We are looking to apply NFPA 13 clause 20.3.7 to an existing building where the tenant is a Bulk hardware retailer. This is an alternative to our own national sprinkler standard which does not cater to these types of stores very well. NFPA does not seem to have a lot of information about this particular clause, even in the handbook - the figures show various fire tests with the K36 (K25.2 imp) sprinkler but they do not seem to show a figure that represents this clause with the 6m (20ft) storage under a 9.1m (30ft) roof, so we are looking for more information on how this is applied to determine if it is suitable. Perhaps the fire testing information might be available? Or examples of storage in other stores where this has been applied and approved.
An overview of the storage existing: We cannot use the other options under 20.3 as Extended Coverage heads are not considered suitable for the roof construction. Roof is 8.1m (26.5 ft) storage generally max 6m (20ft) Storage/Display is in a variety of formats, but is all made from racking members with solid shelves. Transverse flues are a marginal 75mm after considering obstructions from the braces. There are lots of open top containers. Although very few on the upper levels. There are single row racks which are built with a gondola or back-to-back type arrangement on the lower levels (solid back at centre) and standard single row rack storage above. Overall width generally 1.1m (3.5 ft) There are double row racks with various flue gaps. Overall widths from 1.5 to 2.5m (4.9 to 8.2 ft). Longitudinal Flues generally from 150 to 350mm (6 to 13.5 inches) There are many instances where flues are partially blocked due to large boxes within the shelves pushed back, and also pallets on the top levels that overhang more at the back that the front. There are many display areas with solid backs. Some are within the single row gondola racks. Most are in double row racks - some remove the longitudinal flues. Some would fall under the definition of back-to-back racks being 1.5m (4.9ft) wide, others exceed this width. There are some large overhead lighting displays. 1.233 x 2.72 m = 3.35m² (0.66 x 1.5 ft = 36.1 ft²) Any assistance is much appreciated. Thankyou Nicky Marshall Southern Regional Manager PROTECH DESIGN LIMITED Specialist Fire Protection Consultants Phone: 03 579 5577 Mobile: 021 433 488 Email: [email protected] Skype: nicky-marshall Web:www.protechdesign.co.nz Address:105A Alabama Rd, Redwoodtown, Blenheim 7201, NZ Postal:PO Box 4022, Redwood Village, Blenheim 7242, New Zealand _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
