ESFR Sprinkler System In Non-Warehouse Occupancies

[LCREP]

What would you do???

We run into this many times in spec buildings were we will have an ESFR sprinkler system installed in the building at the time of construction. A few months go by and then the building is leased to an occupant who uses 50% for warehouse and the other 50% for manufacturing. NFPA does not list ESFR sprinklers for Ord Grp 2 occupancies, which most manufacturing would be considered. A design of .20/1500 is required for the Ord Haz Grp 2 system, the ESFR system is 1.0/1200. The Ord Haz System requires 300 gpm vs. the ESFR system of 1200 gpm, more then enough water, also quick response sprinklers can be used in ordinary hazard system ( NFPA 13, 2002, 11.2.3.2.3.1)

So what would require? Have the ESFR system in the manufacturing area removed and replaced with the Ord Haz Grp 2 system? OR just leave the ESFR system in place?

 

[stookeyfpe]

Leave the ESFR system in place. While an ESFR sprinkler is listed for storage applications, the fact remains that it is perfectly viable method of protecting non-high pile storage conditions.

An ESFR system exceeds the discharge density. Additionally, the Ordinary Hazard Group 2 density is based on the use of a control mode, density-area design. This means that the amount of water being discharged is only intended to control the fire. Conversely ESFR (early suppression fast response) is designed to suppress (e.g., extinguish) the fire.