Research Continues on Larger Sizes The invent of early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler in the 1980s revolutionized storage fire protection. No longer were rack sprinklers needed to protect high heat release rate commodities stored within tall racks. In addition, the ESFR sprinkler provides adequate protection for a range of …
Read More »ESFR Sprinklers and Obstructions
The Existing Criteria is Likely Too Conservative In a continuing and extensive effort to develop reliable and effective tools and guidelines for the unique installation of early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers relative to obstructions, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) through its Research Foundation has completed three phases of …
Read More »Explanations on ESFR Sprinkler Protection
Informal Interpretations Offer Assistance on Technical Questions The informal interpretations featured in this post address NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers. AFSA’s informal interpretations are provided to AFSA members by Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland Huggins, P.E. and Manager …
Read More »Foundation Research on ESFR Sprinklers and Obstructions
Multi-Phase Project From NFPA Research Affiliate Early suppression fast response sprinklers (ESFR) are high-volume, high-pressure sprinklers that are often used to protect combustible storage as an alternative to installing in-rack sprinklers. Compared to the standard spray sprinkler, ESFR sprinklers have a significantly different spray pattern and they apply much larger …
Read More »Early Suppression, Fast Response Sprinklers
Making Them Work for You Since the late 1980s, early suppression, fast response (ESFR) sprinklers have been viewed as one of the greatest innovations in fire protection since Henry Parmelee first introduced the automatic sprinkler in 1874. Since NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, indicates that you …
Read More »Rack Storage With Solid Shelving
Can ESFR Sprinklers Be Used? Historically if you wanted to use early suppression fast resonse (ESFR) sprinklers but had solid shelving, you were out of luck (go directly to jail – do not pass go – do not collect $200). Up until the 2010 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for …
Read More »