thread1426-271905: Automatic Sprinkler requirements for Walk-in-Cooler
I have always installed dry pendent or dry sidewall heads to protect walk-in-coolers and freezers. These units typically come in insulated panel construction and are assembled on site and become a permanent part of the building.
I have a situation which the client is also installing a couple small "blast chillers" in the kitchen to obtain a quick freeze of the food product. The units have a space that a cart can roll up into the blast chiller that is approximately 3 feet x 8 feet.
Basically the kitchen staff opens the door, rolls the cart with the food product on it up into the opening, then closes the door and sets the timer based on the food product.
Could a person walk into the opening, Yes. Would they typically do that, most likely no because of the space, unless they had a smaller rolling cart, which defeats the purpose of the utilizing the space of the "blast chiller".
Are these "blast chillers" portable? They are a piece of equipment, so yes they can be disconnected from the utilities that feed them, so the equipment could be relocated in another location within the kitchen space. They would need a contractor to move them, just like if they relocated other commercial kitchen equipment within the kitchen space.

Should we install a fire sprinkler in this small space? I would like some input from other professionals. Thanks