This is a great example of how NFPA 13 and the fire code may disagree.
According to figure 3203.7.4 (2012 edition of the IFC), if the commodity you're dealing with has less than 15% of expanded plastics, measured by weight, it should be classified as a Class IV. If the percentage, again, by weight, drops to less than 10%, it would be a Class I-III.
I don't disagree with your referencing NFPA 13, and classifying it as a Group A. I am having a bit of difficulty with your reference to the FMDS 8-1. My version, April/October 2014, doesn't have a section 2.2.7.1.2.3, as section 2.2 stops with 2.2.2.
However, FMDS 8-1, in section 2.3.5.1, advises that if the weight of the unexpanded plastics is less than 5% of the pallet load, it could be designated as Class IV. If greater than 5%, it would be unexpanded plastic.
Conflicting documents like this is why I have a large stock of antacid tablets.
*Ken Wagoner, SET *Parsley Consulting*** *350 West 9th Avenue, Suite 206 *Escondido, California 92025 *****Phone 760-745-6181* Visit our website <http://www.parsleyconsulting.com/> *** On 07/31/2015 11:33 AM, S & C Conlin wrote:
I considered it a GR A because of the example in NFP-13, Table A.5.6.4.1 of the non-combustible solid in a plastic container. As a matter of information, FMDS 8-1, 2.2.7.1.2.3, would consider this commodity as a Gr A. -----Original Message----- From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Morey, Mike Sent: July-31-15 2:10 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Exposed Nonexpanded Plastic Container Based on the description it seems like the plastic is packaging, and it would fall under 5.6.3.3.2 and 5.6.3.4.1 (NFPA 13 2013) potentially, in which case it would be Class III or IV? ________________________________________ From: Sprinklerforum <[email protected]> on behalf of S & C Conlin <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, July 31, 2015 1:52 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Exposed Nonexpanded Plastic Container Involved with this project where the warehouse and the palletized storage areas contain skids of exposed plastic pails containing non-combustible solids. I have recommended designing/upgrading the existing system to protect a Group A Plastic. I had the insurer tell me that the warehouse commodity is a Class III and Class IV. I am miffed. Does anyone have any rationale why an exposed nonexpanded HDPE pail/bucket (5 gal and 2 gal), containing a non-combustible solid would be considered anything other than an Gr A? Thanks in advance. Sean _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
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