Does NFPA 13 offer more than one design option for protecting storage facilities?
A. Depending on the commodity stored and the storage arrangement, several options for sprinkler protection can exist. For example, 20 feet (6 meters) of storage of Class III commodities can be protected with a sprinkler system consisting of standard spray sprinklers at the ceiling only, a combination of ceiling sprinklers and in-rack sprinklers, or a ceiling only system consisting of either large drop or ESFR sprinklers. It’s important to note that each design option offers its own advantages and disadvantages, and that the level of protection offered by each design option is not necessarily the same. Ultimately, the decision is based on the needs of the user regarding which NFPA 13 design option to employ. Summary NFPA 13 and Storage Facilities: Designing and installing sprinkler systems for storage facilities has become rather complex. Nevertheless, any fire safety plan for a storage facility must include a sprinkler system. NFPA doesn’t address the fire protection of storage facilit
