installations with horizontal barriers or shelves
which serve as water shields.)
B6-5.1 In all except one case, using the standard commodity,
with one line of sprinklers installed in racks, only two sprinklers
opened. In the one exception, two sprinklers opened in the main
rack and two sprinklers opened in the target rack.
B6-6.1 Tests 65 and 66 compared with Test 69, and Test 93
compared with Test 94, indicated a reduction in areas of appli.
cation of 44.5 and 45.5 percent, respectively, with 2860F sprinklers
as compared with 1650F sprinklers. Other extensive F M tes~
produced an average reduction of 40 percent. Design curves are
based on this area reduction. In constructing the design curves, the
286°F curves above 3600 square feet of application therefore repre-
sent 40 percent reductions in area of application of the 165 °F curves
in the 6000 square foot to 10,000 square foot range.
Test 84 indicated the number of 212°F sprinklers operating is
essentially the same as 165°F sprinklers.
B ~ . 9 Tests 77 and 95 were conducted to investigate protection
required on encapsulated commodity. The standard commodity
(38 inches x 38 inches x 36 inches high sheet metal container inside a
42 inch x 42 inch x 42 inch double triwalled carton) was covered with
a sheet of 4--6 mil thick polyethylene film stapled in place at the
bottom. Test 77 at 0.30 density with ceiling sprinklers only, went
 1367
231C-86 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

beyond parameters for'. validity. Subsequent privately sponsored

tests indicated control at 0.45 density. Test 95 indicated sprinklers
at ceiling and in racks adequately control this hazard. These test
results were compared with Tests 65 and 66 and Test 82 with com-
parable test configurations but without the plastic film covering.
A privately sponsored test was made with ceiling sprinklers only.
At a density of 0.45 gpm per square foot 40 sprinklers operated.
Fire spread was slightly greater than in Test 65 with 0.3 gpm
per square foot discharging from 45 sprinklers. When distance
from top of storage to ceiling was reduced from 10 feet to three
feet with 0.45 gpm per square foot density, 11 sprinklers operated.
Fire spread was less than in Test 65 or the previous privately spon-
sored test.
In Order to evaluate the effect on plastic wrapping or encapsula-
tion of pallet loads, Tests 77 and 95 were conducted as a part of the
20 foot test series within the rack storage testing program and Tests
1 and 2 were conducted as a part of privately sponsored Society of
the Plastic Industries, Inc. tests. Both SPI Tests 1 and 2 are con-
sidered valid and indicate that Class I and II 'commodity may be
protected by ceiling sprinklers only, using, densities as indicated in
design curves. These. two tests also compar e results of three foot
clearance from top of storage to sprinkler head deflectors with 10
foot clearance from top of storage to sprinkler head deflectors. A
significant reduction in the number of spriniders opening is indi-
cated with the three foot deflector clearance to top of storage.
Subsequently, Tests 140 a n d 141 were made with the standard
commodity. Distance from top of storage to sprinkler deflector was
reduced to three feet. With 0.30 gpm per square foot density, 36
sprinklers operated a n d with 0.20 g p m per square foot density 89
sprinklers operated. Fire spread was somewhat less than in Tests 65
and 70 with a 10 foot-space between top of storage and ceiling.

B6-9.2 In one 20 foist high test, sprinklers .were buried in the flue
space one foot above the bottom of the pallet load; results were
satisfactory. Coverage of aisles by in-rack sprinklers is, therefore,
not necessary and distribution across tops of pallet loads at any level
is not necessary for occupancy class tested.

B6-10.2 In all tests with in-rack sprinklers, three inches wide x

three feet long obstructions were introduced on each side of the
sprinkler approximately three inches from the sprinkler to simulate
rack structure member obstruction. This obstruction had no effect
o n sprinkler performance in the 20 foot high tests.
Test~ 103, 104, 105 and 109in the 30 foot high tests with in-rack
sprinklers obstructed by rack uprights produced unsatisfactory re-
!!368 APPENDIX B 251C-87

suits. Tests 113, 114, 115, 117, 118 and 120 in the 30 foot high test
series with in-rack sprinklers located a minimum of two feet frown
rack uprights produced improved results.

B6-11.2 Tests Were not conducted with aisles wider than eight
feet or less than four feet. It is, therefore, not possible to determine
whether lower ceiling densities might be in order for aisle widths
greater than eight feet or higher densities for aisle widths less than
four feet.
The use of 165°F sprinklers at ceiling for storage higher than
25 feet results from fire test 'data. A test with 286°F sprinklers and
0.45 density resulted in fire damage in the two top tiers just within
acceptable limits with three ceiling sprinklers operating. A test with
0.45 density and 165°F sprinklers gave a dramatic reduction in
fire damage with four ceiling sprinklers operating.
The four 165°F ceiling sprinklers operated before the first of the
three 286°F ceiling sprinklers. In both tests, two in-rack sprinklers
at two levels operated at approximately the same time. The 286°1¢
sprinklers were at all times fighting a larger fire with less water
than the 165°F ceiling sprinklers.
Tests 115 and 119 compare ceiling sprinkler density of 0.30
gpm/ft, s with 0.45 gpm/ft, s. Damage patterns coupled with the
number of boxes damaged in the main rack suggest that the in-
crease in density produces improved control, particularly in the
area above the top tier of in-rack sprinklers.
Testa 119 and 122 compare 286°F with 165°F ceiling sprinkler
temperature rating. A review of the number of boxes damaged and
the fire spread patterns indicates that the use of 165°F ceiling
sprinklers on a rack configuration which incorporates in-rack
sprinklers dramatically reduces the amount of fire spread. Gon-
sldering that in-rack sprinklers in the over-25-foot series operated
prior to ceiling sprinklers, it would seem that the installation of
in-rack sprinklers converts what would normally be rapidly de-
veloping fire from the standpoint of ceiling sprinklers to a slower
developing fire with lesser degree of heat release.
In the 20 foot high test series, ceiling sprinklers operated before
in-rack sprinklers. In the 30 foot high series, ceiling sprinklers
operated after in-rack Sprinklers. The 50 foot high test did not
operate ceiling sprinklers. They, however, would be needed ff
occurred in upper levels.
These results indicate the effect of in-rack sprinklers on storages
higher than 25 feet. From the ceiling operation standpoint, expected
high-heat-release-rate fire was converted to a fire with a much lower
heat release rate.
r

1369
231C-88 RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

Since the fires developed slowly and opened sprinklers at two

levels in the racks, only a few ceiling sprinklers were needed to
establish control. Thus sprinkler operating area is not varied with
height for storage over 25 feet high, or for changes in sprinkler te,u-
perature rating or density.
All tests with sprinklers in racks were conducted using nominal
~,~inch orifice size sprinklers of ordinary temperature.

Chapter 8 Equipment
B8-1.1.2 Test 85 was conducted to evaluate results of a liquid
spill fire. Test results indicate it is not practical from an economic
standpoint to install sprinkler systems with densities capable of
controlling such a fire, and, therefore, industrial trucks should be
fueled outside of buildings only.