UL and the UL logo are trademarks of UL LLC © 2014 Alternative Sprinkler System Designs for Storage Protection Kerry M. Bell Principal Engineer Fire Sprinkler and Pump Equipment UL LLC 20 May 2014 Fire Sprinkler International 2014

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 2 Overview Historical development of new sprinkler technology for use in accordance with the NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems Discussion on the new Chapter 21 in the 2013 Edition of NFPA 13 that provides the opportunity for more cost efficient storage sprinkler system designs to be developed. Information and data from large scale fire testing that highlights the importance of having appropriate large scale fire test data to evaluate/validate the ability of the sprinkler to provide the desired level of protection for a storage facility.

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 3 NFPA 13 and New Sprinkler Technology For decades, NFPA 13 has encouraged the development of new sprinkler technology Edition of NFPA Special Sprinklers may be installed with larger protection areas or distances between sprinklers than are specified in Sections 4-2 and 4-5 when such installations are made in accordance with approvals or listings of a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 4 NFPA 13 and New Sprinkler Technology Over the years, this text has been revised to provide additional guidance and clarity related to the development of new sprinkler technology as illustrated in the 2013 Edition of NFPA 13 as follows: Special Sprinklers * Special sprinklers that are intended for the protection of specific hazards or construction features shall be permitted where such devices have been evaluated and listed for performance under the following conditions: (1) Fire tests related to the intended hazard (2) Distribution of the spray pattern with respect to wetting of floors and walls (3) Distribution of the spray pattern with respect to obstructions (4) Evaluation of the thermal sensitivity of the sprinkler (5) Performance under horizontal or sloped ceilings (6) Area of design (7) Allowable clearance to ceilings Text Source: NFPA

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 5 NFPA 13 and New Sprinkler Technology Non-Storage Sprinkler Technology Extended coverage light hazard sprinklers Extended coverage ordinary hazard sprinklers Attic sprinklers Combustible concealed space sprinklers

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 6 Ceiling Sprinkler Types Currently Referenced in NFPA 13 for Use in Storage Applications at Discharge Densities of Greater than 13.9 mm/min (0.34 gpm/sq. ft.) No. Nominal K-factor Style Initial AvailabilityTypeProtection 1160(11.2)PendentEarly 1990sCMDAFire Control 2160(11.2)UprightEarly 1990sCMDAFire Control 3200(14.0)Pendent1996CMDAFire Control 4240(16.8)Pendent1997CMDAFire Control 5240(16.8)Upright1997CMDAFire Control 6360(25.2)EC Pendent2006CMDAFire Control 7360(25.2)EC Upright2001CMDAFire Control 8160(11.2)Upright1981CMSA (Large Drop)Fire Control 9240(16.8)Upright1997CMSAFire Control 10280(19.6)Pendent2008CMSAFire Control 11360(25.2)EC Pendent2010CMSAFire Control 12360(25.2)EC Upright2011CMSAFire Control

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 7 Ceiling Sprinkler Types Currently Referenced in NFPA 13 for Use in Storage Applications at Discharge Densities of Greater than 13.9 mm/min (0.34 gpm/sq. ft.) No. Nominal K-factor Style Initial AvailabilityTypeProtection 13200(14.0)Pendent1987ESFRFire Suppression 14200(14.0)Upright1999ESFRFire Suppression 15240(16.8)Pendent2000ESFRFire Suppression 16240(16.8)Upright2002ESFRFire Suppression 17320(22.4)Pendent2001ESFRFire Suppression 18360(25.2)Pendent1998ESFRFire Suppression

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 8 New Chapter 21 of NFPA General Sprinklers intended to protect storage fire risks shall be permitted to be installed using water supply design criteria that are different from the design criteria specified for the sprinklers described in Chapters 12 through 19 when specifically listed for such use within the limitations described in this chapter. Text Source: NFPA 13 – 2013

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 9 New Chapter 21 of NFPA A series of large-scale fire tests involving challenging test scenarios that address the range of variables associated with the intended application of the sprinkler shall be conducted to evaluate the ability of the sprinkler to protect storage fire risks that are representative of those described in the manufacturer’s installation and design parameter instructions and referenced in the listing. Text Source: NFPA 13 – 2013

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 10 New Chapter 21 of NFPA For a sprinkler system design to be covered under Chapter 21, it must be validated through large-scale fire testing--typically 3 or 4 large scale fire tests. Test parameters that are to be considered during the test series include: Ignition location Maximum storage height Sprinkler spacing Sprinkler temperature rating Ceiling height Clearance from storage to ceiling Sprinkler distance below ceiling Minimum operating pressure of sprinkler Highest commodity hazard Storage arrangement type Aisle width

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 11 New Chapter 21 of NFPA Text source: NFPA 13 – 2013 Sprinkler System Design Based Upon Test Results If all four tests yield acceptable results then the design is based on: Worst-case test result during test series increased by 50% (safety factor), and Minimum of 12 sprinklers for standard coverage type sprinklers [Nominal area = ~111 m 2 (~1200 ft 2 )] Minimum of 8 sprinklers for EC sprinklers on 3.7 m x 3.7 m (12 ft x 12 ft) spacing [Nominal area = ~111 m 2 (~1200 ft 2 )] Minimum of 6 sprinklers for EC sprinklers on 4.3 m x 4.3 m (14 ft x 14 ft) spacing [Nominal area = ~111 m 2 (~1200 ft 2 )] The resulting demand area shall not be less than 71 m 2 (768 ft²).

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 12 New Chapter 21 of NFPA Text Source: NFPA 13 – 2013 Additional Installation and Design Criteria

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 13 New Chapter 21 of NFPA Text Source: NFPA 13 – 2013 Additional Installation and Design Criteria Minimum obstruction criteria is based upon based upon the number of sprinklers included in the sprinkler design and correlates to existing criteria in NFPA 13 for CMDA, CMSA, Extended Coverage and ESFR sprinklers. A smaller number of sprinklers in the design results in more stringent obstruction criteria to reduce the potential for excessive sprinkler operations during a fire. As an option to the prescribed obstruction criteria described in Chapter 21, large scale fire testing with obstructions can be conducted to validate alternative obstruction criteria for a specific sprinkler.

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 14 New Chapter 21 of NFPA The manufacturer’s installation and design parameter instructions for these sprinklers shall specify in a standardized manner the end-use limitations and sprinkler system design criteria including at least the following: (1) Commodity or commodities to be protected (2) Storage arrangements allowed (3) Installation guidelines including obstruction and ceiling construction limitations (4) Maximum ceiling and storage heights with associated minimum operating pressures and number of sprinklers required to be included in the hydraulic calculation (5) Hose stream allowance and duration Text Source: NFPA 13 – 2013

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 15 Comparison of Sprinkler Design Requirements in Chapters vs. Chapter 21 of NFPA Sprinkler Type No. of Design Sprinklers Hose Allowance, L/min (gpm)Duration, min. CMDA*20 or more1900 (500)120 or more EC-CMDA*11 or more1900 (500)120 or more CMSA15 or more1900 (500)90 or more ESFR12950 (250)60 Chapters 12 – 19 Sprinkler Type No. of Design Sprinklers Hose Allowance, L/min (gpm)Duration, min. CMSA & ESFR12950 (250)60 EC (3.7 m x 3.7 m)8950 (250)60 EC (4.3 m x 4.3 m)6950 (250)60 Lowest Demand Permitted in Chapter 21 *Ceiling-only sprinkler options

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 16 Sprinklers Currently Referenced in Chapter 21 of NFPA Sprinkler Type Nominal K-factor, lpm/ bar 1/2 (gpm/psig 0.5 ) Commodity Storage Maximum Storage and Ceiling Height, m (ft.) Coverage Area, m by m (ft. by ft.) EC- CMSA 360 (25.2) Pendent and Upright Palletized, solid pile and open rack storage of commodities up to cartoned, unexpanded Group A plastic 9.1/10.7 (30/35) 3.7 by 3.7 (12 by 12) and 4.3 by 4.3 (14 by 14) Note: NFPA 13 provides detailed information on the allowed coverage areas, number of design sprinklers, minimum design pressures, hose stream allowances and water supply duration for both the pendent and upright EC-CMSA sprinklers referenced in Chapter 21. Sprinklers are permitted to be listed (certified) in accordance with Chapter 21 without the design criteria specifically referenced in this chapter.

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 17 Example of Fire Test Series for Sprinkler Protecting 10.7 m (35 ft) Rack Storage Under a 12.2 m (40 ft) Ceiling Test ParametersTest 1Test 2Test 3Test 4 Storage Type Double Row Rack Nominal Storage Height, m (ft)9.1 (30)10.7 (35)9.1 (30)6.1 (20) Nominal Ceiling Height, m (ft)12.2 (40) Minimum distance from sprinkler deflector to commodity 12.2 (40) Nominal Deflector Distance to Ceiling, cm (in) Within 30.5 (12) Maximum specified by manufacturer Sprinkler Temperature RatingMinimumMaximumMinimum Sprinkler Spacing, m (ft) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) Nominal Discharge Pressure, kPa (psig)Minimum design Ignition locationUnder oneBetween 4 Between two on same branch line Test Duration, min30 Test 1 – Investigates ability of sprinkler to effectively attack a fire originating in a location beneath a sprinkler.

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 18 Example of Fire Test Series for Sprinkler Protecting 10.7 m (35 ft) Rack Storage Under a 12.2 m (40 ft) Ceiling Test ParametersTest 1Test 2Test 3Test 4 Storage Type Double Row Rack Nominal Storage Height, m (ft)9.1 (30)10.7 (35)9.1 (30)6.1 (20) Nominal Ceiling Height, m (ft)12.2 (40) Minimum distance from sprinkler deflector to commodity 12.2 (40) Nominal Deflector Distance to Ceiling, cm (in) Within 30.5 (12) Maximum specified by manufacturer Sprinkler Temperature RatingMinimumMaximumMinimum Sprinkler Spacing, m (ft) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) Nominal Discharge Pressure, kPa (psig)Minimum design Ignition locationUnder oneBetween 4 Between two on same branch line Test Duration, min30 Test 2 – Investigates ability of sprinkler to effectively attack a fire originating between four sprinklers with the highest storage height and smallest sprinkler clearance to top of commodity clearance which generally creates the greatest HRR from the fire prior to sprinkler operation.

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 19 Example of Fire Test Series for Sprinkler Protecting 10.7 m (35 ft) Rack Storage Under a 12.2 m (40 ft) Ceiling Test ParametersTest 1Test 2Test 3Test 4 Storage Type Double Row Rack Nominal Storage Height, m (ft)9.1 (30)10.7 (35)9.1 (30)6.1 (20) Nominal Ceiling Height, m (ft)12.2 (40) Minimum distance from sprinkler deflector to commodity 12.2 (40) Nominal Deflector Distance to Ceiling, cm (in) Within 30.5 (12) Maximum specified by manufacturer Sprinkler Temperature RatingMinimumMaximumMinimum Sprinkler Spacing, m (ft) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) Nominal Discharge Pressure, kPa (psig)Minimum design Ignition locationUnder oneBetween 4 Between two on same branch line Test Duration, min30 Test 3 – Investigates ability of the sprinkler to attack a fire originating in an an area between two sprinklers where the sprinkler discharge is impacted by the sprinkler frame arms and obstructed by the supply pipe if it is an upright style sprinkler.

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 20 Example of Fire Test Series for Sprinkler Protecting 10.7 m (35 ft) Rack Storage Under a 12.2 m (40 ft) Ceiling Test ParametersTest 1Test 2Test 3Test 4 Storage Type Double Row Rack Nominal Storage Height, m (ft)9.1 (30)10.7 (35)9.1 (30)6.1 (20) Nominal Ceiling Height, m (ft)12.2 (40) Minimum distance from sprinkler deflector to commodity 12.2 (40) Nominal Deflector Distance to Ceiling, cm (in) Within 30.5 (12) Maximum specified by manufacturer Sprinkler Temperature RatingMinimumMaximumMinimum Sprinkler Spacing, m (ft) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) Nominal Discharge Pressure, kPa (psig)Minimum design Ignition locationUnder oneBetween 4 Between two on same branch line Test Duration, min30 Test 4 – Investigates ability of the sprinkler to attack a fire with a large clearance between the sprinkler deflector and top of storage.

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 21 Why is it Important to Conduct Large Scale Fire Testing Using Multiple Ignition Locations? Due to the unique discharge characteristics of each sprinkler design, the weakest level of protection with respect to location of fire origin relative to the sprinkler can vary depending on the sprinkler’s construction characteristics: The water discharge characteristics throughout a sprinkler’s coverage area are not uniform. The overlap of water spray from adjacent sprinklers varies within the sprinkler coverage area. Water discharged from a sprinkler is obstructed by the sprinkler frame as well as the piping for upright style sprinklers. Response time of the sprinkler can vary depending upon ignition location.

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. Actual Delivered Density (ADD) Testing -- A Dynamic Water Distribution Test for Storage Type Sprinklers 22 ADD testing is a useful tool to investigate a sprinkler’s discharge characteristics; however, this testing is conducted with open sprinklers which does not investigate the potential for sprinkler skipping to occur.

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 23 NFPA Revisions Based Upon Large Scale Fire Test Data For nominal K=200 (14.0) Pendent ESFR sprinklers, 2013 Edition of NFPA 13 was revised to limit the use of these sprinklers in new installations to a maximum ceiling height of 10.7m (35 ft) rather than the previously referenced 12.2 m (40 ft) ceilings. Larger K-factor ESFR sprinklers can still be used for ceiling heights of 12.2 m (40 ft.) and 13.7 m (45 ft).

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 24 Fire Test Results of Nominal K=200 (14) ESFR Pendent Sprinkler 6.1 m (20 ft) Clearance Comparison of UL and FM Storage vs. Non- Storage Sprinklers FIRE TEST NUMBERTest 1Test 2 TEST PARAMETERS Storage TypeDouble Row Rack Commodity Type Cartoned, Unexpanded Group A Plastic Nominal Storage Height, m(ft)6.1 (20) Nominal Ceiling Height, m(ft)12.2 (40) Aisle Width, m(ft)1.2 (4) Ignition LocationOffset Between 2 Temperature Rating, °C(°F)74 (165) Deflector to Ceiling, cm (in)36 (14) Nominal Sprinkler Discharge Coefficient K, 200 lpm/ bar 1/2 (gpm/psig 0.5 ) 200 (14) Nominal Discharge Pressure, bar (psig)5.2 (75) 6.9 (100) for first 4 operated sprinklers, 5.2 (75) when more than four sprinklers have operated Sprinkler Spacing, m (ft)3 by 3 (10 by 10) TEST RESULTS First Sprinkler Operation, min:sec1:280:55 Last Sprinkler Operation, min:sec6:066:20 Number of Operated Sprinklers1718 Maximum I Minute Average Steel Temperature Above Ignition, °C(°F) 81 (178)83 (181) Fire Spread Across the AisleYes

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. Illustration of Sprinkler Skipping – Nominal K=200(14.0) ESFR Sprinkler with Cartoned, Unexpanded Group A Plastic Commodity and a 12.2 m(40 ft) Ceiling Height 25

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. Illustration of Sprinkler Skipping – Test 3 from FPRF Exposed Expanded Group A Plastics Project Using ESFR Sprinklers 26

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. 27 Summary Since the 1970’s, NFPA 13 has included text that encourages the development of new sprinkler technology. The new Chapter 21 of NFPA provides another opportunity to develop more cost efficient sprinkler protection for storage facilities. It is important for the Chapter 21 sprinkler system design criteria to be properly validated with large scale fire testing that takes into account multiple ignition locations and the potential for sprinkler skipping to occur. For sprinkler system designs not referenced in NFPA 13, users, designers and approval authorities can request to review the large scale fire test data that supports a sprinkler system design covered by Chapter 21 of NFPA 13.