Difference Between CMDA & CMSA Sprinklers?

5/17/2021

What is the difference between a K17 (CMDA upright) and Ultra K17 (CMSA) sprinkler?

When I look for the technical data sheet, I don't see any specific difference except the color of the cover of these Tyco sprinklers (bronze for CMDA and Chrome for CMSA).

Does anyone know if these sprinklers are the same, except the fact that they work at different pressures?

Thanks in advance.

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5 Comments

Justin Harrison

5/17/2021 08:43:53 am

I know we used to use the Ultra K17's when we were doing Quell systems alot, they're great for rack storage of Group A plastics. Not sure if those are specific to that type of Pre-action system but i've never used them for anything except the above or hear of anyone being able to. Might be made specifically for those systems but not sure.

Brian Gerdwagen

5/17/2021 08:59:02 am

The Ultras are a specific application sprinkler. The data sheet used to list those specific applications of storage and building height.

The physical difference is a different SIN, a chrome deflector, and 300% cost increase compared to the K17-231.

Heriberto Urbina

5/17/2021 08:59:22 am

CMDA sprinklers refer to a specific type of sprinkler listed for control of fires in storage applications and CMSA sprinklers refer to a specific type of sprinkler listed for storage applications with increased severity fires.

The primary difference between CMSA and CMDA sprinklers is that the former create a larger water droplet, which allows greater penetration of the high-energy fire plume and increased fire control performance.

CJ Bonczyk

5/17/2021 09:05:02 am

While the sprinkler may look very similar in nature a large difference is in what the sprinkler has been specifically tested and manufactured for the building occupancy and what its protecting. Manufacturers will pay UL & FM large amounts of money to test various sprinklers based on a specific fire test at laboratories. Ultra K17 carries a listing as a CMSA style sprinkler that can only be used as outlined per NFPA 13 and the same goes for the CMDA sprinkler. A CMSA has specific application listings to be used on higher challenge fires due to its large water droplet output & size (i.e. used in Quell Cold Storage facilities). They are normally used for storage/warehousing applications, that are typically viewed as a hybrid system between the standard CMDA and the ESFR system but are more expensive. CMSA's allow for protection of commodities in buildings with higher ceilings without (in most cases) the need for in-rack sprinklers. Where as CMDA listed sprinklers require in-racks and the density areas increase. Personally I avoid the use of CMSA if CMDA is out of the question and lean to an ESFR system if possible as the advantages are better.

matt

5/17/2021 09:08:08 am

the heads will have different design approaches if you use NFPA 13 criteria.

If there is no specific data on the listing sheet, then select one from NFPA 13 for CMSA. They typically have a gpm-per-head criteria for a certain number of heads.

CMDA is the gpm per sqft for a certain area approach. Also outlined in NFPA 13.

The heads may appear very similar, but the discharge and protection criteria can be very different.

Difference Between CMDA & CMSA Sprinklers?

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