Sprinkler Design Area for Rack Storage?

1/26/2026

In NFPA 13 (2025), where does it show what AREA discharge is needed for the Rack Storage tables?

I'm looking at Table 21.4.1.2.1 for Class II, up to 15", 8-foot aisles, and it says a density of 0.22 for ordinary temperature sprinklers, but what AREA?

It happens that this is inside a cooler (44 degrees F), which is why I am not looking at the high-temperature values.

Any assistance appreciated. Anything else I should know?

In CA, we are just starting to use the 2025 Edition, so it is new to me!

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3 Comments

Dan Wilder link

1/26/2026 07:14:12 am

As to changes, both AFSA and NSFA have courses, webinars, and cheat sheets available.

If you continue to read the 21.4.1.X sections, you will see 21.4.1.2.3 indicating that the minimum design area shall be 2000 FT² or per the tables (a) - (e) with appropriate reductions as allowed. Now, if there are AHJ modifications to NFPA 13, you'll obviously need to follow those.

On a side note, coolers are exactly where we use intermediate (most typical) or high temp sprinklers due to the defrost cycles of the fan units. Also, you can utilize 21.1.7 with an 11.2K sprinkler (not sure of dry availability but I can bet the Meyer Fire Toolbox-Sprinkler Database will let you know) in lieu of a higher temp sprinkler.

https://www.meyerfire.com/sprinklerdatabase.html

franck

1/26/2026 08:09:14 am

Unless otherwise indicated in the tables, it is 2000 sq ft for class I to IV. For rack and pile storage tables.

I really regret the good old time with the density curves (until the 2019 edition).

Jesse

1/26/2026 08:23:38 am

2000 sq. ft. And Dan brings up a good comment regarding temperature. And there are numerous K=11.2 dry pendent sprinklers with intermediate and high temperature ratings, I use them frequently for cold storage. The Meyer Fire Tool Kit has an awesome sprinkler database!

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Sprinkler Design Area for Rack Storage?

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