FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

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September 1992 Revised September 2000 Page 1 of 15

IDLE PALLET STORAGE

Table of Contents
Page 1.0 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Changes .......................................................................................................................................... 3 2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 3 2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3 2.2 Location and Construction ............................................................................................................... 3 2.2.1 Location of Storage ............................................................................................................... 3 2.2.1.1 Pallets in Manufacturing Areas .................................................................................. 5 2.2.2 Construction .......................................................................................................................... 6 2.2.2.1 Cut-off Room ............................................................................................................. 6 2.2.2.2 Steel Protection ......................................................................................................... 6 2.2.2.3 Building Columns ....................................................................................................... 6 2.2.2.4 Overhead Steel .......................................................................................................... 6 2.2.3 Automatic Heat and Smoke Venting ..................................................................................... 7 2.3 Protection ......................................................................................................................................... 7 2.3.1 On-Floor Arrangement ........................................................................................................... 7 2.3.1.1 Suppression Mode Automatic Sprinkler Protection ................................................... 7 2.3.1.2 Large-drop Sprinkler Protection ................................................................................ 8 2.3.1.3 Dry Pipe Systems ...................................................................................................... 9 2.3.2 Rack Storage Arrangement ................................................................................................... 9 2.3.2.1 Approved Plastic Pallets ............................................................................................ 9 2.3.2.2 Group I and Group II Pallets ..................................................................................... 9 2.3.2.3 Rack Protection Requirements ................................................................................ 10 2.3.2.4 In-Rack Sprinkler Design ......................................................................................... 10 2.3.2.5 Ceiling Sprinkler Design .......................................................................................... 11 3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................. 12 3.1 General .......................................................................................................................................... 12 3.1.1 Classification of Pallets ....................................................................................................... 13 4.0 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 13 4.1 FM Global ...................................................................................................................................... 13 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS ..................................................................................................... 15 APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY ..................................................................................... 15

List of Figures
Fig. Fig. Fig. Fig. Fig. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Recommended locations for idle pallet storage. ................................................................................ 4 Typical horizontal barrier. .................................................................................................................. 11 In-rack sprinkler arrangement. Single row rack. ............................................................................... 12 In-rack sprinkler arrangement. Double-row rack. ............................................................................. 13 In-rack sprinkler arrangement. Multiple-row rack. ............................................................................ 14

List of Tables
Table 1. Guide for Possible Indoor Storage Locations for Idle Pallets as a Function of Storage Arrangement and Type of Automatic Sprinkler Protection Available .............................................. 4 Table 2. Safe Separation Distances for Outdoor Storage of Idle Pallets ..................................................... 5 Table 3. Summary of Steel Protection Criteria for On-floor Storage of Group I and Group II Idle Pallets Protected by Standard Sprinklers ................................................................................ 6

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Table 4. Pressure and Number of Design Sprinklers Required for Large-Drop and Suppression Mode Sprinkler Protection of Pallets ................................................................................................ 8 Table 5. Total Water Demand For Protection of On-Floor Idle Pallet Storage Using Standard Sprinklers ........................................................................................................................................ 8 Table 6. Ceiling Sprinkler Design Criteria for Rack Storage of Pallets Using Standard or Large-Drop Sprinklers ................................................................................................................... 11

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Idle Pallet Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

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1.0 SCOPE This data sheet covers indoor and outdoor storage of Groups I and II idle pallets, and of FM Approved (see Appendix A for definition) plastic pallets. Protection guidelines for palletized storage using plastic pallets are covered by Data Sheet 8-9, Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities. 1.1 Changes September 2000. This revision of the document has been reorganized to provide a consistent format. 2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Introduction Managing the fire hazard of idle pallet storage is important to safeguard the building structure and to reduce exposures the pallets may present to other high-value storage in a warehouse. For indoor storage, loss control approaches using conventional sprinkler protection may restrict flexibility of storage arrangements, create large ceiling water demands and require extensive in-rack sprinkler protection for rack storage; the problem is aggravated when Group II pallets are used. To provide for more flexible management of the fire hazard of idle pallets, loss control approaches using Approved plastic pallets, suppression mode or large drop sprinkler protection, or a combination of these loss control methods should be pursued. 2.2 Location and Construction 2.2.1 Location of Storage Recommended locations for idle pallet storage are shown in Figure 1 and described below. The six storage locations are shown in order of preference. The preferred storage location is outdoors (location 1), followed by storage in a low-cost detached building (location 2). When indoor storage in needed, it is preferable to have it in readily accessible cut-off rooms (locations 3 and 4); however, depending on the type of pallet, the storage arrangement and the protection available (Table 1), storage in locations 5 and 6 also may be acceptable. On-floor and rack storage of Group I pallets is acceptable in locations 3 through 6. On-floor storage of Group II pallets is acceptable only outdoors or in readily accessible cut-off rooms (locations 3 or 4) unless protected by large-drop or suppression mode sprinklers, when locations 5 and 6, respectively, also may be used. Rack storage of Group II pallets adequately protected in accordance with this data sheet is acceptable in locations 5 and 6. For outdoor storage (location 1), pay special attention to safe separation distances from the pallet storage area to exposed buildings. Safe separation distances are given in Table 2; these distances are a function of the type and number of pallets in storage. Approved plastic pallets can be stored in the same locations as Group I pallets.

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Fig. 1. Recommended locations for idle pallet storage.

Table 1. Guide for Possible Indoor Storage Locations for Idle Pallets as a Function of Storage Arrangement and Type of Automatic Sprinkler Protection Available Type of Pallet Group I Storage Arrangement On-floor Rack Group II On-floor Rack Approved On-floor Rack Standard1 Locations 3 through 6 Locations 3 through 6 Locations 3 and 4 Locations 3 through 6 Locations 3 through 6 Locations 3 through 6 Automatic Sprinkler Protection Suppression Mode Locations 3 through 6 Locations 3 through 6 Locations 3 through 6 Locations 3 through 6 Locations 3 through 6 Locations 3 through 6 Large-Drop1 Locations 3 through 6 Locations 3 through 6 Locations 3, 4, and 5 Locations 3 through 6 Locations 3 through 6 Locations 3 through 6

1 For rack storage of Group I and Group II pallets protected by standard and large-drop ceiling sprinklers, in-rack sprinklers are required. Requirements for in-rack sprinkler protection for Approved pallets should follow the listing of the pallet in the Approval Guide.

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Table 2. Safe Separation Distances for Outdoor Storage of Idle Pallets Wall Construction Type of Wall Window Openings Masonry None Minimum Safe Separation Distance, ft (m)1, 2 50 Pallets 51 to 200 Pallets >200 Pallets Gr. I Gr. II Gr. I Gr. II Gr. I Gr. II 2 2 2 2 2 2 (0.6) (0.6) (0.6) (0.6) (0.6) (0.6) 2 10 5 20 20 50 (0.6) (3.0) (1.5) (6.0) (6.0) (15.0) 10 (3.0) 15 (4.5) 20 (6.0) 40 (12.0) 50 (15.0) 100 (30.0)

Wired Glass With Open Sprinklers Wired Glass Plain Glass With Open Sprinklers Noncombustible None Wood with Open Sprinklers Wood None Any Plain Glass Separation Distance Between Piles of Pallets3
1 2

15 (4.5) 7.5 (2.3)

30 (9.0) 15 (4.5)

30 (9.0) 15 (4.5)

80 (24.0) 40 (12.0)

90 (27.0) 45 (13.5)

150 (45.0) 75 (22.5)

When pallets are stored close to a building, the height of storage should be restricted to prevent burning pallets from falling onto the building. Take distances assuming worst case fire spread scenario, e.g., if a building has masonry walls and a combustible roof with overhanging eaves, assume combustible construction and take separation distance from the edge of eaves. Separation distances from buildings may be reduced by breaking up storage into several smaller piles, provided that separation distances between smaller piles conform with Table 2, e.g., 200 Group II pallets exposing an ordinary construction building with plain glass windows: required safe separation distance from storage to building is 80 ft (24.0 m) per Table 2; separation distance can be reduced to 30 ft (9.0 m) if storage is divided into 50-pallet piles. The separation distance between 50-pallet piles of Group II pallets is 15 ft (4.5 m).

Pallets should not be stored near air intake or exhaust vents, nor in areas where smoke generated from their combustion may cause damage to sensitive equipment. The locations for idle pallet storage are as follows: Location 1. Outdoors, keeping a safe distance from important buildings; Table 2 should be used to evaluate safe separation distances. A minimum 2 ft (0.6 m) separation from masonry buildings without openings is recommended to facilitate access to the back of the pile. Location 2. A detached low-value building, at least 20 ft (6.1 m) from important buildings. Location 3. A cut-off room, located along the exterior wall on the outside of the building. (See 2.2.2.1.) Location 4. A cut-off room, located along the exterior wall on the inside of the building. (See 2.2.2.1.) Location 5. A cut-off room located anywhere in the building (applies only to Group I pallets, Group II pallets protected by large-drop sprinklers, and Approved plastic pallets). (See 2.2.2.1.) Location 6. Any storage area with no cut-offs between pallet storage and other storage (applies only to Group I pallets, Group II pallets protected by suppression mode sprinklers, Approved plastic pallets, and rack storage of Groups I and II pallets adequately protected). There is no specific storage height limitation for Approved pallets stored in this area. Storage height should be compatible with the listing of the pallet given in the Approval Guide, and the design characteristics of the existing sprinkler system. 2.2.1.1 Pallets in Manufacturing Areas Groups I and II and Approved idle pallets in manufacturing areas should be limited to the minimum number necessary to facilitate a smooth flow of production materials for one day. Group I pallets should be kept in single stacks limited to 5 ft (1.5 m) in height; pallet stacks should be kept at least 5 ft (1.5 m) from other combustible material and machinery. Group II pallets should be kept in single stacks limited to 3 ft (0.9 m) in height; pallet stacks should be kept at least 10 ft (3.0 m) from other combustible material and machinery. Storage height of Approved plastic pallets in manufacturing areas should be based upon the design criteria of the automatic sprinkler system in the area; the distance between pallet stacks and other combustible material or machinery should be at least equal to the height of the stack.

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

2.2.2 Construction 2.2.2.1 Cut-off Room When the type of protection installed requires a cut-off room for idle pallet storage, the cut-off room should be enclosed with two-hour fire-rated partitions. For locations storing Group II pallets, the area of the cutoff room should be limited to about 1000 ft2 (93.0 m2). 2.2.2.2 Steel Protection Steel protection is needed when standard sprinklers, i.e., either 12-in. (15 mm nominal) or 1732-in. (20 mm nominal) automatic sprinklers, are used to protect on-floor storage of Group I or Group II pallets (Table 3). For on-floor storage of Group I and Group II pallets adequately protected by large-drop or suppression mode sprinklers, protection of steel framework is not required. 2.2.2.3 Building Columns Building columns located wholly or partially within on-floor storage of Group I and Group II pallets should be protected, either by sidewall sprinklers or by insulation having at least two hours fire resistance. Automatic sprinkler protection for building columns for adequately protected rack storage of Group I and Group II pallets is not required. Sidewall sprinklers should be located 2 to 3 ft (0.6 to 0.9 m) above the top of storage, and installed so that water spray will be directed onto the column. H-shaped columns can be protected with one sprinkler per column; box and tube columns should have two sidewall sprinklers located on opposite sides of the column.
Table 3. Summary of Steel Protection Criteria for On-floor Storage of Group I and Group II Idle Pallets Protected by Standard Sprinklers Columns Pallet Group Location of Storage (Fig. 1) Storage height above which protection is required When to protect I 3, 4, 5, 6 Any Columns are located wholly or partially within storage 1. Sidewall automatic sprinklers 2. 2-hr rated fire proofing II 3, 4 Any Columns are located wholly or partially within storage 1. Sidewall automatic sprinklers 2. 2-hr rated fire proofing II 4 Any Approved fire coating

Protection methods for columns (See Section 2.2.2.3.) Overhead Steel Pallet Group I Location of storage (Fig. 1) 4, 5, 6 Storage height above which >8 ft (2.4 m) protection is required Protection methods for overhead steel 1. Automatic sprinklers (See section 2.2.2.4.) 2. Approved fire coating

In locations storing Approved plastic pallets, check the pallet listing in the Approval Guide and protect building columns using the appropriate data sheet. 2.2.2.4 Overhead Steel When Group I idle pallets are stored on-floor in location 4, 5, or 6 (Fig. 1) at heights of 8 ft (2.4 m) or more, overhead steel framework should be protected either by applying an Approved fire retardant coating (as described below for Group II pallets) or with ceiling sprinklers. Ceiling sprinklers provide satisfactory steel protection if: 1732 in. (20 mm nominal) sprinklers are spaced at not more than 70 ft2 (6.5 m2) per sprinkler; or 12 in. (15 mm nominal) sprinklers are spaced at 50 ft2 (4.7 m2) per sprinkler. Discharge density should comply with Table 5.

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When Group II idle pallets are stored on-floor in location 4 (Fig. 1) at any height, overhead steel framework should be protected by applying an Approved fire retardant coating to all major structural steel members (steel beams supporting other beams, steel members supporting main sprinkler piping, and steel members supporting branch lines with more than four sprinklers). Protection for overhead steel for adequately protected rack storage of Group I and Group II pallets is not required. In locations storing Approved plastic pallets, protect overhead steel using the data sheet appropriate for the pallet listing (in the Approval Guide) and pallet storage arrangement. 2.2.3 Automatic Heat and Smoke Venting FM Global recommended protection for idle pallet storage is based on roof vents and draft curtains not being provided. Fire tests have not shown automatic vents to be cost effective, and they may even increase sprinkler water demand. Hence, permanent heat and smoke vents, if installed, should be arranged for manual operation. Smoke removal during mop-up operations can frequently be achieved through eave-line windows, doors, monitors, non-automatic (gravity or mechanical) exhaust systems or manually-operated heat and smoke vents. Fire department personnel can cut holes in steel or wood roofs and use their smoke exhausters. If automatic vents are required by codes, they should be provided with extra-high-temperature rated fusible links. 2.3 Protection 2.3.1 On-Floor Arrangement Automatic sprinkler protection should be provided for all indoor pallet storage, except in location 2 (Fig. 1 and Table 1). Water demand and duration for the sprinkler system and hose streams are given in Tables 4 and 5. Table 4 gives protection criteria for large-drop and suppression mode automatic sprinklers. (See Sections 2.3.1.1 and 2.3.1.2.) For protection given in Table 5, either 12-in. (15 mm nominal) or 1732-in. (20 mm nominal) automatic sprinklers can be used; however, large-orifice sprinklers, 1732 in. (20 mm nominal), are preferred. 2.3.1.1 Suppression Mode Automatic Sprinkler Protection Idle storage of Group I and Group II pallets up to 25 ft (7.6 m) high in buildings up to 30 ft (9.1 m) high can be protected by automatic sprinkler systems using suppression mode sprinklers without the need for cut-off rooms. Suppression mode sprinkler systems should be designed for a minimum pressure of 50 psi (3.4 bar) from the most remote 12 sprinklers, flowing four sprinklers on three branch lines. Water demand should be in accordance with Table 4. Suppression mode sprinkler systems designed for 12 sprinklers at 75 psi (5.1 bar) should be used to protect Group I and II pallets stored in racks, palletized or solid-piled up to 35 ft (10.7 m) maximum in buildings up to 40 ft (12.2 m) maximum without the need for cutoff rooms. Design and install suppression mode sprinkler systems in accordance with Data Sheet 2-2, Installation Guidelines for Suppression Mode Automatic Sprinklers. For Approved plastic pallets, check the plastic pallet listing in the Approval Guide and consult Data Sheet 2-2 for protection criteria.

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Idle Pallet Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Table 4. Pressure and Number of Design Sprinklers Required for Large-Drop and Suppression Mode Sprinkler Protection of Pallets No. of Design Sprinklers at Min. Design Pressure, psi (bar) 25 50 75 (1.7) (3.4) (5.2) 15 25 DNA 15 25 All (10) 15 25 All (10) Hose Stream Demand, gpm (l/min) 500 (1900) Max. Bldg. Height ft (m) 30 (9.1)

Type of Sprinkler Large-Drop

Pallet Group I II

Max. Height, ft (m) 20 (6.1) 12 (3.7) (needs cut-off room)1 25 (7.6) 35 (10.7)

Type System Wet Dry Wet or Dry

Duration, minutes 90

Suppression Mode

I-II I-II

Wet Wet

DNA DNA

12 DNA

DNA 12

250 (950)

60

30 (9.1) 40 (12.2)

Cutoff room area should be limited to 1,000 ft2 (93.0 m); see section 2.2.2.1.

Table 5. Total Water Demand For Protection of On-Floor Idle Pallet Storage Using Standard Sprinklers Height of Storage, ft (m) Up to 6.0 (1.8) 6 and <8 (1.8 and <2.4) 8 and <12 (2.4 and <3.7) Density, gpm/ft2 mm/mi 0.20 (8) 0.30 (12)

1, 2

Type of Pallet Group I

Ceiling Sprinkler Protection Area of Demand, ft2 (m) 165F (71C) 286F (141C) 3000 (279) 2000 (186) 4000 (372) 2500 (232)

Group II

Approved Plastic Pallets Hose Streams

0.60 (24) 3500 (325) Steel protection needed 12 and <20 0.60 (24) 4500 ft2 (419 m2) or entire cut-off room, (3.8 and <6.1) Steel protection whichever is smaller needed Up to 12 (3.7) 0.60 (24) Entire cut-off room. Either 165F (71C) or 286F Steel protection (141C) rated sprinklers may be used needed Check the Approval Guide for plastic pallets listing and, based on the commodity classification assigned to the pallet, use Data Sheet 8-1, Data Sheet 8-9, or Group I pallet protection criteria. Hose Stream Demand: 500 gpm (1900 l/min) Duration: 90 minutes for Group I pallets 120 minutes for Group II pallets

1 2

See Table 4 for water demands using suppression mode and large drop sprinklers. Interpolation of design criteria given in Table 5 should not be made.

2.3.1.2 Large-drop Sprinkler Protection Idle storage of Group I pallets up to 20 ft (6.1 m) high in buildings up to 30 ft (9.1 m) high can be protected by automatic sprinkler systems using large-drop sprinklers without the need for a cut-off room. Group II pallets up to 12 ft (3.7 m) high in cut-off areas, as specified in Section 2.2.2.1, can be protected by largedrop sprinklers. The requirements in Data Sheet 2-7, Installation Rules for Sprinkler Systems Using Large-Drop Sprinklers, should be met. The water demand should be in accordance with Table 4. For Approved plastic pallets, check the plastic pallet listing in the Approval Guide and consult Data Sheet 2-7 for protection criteria.

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2.3.1.3 Dry Pipe Systems Dry-pipe systems should not be used when suppression mode sprinklers are installed. The guidelines below refer to standard sprinkler installations only, i.e., either 12-in. (15 mm nominal) or 1732-in. (20 mm nominal) automatic sprinklers; use Table 4 for dry-pipe design criteria using large-drop sprinklers. When dry-pipe sprinkler systems are used to protect on-floor storage of idle Group I pallets, a 30% penalty in sprinkler operating area should not be applied. This does not apply to large-drop sprinkler protection. When dry-pipe sprinkler systems are used to protect on-floor storage of idle Group II pallets, a 30% penalty in sprinkler operating area should be applied. When dry-pipe sprinkler systems are used to protect on-floor storage of idle Approved pallets, follow dry-pipe penalty guidelines compatible with the listing of the pallet. 2.3.2 Rack Storage Arrangement 2.3.2.1 Approved Plastic Pallets Protect Approved plastic pallets stored in racks according to the equivalent commodity classification assigned to the pallet in the Approval Guide, using the appropriate data sheet. 2.3.2.2 Group I and Group II Pallets Rack storage of Group I and II idle pallets should be avoided, due to the difficulty of controlling such storage and its exposure to high-value materials. Alternatively, fire protection of rack storage of Group I and II idle pallets should be as follows: 1. Limit tier storage heights to 6 ft (1.8 m). 2. Provide 8 ft (2.4 m) wide aisles between racks. 3. Use preaction systems instead of dry-pipe systems, when required. Do not use preaction or dry-pipe systems when suppression mode sprinklers are used. Design preaction systems as follows: a) Use only Approved preaction sprinkler systems. b) Determine water demands for preaction sprinkler systems on the same basis as for wet pipe sprinkler systems. c) Use only Approved heat-actuated detectors on single-zone circuitry. Detectors may be of the fixed temperature, rate-of-rise, or combination fixed temperature/rate-of-rise type. d) Install detection devices in racks and at the ceiling. Locate detectors at the ceiling on a spacing not exceeding allowable ceiling sprinkler spacing. Locate detectors in the rack flues at the same vertical and horizontal spacing as the in-rack sprinklers. For single-row and double-row racks, only one line of detectors is needed at each in-rack sprinkler level. Locate these detectors in the transverse flue in singlerow racks, and in the longitudinal flue in double-row racks. For multiple-row racks, one line of detectors is needed for each in-rack sprinkler line at each in-rack sprinkler level. Locate these detectors in either the transverse or longitudinal flues. 4. Mixed Commodity Storage: Avoid mixed commodity storage. Dedicate one rack, or the full height of a portion of one rack, exclusively to idle pallet storage. Alternatively, protect for the greater storage hazard throughout the racks. a) When a portion of one rack is dedicated to rack storage of idle pallets, install a vertical barrier consisting of 34-in. (19 mm) ordinary plywood in the transverse flue space of the rack. The vertical barrier will separate the area of the rack designated for idle pallet storage from the area of the rack designated for ordinary commodity storage. The barrier should extend to the entire height and width of the rack. b) Extend in-rack sprinkler protection one bay beyond the pallet storage. Alternatively, provide a minimum of 4 ft (1.2 m) clear space (one pallet load) on each side of the vertical barrier, and cover the barrier with 22 gauge (MSG) (0.7 mm) steel sheets mechanically fastened to it. 5. Allow 500 gal/min (1900 l/min) for at least 2 hours for hose streams.

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

2.3.2.3 Rack Protection Requirements 2.3.2.3.1 Using Suppression Mode Automatic Sprinklers at the Ceiling Level Protect Group I and Group II idle pallets stored in single-, double-, or multi-row racks up to 25 ft (7.6 m) in height in buildings up to 30 ft (9.1 m) high by wet-pipe suppression mode sprinkler systems. The suppression mode sprinkler system should be designed for a minimum of 50 psi (3.4 bar) for the most remote 12 sprinklers, flowing four sprinklers on three branch lines. Apply all protection criteria given in Data Sheet 2-2. Suppression mode sprinkler systems designed for 12 sprinklers at 75 psi (5.1 bar) should be used to protect Group I and II pallets stored in racks, palletized or solid-piled up to 35 ft (10.7 m) maximum in buildings up to 40 ft (12.2 m) maximum without the need for cutoff rooms. 2.3.2.3.2 Using Standard or Large-Drop Sprinklers at the Ceiling Level Protect Group I and Group II idle pallets stored in racks by providing horizontal barriers at approximately 10-ft (3.0 m) vertical intervals and in-rack sprinklers under the barriers. Horizontal barriers should be solid and continuous, except that at rack uprights a gap not exceeding 12 in. (0.3 m) is acceptable; this requirement is based on uprights spaced at a minimum of 8 ft (2.4 m) apart along the length of the rack. Horizontal barriers should be made of plywood with a minimum thickness of 38 in. (9.5 mm) (Fig. 2). In-rack sprinkler deflectors should be located no more than 9 in. (230 mm) below each barrier and no less than 6 in. (150 mm) above the top of the storage. The same ceiling and in-rack sprinkler water demands apply for single-, double-, and multiple-row rack storage. Design in-rack sprinkler systems to provide a minimum of 50 psi (3.4 bar) with the six most hydraulically remote in-rack sprinklers in operation (three sprinklers on two lines), if there is only one level of barrier; if there are additional levels of barriers, design the systems for the most hydraulically remote eight sprinklers operating (four sprinklers on two lines). Use Approved quick response, large-orifice in-rack sprinklers. 2.3.2.4 In-Rack Sprinkler Design 1. Single-row racks: Protect single-row racks up to 5 ft (1.5 m) wide by providing one line of in-rack sprinklers down the center of the rack at 10 ft (3.0 m) vertical intervals (Fig. 3). Horizontal sprinkler spacing on the in-rack sprinkler line should be 4 to 5 ft (1.2 to 1.5 m), with sprinklers installed at each transverse flue between pallet loads. 2. Double-row racks: Protect double-row racks by providing three lines of in-rack sprinklers. Locate one line in the longitudinal flue, and one line at each face of the rack (Fig. 4). In the longitudinal flue, locate sprinklers at each transverse flue between pallet loads, approximately 4 ft (1.2 m) to 5 ft (1.5 m) on center. On the faces of the rack, locate sprinklers at rack uprights, with spacing not exceeding 10 ft (3.0 m). If spacing between uprights exceeds 10 ft (3.0 m), then install additional face sprinklers centered between rack uprights. 3. Multiple-row racks: Protect multiple-row racks by providing in-rack and face sprinklers. Locate in-rack sprinklers at each intersection of transverse and longitudinal flues, and locate face sprinklers at each transverse flue (Fig. 5). Placing of barriers in multiple-row, drive-in-type racks is not feasible; consequently, idle pallets should not be stored in these racks.

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Fig. 2. Typical horizontal barrier.

2.3.2.5 Ceiling Sprinkler Design 1. For group I pallets: Limit the height of storage above the top barrier to a maximum of 10 ft (3.0 m). Provide ceiling sprinkler protection for the height of storage above the top horizontal barrier. Ceiling sprinkler protection should be based on Table 5 if 12-in. (15 mm) or 1732-in. (20 mm) sprinklers rated for 286F (141C) are used, or on Table 4, if large-drop sprinklers are used (See Table 6). If large-drop sprinklers are used, apply all protection criteria given in Data Sheet 2-7, Installation Rules for Sprinkler Systems Using Large-Drop Sprinklers.
Table 6. Ceiling Sprinkler Design Criteria for Rack Storage of Pallets Using Standard or Large-Drop Sprinklers Pallet Group Ceiling Protection Group 1 Limit storage height above top barrier to 10 ft (3.0 m). Use Table 4 or Table 5 for ceiling sprinkler design criteria based on height of storage above top tier
12 in. (15 mm) 1732 in. (20 mm)

Type of Sprinklers

Temperature Rating of Sprinklers

Large drop 286F (141F)

Group II Do not store pallets above top tier; if needed provide a barrier and in-rack sprinklers above top storage. 0.3 gpm/ft2 over 2,500 ft2 (12 mm/min over 232 m2) or 15 L.D. A.S. @ 25 psi 12 in. (15 mm) 1732 in. (20 mm) Large drop 286F (141F)

2. For group II pallets: If Group II idle pallets are stored above the top tier of the rack, install a horizontal barrier 3 ft (1.0 m) above the top of storage, extend the barrier to the entire length and width of the rack, and provide sprinklers beneath the barrier designed per the in-rack sprinkler system criteria. Provide ceiling protection as follows: a) If 12-in. (15 mm) or 1732-in. (20 mm) sprinklers are used, a wet-pipe or preaction ceiling sprinkler system should be capable of providing a density of 0.3 gal/min/ft2 (12 mm/min) over the most hydraulically remote 2500 ft2 (232 m2) area. Maximum sprinkler spacing should be limited to 100 ft2 (9.3 m2).

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Fig. 3. In-rack sprinkler arrangement. Single row rack.

b) If Large Drop sprinklers are used, a wet-pipe or preaction ceiling sprinkler system should be capable of supplying 15 sprinklers at 25 psi (1.7 bar). Apply all protection criteria given in Data Sheet 2-7, Installation Rules for Sprinkler Systems Using Large-Drop Sprinklers. 3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 General FM Global Research fire tests show that idle pallet fires are a great challenge to automatic sprinklers. The undersides of the horizontal members of pallets create a dry area in which fire grows and spreads to other dry or partially wet areas. Because of such shielded fires, large quantities of water are necessary for adequate fire control.

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Fig. 4. In-rack sprinkler arrangement. Double-row rack.

3.1.1 Classification of Pallets This data sheet classifies pallets into the following three groups, according to the protection requirements for each group: Group I: Group I includes all wood and other cellulosic material pallets with slatted and/or solid top and/or bottom. Group II: Group II includes all plastic pallets except Approved plastic pallets, both solid and gridded deck, independent of the pallet manufacturing process, type of resin used in fabrication, or geometry of the pallet. Approved Plastic Pallets: Approved plastic pallets are plastic pallets that have protection requirements different from Group II pallets, as indicated by the listing of the specific pallets in the Approval Guide. for complete extinguishment of the fire. 4.0 REFERENCES 4.1 FM Global Data Sheet 2-2, Installation Guidelines for Suppression Mode Automatic Sprinklers. Data Sheet 2-7, Installation Rules For Sprinkler Systems Using Large-Drop Sprinklers. Data Sheet 8-1, Commodity Classification. Data Sheet 8-9, Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities. Approval Guide, a publication of FM Approvals.

2002 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

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Idle Pallet Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Fig. 5. In-rack sprinkler arrangement. Multiple-row rack.

2002 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Idle Pallet Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

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APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS Approved: references to Approved in this data sheet means the product and services have satisfied the criteria for FM Approval. Refer to the Approval Guide for a complete listing of products and services that are FM Approved. APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY This document does not have any revision history.

FM Engr. Comm. June 1992

2002 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.