Smoke/Heat Vents Req'd w/ FM Storage Criteria?

12/1/2021

I have a high-piled storage project that falls under both the International Fire Code and FM Global. We are using FM Storage Sprinklers.

Are smoke and heat vents required?

Under the International Fire Code Chapter 32, I am directed to Section 910 for smoke and heat vents. Section 910 states that if ESFR sprinklers are used then smoke and heat vents are not required.

I have read several definitions for ESFR, and they appear to be essentially the same as FM Storage Sprinklers.

My problem is that per the interpretation, if I follow FM Global Data Sheet 8-0 and use Storage Sprinklers, then per IFC Section 910.3 I must have the architect add smoke and heat vents for every 50,000 sqft of the buliding.

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4 Comments

Anthony L Crispo

12/1/2021 08:35:42 am

So look like your question is 2 fold

1) Are ESFR sprinklers also FM Approved sprinklers for the storage application you're protecting?

2) Does this building require smoke and heat removal per IFC 910.

1) FM 8-9 (assuming it's not 8-0, typo?) will dictate the type of sprinkler you're using. In short all FM approved ESFR heads are storage sprinklers not all storage sprinkelrs are ESFR. ESFR is a special type of sprinkler that was designed specifically to handle the challenges of storage with high flow volumes and larger droplet sizes.

You sometimes can use a larger orifice head or upgrade the protection but that should be done in consultation with FM and the owner.

2) The building only needs smoke and heat removal if you do not meat the exceptions of IFC 2018-910.2. So if you do end up using ESFR or CMSA sprinkler you do not need a smoke removal system.

If this is your first time working with FM it might be worth your time contacting FM for more direction or retaining a consultant who works with them regularly for guidance.

If ESFR is not needed in this case you're going to want to know if the cost of installing ESFR worth it to remove the need for smoke evac. That will be building specific and will be determined on many factors including if a fire pump is required, size of building, storage protection flexibility from the owner ect.

Franck

12/1/2021 10:22:44 am

It is indicated in FM Global data sheet 2.0:

2.5.1.3.1 Do not install heat vents or smoke vents in buildings protected by ceiling-level sprinklers. If the installation of heat vents or smoke vents is unavoidable, use the flowchart in Figure .5.1.3.1 to determine potential corrective options due to their presence.

In good old times, FM Global had a specific data sheet for ESFR.
This was 2.2 and the following was indicated:

2.2.4 Heat and Smoke Venting
If a fire starts beneath an automatic heat/smoke vent and that vent operates before sprinklers do, the venting could result in a critical delay in sprinkler operation.
Plastic skylights that are not designed as heat/smoke vents do
not create this problem.
2.2.4.1 Do not install suppression mode sprinklers in buildings with automatic heat/smoke vents unless the vents use a high temperature-rated standard response operating mechanism.
2.2.4.2 Do not install suppression mode sprinklers in buildings with melt-out (drop-out) type vents.

2.2.6 Roof and Ceiling-Level Ventilation
Ventilation (both natural and powered) at the ceiling level can create problems similar to those caused by automatic heat and smoke vents. If a fire starts beneath a natural-draft vent, the vent can capture the fire plume , significantly delaying sprinkler operation. If air velocity at a sprinkler caused by a powered vent or air supply is too high, it can also result in a critical delay in sprinkler.
• Examples of powered ventilation include exhaust fans, air conditioning/refrigeration supply and return vents, and grated return air inlets to roof-mounted mechanical equipment penthouses.
• Examples of natural ventilation include turbine vents, vent stacks, and ridge vents.
2.2.6.1 Coordinate the location of sprinklers and the design of powered heating, ventilation and air conditioning for buildings protected by suppression mode sprinklers so that the air velocity at sprinklers does not exceed 5 ft/sec (1.52 m/sec).

Alex

12/1/2021 11:00:42 am

FM Global considers ESFR sprinklers as "storage" sprinklers.

> See FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 2-0, Installation Guidelines for Automatic Sprinklers, Section 2.5.1.3:

2.5.1.3.1 Do not install heat vents or smoke vents in buildings protected by ceiling-level sprinklers.

(The section continues saying:) If the installation of heat vents or smoke vents is unavoidable, use the flowchart in Figure 2.5.1.3.1 to determine potential corrective options due to their presence.

I hope that answers your question.

Franck

12/1/2021 11:02:36 am

Note also that there might be a wording confusion between the standards.

Again, in the good old times, it was pretty simples. We had standard spray sprinklers with K factors up to 11.2 for ELO (Extra Large Orifice).
They could be used for storage occupancies, sometimes with additional in-racks.
They are now designated as CMDA sprinklers per NFPA 13.
Then Large Drop, that were used only for storage occupancies. As per their name, they were producing large drops because they had a larger orifice. It was better thyan calling them Extra Extra Large Orifices as they may have K-factor of 16.8 and larger. They are now designated as CMSA sprinklers per NFPA 13.
And the last ones on the list are ESFR. With even larger orifices. The good news is that NFPA designates them nowadays as ESFR.

FM Global used to have the same designation as NFPA. But they changed a few years ago when they moved from a design density over an area to an operating pressure with a number of operating sprinklers. Just a way to be different... And to confuse the world of fire protection.
And they define the protection based on the K-factor, but without indication on whether it is an ELO standard spray, a large drop CMSA or an ESFR.

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Smoke/Heat Vents Req'd w/ FM Storage Criteria?

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