Sprinkler Temp Selection for Boiler Rm

[haze10]

We are doing a Group replacement of all the sprinkler heads in our boiler room and machine room. The original design from the 1960's has 286F heads in both spaces. Check the 2010 NFPA code in Chapter 13, Table 6.2.5.1 says that ceiling temps up to 150F should be 'Intermediate' with max sprinkler temp of 225F, and ceiling temps up to 225F should be 'High' with max sprinkler temp of 300F.

The boiler room and machine room at the ceiling would typically be less than 150F - the Boiler room might hit 130F and the machine space might hit 110F. So my thought is to go with 225F Intermediate heads.

My coworker thinks the 286F heads might have been spec'd to deal with steam leaks or upsets in the space that raised the room temperature.

What are you normally specifying for sprinkler temp inside boiler rooms and are relatively modern and adequately ventilated.

 

[LCREP]

Have you had any false activation with 286F?? If not, I would stay with the 286F, why change?? IF for some reason you go with a higher temperature sprinkler, see below from NFPA 25, 2011 and use a glass bulb head.


5.3.1.1.1.4* Representative samples of solder-type sprinklers
with a temperature classification of extra high [325°F
(163°C)] or greater that are exposed to semicontinuous to
continuous maximum allowable ambient temperature conditions
shall be tested at 5-year intervals.

****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[haze10]

No false releases. I wouldn't go higher, I would go lower. My thought is that 225F would be fine and would offer a higher degree of safety as they would react faster. Plus, shouldn't I be following the current NFPA guidelines.

 

[cdafd]

Have you or someone taking temp readings at various times???

 

[LCREP]

Haze,

Why replacement? You can send a sample to UL or others for testing and if OK you are good for another 10 years, see below from NFPA 25, 2008 ed

5.3.1.1.1 Where sprinklers have been in service for 50 years,
they shall be replaced or representative samples from one or
more sample areas shall be tested. Test procedures shall be
repeated at 10-year intervals.

5.3.1.1* Where required by this section, sample sprinklers shall
be submitted to a recognized testing laboratory acceptable to the
authority having jurisdiction for field service testing.

****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[cdafd]

How much does testing cost versus a sprinkler head???

 

[FFP1]

You typically need to have 20 or more sprinklers which warrant testing to justify testing rather than replacing.

I assume you have 8-20 sprinklers in the boiler/machine room.......might be more cost effective to simply replace all of the sprinklers (unless the two rooms have >20 sprinklers).

Internet search for UL and/or FM Global Research to obtain testing expense.......they prefer a sample of 10. They will test any number of sprinklers, but 6 is typically considered the minimum to obtain a reliable test. I think NFPA states 10 sprinkelrs or 10% of the total from each environment.

I do not see any problem with 212F sprinklers in most bolier/machine rooms.......it really depends on the hihest anticipated normal ceiling temperatures.

 

[LCREP]

See below,will this be cheaper??

From UL

http://www.ul.com/global/documents/.../fieldsampletesting/autosprinklerbrochure.pdf

The current charge for UL’s Field Sample Sprinkler Testing service is $30.00 per sprinkler, with a minimum charge of $120.00. Payment for this service is required when submitting sprinklers to UL for testing. Property owners are usually responsible for payment of the cost.

From NFPA 25, 2008

5.3.1.2* A representative sample of sprinklers for testing per
5.3.1.1.1 shall consist of a minimum of not less than four sprinklers or 1 percent of the number of sprinklers per individual
sprinkler sample, whichever is greater.

****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[haze10]

Guys, if we can get to the original question. These sprinklers are only 30 years old but the area was somewhat corrosive and we are experiencing frequent leaks on individual heads. So rather than deal with 5 call ins a year, we just want to replace all.

The question is regarding selecting the correct temperature setpoint for the boiler room, 212F or 286F. Existing is 286F but the ceiling temp is only 130F. So do I go with the 212 or 286F.

 

[LCREP]

Haze,

Does not matter, 212 or 286 they will both work. If it was me I would go with the 286 since it has worked with no false activation. Water damage from a head going off in a boiler room would be a large loss ( I come from the insurance side of the world). You may want to use a wax coated head, if you have a corrosive atmosphere. I have accounts where the boiler treatment chemical have caused problems with spraying from broken hoses, etc.

http://www.vikinggroupinc.com/databook/sprinklers/010201.pdf

****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[chicopee]

If you can determine the maximun temperature which will affect the sprinklers, their temperature rating should be based on the following ratings listed in the attached table.