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Addressing Starting Pressure vs. Coverage Area?

4/30/2024

5 Comments

 
Can anyone make sense of extended coverage sprinkler max spacing and areas to me?

Looking at NFPA 13 (2016) Table 8.8.2.1.2 or (2022) Table 11.2.2.1.2 "Protection Areas and Maximum Spacing (Extended Coverage Upright and Pendent Spray Sprinklers): In unobstructed and obstructed noncombustible construction, the max spacing is uniform for 196 square foot protection areas as 14 feet. Kinda makes sense, 14 x 14 is 196.

But then when we get to 144 square foot spacing for Ordinary Hazard, we have 12'-0" maximum spacing (okay, 12 x 12 is 144); but then when we do 144 square foot protection area for extra hazard or high piled storage on this chart, you can have 15'-0" max spacing.

The way I'm reading it is: If you have 12' x 12' spacing in ordinary hazard, you can use the Extended coverage pressure for 144 square feet but if you have 10' x 14' spacing, despite a smaller protection area in ordinary hazard (144 sqft vs 140 sqft) because of the 14'-0" spacing, I should calculate using the head's starting pressure for 196 square foot area of protection starting pressure.

Whereas the same situation in extra hazard or high piled storage would allow me to use the 144 square foot starting pressure, as I haven't exceeded the 15'-0" maximum spacing or the 144 sqft area of protection.

Just seems counter-intuitive to me. Can anyone make this make sense?


Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
5 Comments
Dan Wilder
4/30/2024 08:19:41 am

It goes to the listing of the sprinkler, typically CMSA types. Check Chapter 21& 24 as well for design criteria.

Like below for example.

https://www.reliablesprinkler.com/files/bulletins/008.pdf?x78879

Reply
Dan Wilder
4/30/2024 11:46:29 am

Cut that too short...

13-22' Section 11.2.2.1.3 for EC Extra Hazard & High-Piled Storage allows SxL per 9.5.2 & 9.5.3. The sprinkler testing criteria played apart in this change

From the "Enhanced Content" of that section:
FAQ

Why are extended coverage sprinklers listed for extra hazard or high-piled storage permitted to be used by the requirements of 9.5.2 and 9.5.3?

As part of the development for the extended coverage sprinklers used in extra hazard and high-piled storage occupancies, the ability to be able to design a system based on the “S × L” rules, rather than on even-numbered, equal-sided areas, was identified as a key development feature and was included in the sprinkler listing. When the criterion was presented for inclusion in NFPA 13, that listed criterion was added to the standard.

Reply
Mike Russell
4/30/2024 09:31:35 am

Also, use SxL to determine spacing in extra hazard & high-piled storage per 11.2.2.1.3

Reply
Jack G
5/1/2024 10:15:18 am

Back when EC heads were first introduced, they had a rectangular spray pattern , and deflectors that had to be positioned properly to spray properly with each other.
Today they have evolved to density/ area use. Or minimum head pressures for rectangular protection. Far better system then the apprentice or fitter making sure the spray patterns match.

Reply
Casey Milhorn
5/1/2024 02:01:48 pm

Jack, that is fascinating. That was either before my time or I've forgotten about that. Happen to have an original Central or Star cut sheet that shows this? I thought was mostly on the front end of the EC era but maybe I missed the start.

Reply



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