nfpa 13 density requirement

[ebogner]

i was told that our roof system density rating did not meet nfpa 13. can someone please define "density" and help steer me in the right direction to correct?
any help will be appreciated!

 

[LCREP]

Density is the amount of water that must be discharged from a sprinkler to control or extinguish a fire. What are you storing, how is it packaged, how high is it stored, how is stored racks, pallets, etc. Wet system, dry system?

****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[cdafd]

ebogner

who told you this

new or existing building

 

[ebogner]

A variety of items are stored in this area which also includes some office space. all of the materials are non-hazmat. Height varies from 10ft in office space to 30ft in warehouse space. Storage is on metal shelving and pallet racks in an existing building.

If a change in density is required, what steps need to take place? change sprinkler heads or water suppply systems?

 

[ebogner]

information was given by a risk consultant.

 

[FFP1]

If the risk consultant is correct, you will need to contact a certified fire protection contractor (comonly referred to as a Sprinkler Contractor) to complete the various alterations. This is not something which can be resolved "in-house".

If you are not certain that any improvements are required, you should ask the risk consultant for details (what density is the existing system capable of providing and what density is required for the given occupancies). Any reputable sprinkler contractor will also confirm the existing system is actually inadequate before they complete any improvements.........they can let you know whether the system is adequate or not, tell you exactly what needs to be changed and provide a quote for the associated cost.

Good Luck!

 

[DonPhillips]

What exactly is being stored, how high, and to what spacing is critical information that could affect an existing sprinkler system. Some things burn hotter or easier than others, not to mention the vast differences in the products of combustion. The storage systems also can vastly affect a system, depending again on what is stored and how high. In some cases, you may have to add in-rack sprinklers and/or change densities.


Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[LCREP]

As others have said you need to get someone who is knowledgeable in sprinkler design to come out and look at your building. NFPA 13 has requirements based on what you store, how you store it, etc , etc. For example metal on a wood pallet, stored on double row racks, 8' aisle, requires a density of .29, but for cardboard boxes on wood pallets, same storage configuration requires a density of .37. Same product stored closer together say a 4' aisle is now .33 and.43 respectively. So many variables to consider.

Good luck.

****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[ebogner]

Thanks to all!
you have given me some very good information that i will use to best investigate and resolve my situation.
Best wishes to all!