By adding the pallet racks (changing storage methods or commodities) the owner opens the door to an evaluation of the system(s) installed to determine the adequacy of the system to protect the new situation. I believe you are on the right track in terms of advising them to break the system into 40,000 sqft maximum areas.
I would note that it's possible they were/are an FM risk and for some period of time, I believe FM allowed systems larger than 40,000 sqft as long as the hydraulics proved the system demand. They were rumored to be more concerned about closed valves. More control valves mean more chances one will be shut during an event. <https://www.dropbox.com/s/g4h8r7hdtsr6154/AFSA_L.png?raw=1> Bob Caputo, CFPS President American Fire Sprinkler Association c: 760-908-7753 p: 214-349-5965 ext124 w: <http://firesprinkler.org/> firesprinkler.org <https://www.facebook.com/firesprinkler.org/> <https://twitter.com/afsa/status/1039528345367732224> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-fire-sprinkler-association-afsa-/ > <https://www.instagram.com/firesprinklerorg/> Enroll Now for Level 2 VIP Classes AFSA's Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) for apprentices is live classroom training from our expert instructors. They lead the way to ensure your men and women are trained, letting you focus on OJT. Click <https://www.firesprinkler.org/sprinkler-fitter-apprentice-training-vip/> here to learn more and enroll! Link: <https://www.firesprinkler.org/sprinkler-fitter-apprentice-training-vip/> https://www.firesprinkler.org/sprinkler-fitter-apprentice-training-vip/ From: Don Casey <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, October 21, 2024 1:57 PM To: Discussion list on issues relating to automatic fire sprinklers <[email protected]> Cc: Dewayne Martinez <[email protected]> Subject: [Sprinklerforum] Re: 1976 NFPA storage question If the original installation was approved under permit and the occupancy / use isn't changing, I think one could argue that all is well. From: Dewayne Martinez <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > Sent: Monday, October 21, 2024 1:33 PM To: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> Cc: Dewayne Martinez <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > Subject: [EXTERNAL] [Sprinklerforum] 1976 NFPA storage question _____ [CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.] _____ I am working on an existing building with the sprinkler systems designed per NFPA 1976 standards. The systems were hydraulically calculated to a 0.60/3000. Unfortunately, I don't have information as to what was the original storage arrangement/commodity classification. There is one grid which is around 50,000 sq ft in size. From what I am reading, a system this large was not allowed back then. The current owner wants to add rack storage (W/O in-racks) of Group A, cartoned, non-expanded plastics. I am going to tell the owner he needs to break up the original system into two to be code compliant but just wanted to check with the forum first. Thank you, Dewayne Martinez Fire Protection Design Manager TOTAL Mechanical Building Integrity W234 N2830 Paul Rd. Pewaukee, WI 53072 <mailto:[email protected]> [email protected] Ph: 262-522-7110 Cell: 414-406-5208 <http://www.total-mechanical.com/> http://www.total-mechanical.com/
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