Sprinkler Types & System Types for 70-ft Ceiling?

8/9/2022

I have a project with a workshop space that has a ceiling height of 70-feet from floor level.

How do I approach sprinkler selection & system type for this height?

Does NFPA 13 have a ceiling height limitation?

I see a couple of tables in FM Data Sheets, but is this the only source for protection at these heights?

Thanks in advance.

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8 Comments

Alex

8/9/2022 06:31:15 am

Hi,

Luckily, I have never had to deal with 70' ceilings. I already feel bad for the sprinkler fitter installing the pipe.

I've spent some time researching maximum ceiling heights this morning and have come up dry. 70' exceeds all tables within NFPA 13. For this reason, I would go with the FM approach you mentioned.

The ceiling height may also require additional initiation devices (beam detector?). I would verify NFPA 72 and review with your AHJ during design.

Best of luck here!
Alex

Connor link

8/9/2022 08:13:35 am

Hi,

It doesn't sound like this is a military project, but UFC 3-600-01 Table 9-3 requires a design area of twelve K25.2 sprinklers at 7 psi for wet systems with ceiling heights between 60-100 feet, regardless of whether they are Light, Ordinary, or Extra Hazard. This is probably overkill for most non-DOD, non-storage projects, but it might be adequate guidance for you to base your design on if you can't find anything else.

Best,

Connor

Casey Milhorn

8/9/2022 08:35:52 am

I don't recall any limits on ceiling heights for non-storage applications. There are some limitations when dealing with cloud ceiling protection, reduced area, and then also some exclusions for atrium protection (if I remember correctly). I have installed sprinklers in an 80' tall building before and I've seen 100'+ (non-storage) areas with roof level sprinklers.

Anthony

8/9/2022 08:45:38 am

There are no NFPA 13 height maximums, however I'd consider spacing the heads tighter 100 sqft max and a larger K factor 11.2 or 14

Note 11.1.7 NFPA 13-16 for any HVLS fans

Glenn Berger

8/9/2022 08:50:19 am

With ceiling heights at this level, I would recommend a fire modeling exercise be undertaken to determine an useable design criteria. Based upon other projects that required a significant clear height, a deluge system was required. We installed several "draft curtains" to limit the size of each system, which cut down the required water flow.

Chris Nelson

8/9/2022 09:33:02 am

If you can consider it an atrium, atriums over 55ft from ceiling to floor don't required sprinklers. Was looking into this morning for industrial buildings where they combine pieces of ships.

Franck

8/9/2022 12:36:57 pm

No height limitation for occupancy hazard.
Height limitation for storage as it is directed by the clearance between top of storage and ceiling.

This being said, it would be wise, as indicated above by others, to limit the spacing between sprinklers and to provide larger K-factor.
The issue may be the number of operating sprinklers at initial stage of the fire and the droplet size / water distribution pattern when reaching the ground.

Dwight H Havens

8/10/2022 08:14:05 am

I go with Glen Berger's comment. What is the minimum fire load necessary to actuate a fire sprinkler at just under 70 feet of height?
How long will it take for the heat from the fire load to actuate the first sprinkler(s)? At that time, will the sprinkler(s) be delivering enough water to the fire to impact the growth as needed to stop the growth? This is all dependent on what is burning and the fire growth rate.

Based on the use of the space, will the sprinklers ever actuate? How long will it take for local fire emergency response agency to respond, set up, and initiate extinguishment? How does this compare to the actuation of the sprinkler system?

Really shouldn't waste money on the installation of a suppression system that will not do what is expected of the suppression system, nor waste money on the maintenance required to ensure that the system remains operational throughout it's expected lifespan when it is not expected to operate for any expected fire.

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Sprinkler Types & System Types for 70-ft Ceiling?

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