Paint booth sprinkler k factor

[Shredocaster]

As per NFPA I'm designing a paint booth to extra hazard group ii... now the question is: does NFPA say anything anywhere about the sprinkler having to be a minimum 11.2k? I'd like to use 8.0k in this specific project. Most designers will reference the 0.2 to 0.34 densities with 8.0 k and 0.34 plus with 11.2k plus BUT that is within NFPA's section on storage. Can't find anything elsewhere but perhaps I'm missing something?

 

[TravisMack]

There is nothing preventing you from using K8 sprinklers. As you stated, the section you referenced is particularly for storage. I find it good practice to hit the EH2 density with the larger orifice sprinklers, but some times, paint booths have such tight spacing, that you are way over-discharged with the 11.2k sprinklers.

Don't forget the 30 gpm or 15 psi at the duct. That caught me in the past and made for an interesting fix. You can infer from the 15 psi (30 gpm) that a K8 sprinkler is permitted at that duct stack which is in the paint booth section, so that is more reinforcement that k8 is permitted.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

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[Shredocaster]

Thanks! yes am aware of the 15/30 but the reminder is appreciated. And your final argument is great reinforcement. Again - thx!