Fire Safety Science Digital Archive

Large-scale fire tests were conducted to evaluate K-factor* 360 (K25.2), suppression-mode sprinkler protection for exposed, expanded plastics stored in buildings with ceiling heights up to 18.3 m (60 ft). Six tests evaluated the effect of large ceiling clearance, i.e., a wide separation from the top of a fuel array to the ceiling. These tests used 4.6 m (15 ft) high rack storage arrangements of HDPE plastic pallets under 13.7 m (45 ft), 15.2 m (50 ft), 16.7 m (55 ft) and 18.3 m (60 ft) ceilings. Four tests evaluated the effectiveness of K360 suppression-mode sprinkler protection under 12.2 m (40 ft) and 13.7 m (45 ft) ceilings using the standard FM Global suppression-mode sprinkler evaluation fire test protocol. Test results are presented.