The storage of Group A plastic on racks is one of the most challenging fire situations that fire sprinklers can experience. These storage arrangements can promote a severe fire condition which may include a rapid spread of fire with a high rate of heat release. Chapter 17 in NFPA 13 titled “Protection of Rack Storage of Plastic and Rubber Commodities” spells out the acceptable protection options for this extreme fire risk. Chapter 17 gives the layout technician many options including the use of Standard Spray Sprinklers (CMDA), Control Mode Specific Application sprinklers (CMSA), Early Suppression Fast Response sprinklers (ESFR) and in-rack sprinklers.



Approved for Contractor I and II.