Sprinkler design for storage areas differs fundamentally from general sprinkler rules. FM Global DS 2-0 sets additional requirements for storage, applied together with the sprinkler design mapping in DS 8-9.
What Counts as Storage
- Storage height above roughly 1.5 m
- Includes retail back-of-house stock
- Logistics warehouses, distribution centres and factory stores
- Spare parts, raw materials and finished goods
Storage vs Non-Storage Design
| Topic | Storage | Non-storage |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.1 mm/min and above | 4.1–10.2 mm/min |
| Duration | 60–180 min | 30–90 min |
| K-factor | K115–K480 | K80–K115 |
| In-rack sprinklers | Frequently required | Not applicable |
| Hose allowance | Higher | Lower |
Fire Wall Zone Separation
- Storage zones are limited in area, with a tighter limit for plastics
- Fire walls are rated according to the contents, typically two to four hours
- A check valve is provided in the sprinkler main between zones
- Without a fire wall the whole area is treated as one design, and the water demand multiplies
Loading and Unloading Areas
- Loading docks are designed as storage areas
- Forklift traffic creates a risk of sprinkler damage, so additional protection is provided
- Open doors expose the area to outside conditions
- Multi-level loading arrangements may require additional horizontal sprinklers
Quick Checklist
- Storage height confirms that storage design rules apply
- Commodity class established per DS 8-1
- Sprinkler design mapped through DS 8-9
- Zone areas within limits, with tighter limits for plastics
- Fire wall rating appropriate to contents
- Additional protection at loading docks
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes storage sprinkler design different from ordinary occupancy design?
Storage fires develop far more intensely because of the fuel array and vertical flue spaces, so densities, durations, K-factors and hose allowances are all higher. In-rack sprinklers are frequently required, and the design is governed by commodity class and storage height rather than by the floor occupancy alone.
At what storage height do the storage rules start to apply?
Storage rules begin to apply once material is piled above roughly 1.5 m, and that includes retail back-of-house stock, not only dedicated warehouses. Once the storage design applies, commodity classification and the sprinkler design tables of DS 8-9 govern the scheme.
Why do fire walls matter so much in a warehouse design?
Fire walls cap the area treated as a single design. Without them the whole floor is treated as one storage zone and the sprinkler water demand multiplies, driving a larger tank and pump. With appropriately rated fire walls and a check valve in the main between zones, the demand is limited to a single zone.
Why do loading docks need extra attention?
A loading dock behaves as a storage area but with additional hazards: forklift traffic can damage sprinklers and pipework, and open doors expose the space to outside conditions including freezing. Sprinklers there need physical protection and the design must account for the door being open.
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Download MEP Calc on the App StoreFM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets DS 2-0 (Installation Guidelines for Automatic Sprinklers) and DS 8-9 (Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities); NFPA 13 storage chapters.