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We mentioned warehouses should consider Transverse and Longitudinal flue spaces to allow water from an overhead sprinkler system to reach the lower levels of your rack. With an Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinkler protection system, adequate flue spaces are required, rather than suggested, to ensure the system works as intended.
ESFR sprinkler heads were designed in the 1990s to fully suppress a fire that is within the design limits of the piping system rather than just control the fire until the fire department arrived. These systems are located in the ceiling structure rather than in the rack. Although the sprinkler heads are farther away, they detect the fire in half the time, which allows water to start spraying sooner. In addition, the ESFR sprinkler heads put out 100 gallons of water per minute versus conventional heads, which put out 25 to 30 gallons per minute. The extra force of the water emitted by ESFR also allows more water to reach the fire.
Due to the above design, the flue spaces are required and will be reviewed with your warehouse upon purchase.
If you have any questions or additional feedback, we would be happy to hear from you! 888-578-1579 or [email protected]
Sources: Wikipedia, Arbor Material Handling, Gross & Associates, Tyco Fire Protection Products
Phoenix, AZ 85009