Sprinkler System Terms for Industrial Buildings
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS / FIRE SAFETY FOR INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES
SPRINKLER SYSTEM TERMS AND DEFINITIONS:
1) ESFR System:
Early Suppression/Fast Response
Designed to extinguish fire – not to contain it
Typically use a K-14, K-17, or K-25* head depending on application. Need a minimum of approximately 65-70 lbs of water pressure for a 24’ clear building with 8” line. Otherwise, a pump will be required. Installed pump is +/- $100,000.
* K25 head will operate as little as 15 psi for a 24’ clear building. K25 will eliminate need for pump in many cases.
2) ESFR COSTS:
Retrofit cost (empty building) of $2.50 p/sf – including demo of old system.
New Construction Cost: $1.50 p/sf plus $45,000 for pump (if needed), Plus cost of electrical, ventilation, etc for pump room.
3) K Factor:
Value of sprinkler head used to determine flows and pressure (higher the better). Currently, highest is K-25.
4) Density:
Gallons/minute per square foot = gpm
Over an area (usually 2,000 s.f.)
Used with Class I – IV systems – (higher the better)
ESFR Systems require four sprinklers to be calculated on three lines. Typically requiring approximately 1200 gallons per minute to operate.
5) Factory Mutual:
Preferred risk insurer with stringent design criteria.
6) Underwriter Laboratories:
Approving agency
7) Encapsulation:
All sides of product are covered with plastic – prevents water from reaching product.
8) NFPA 231/231C:
National Fire Protection Association
231- Addresses General Storage
231C- Addresses Rack Storage
9) Dry System:
Sprinkler system that is pressurized with air. Water is at the valve in heated valve room. Typically used in unheated warehouses and loading dock areas.
10) Head Temperature:
Temperature at which the sprinkler head will “go off” or “activate” – most warehouses uses 286 degrees – ESFR systems typically use 165 degrees.
11) BOCA/International Building Code:
BOCA- Code being phased out –
New Code is the International Building Code and International Fire Code.