Technical reports supporting code change
FM conducts research in fire, construction, natural hazards and risk evaluation. This research is incorporated into the FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets for use by our engineering field staff to support our client’s efforts to protect their business from a significant loss. In addition to supporting the development of the Data Sheets, the research is also used to enhance external standards and codes. This section contains reports that are generated to update/modify/develop national and international codes and standards. They are being provided to ensure the information is freely available to anyone who is interested in understanding the supporting material used for the code/standard criteria.
- Technical Report for EN12845
This report was prepared for the European Committee of Standardization, CEN TC191/WG5 to provide technical information for the full revision of EN12845 – Fixed firefighting systems – Automatic sprinkler systems - Design, installation and maintenance. Specifically, this information supports the proposal of limiting the in-process or incidental storage to 6 m² (64 ft2) [4 pallets] for goods with plastic content up to 1.8 m (6 ft) high and goods without plastics to 20 m² (220 ft2) up to 3 m (10 ft) high with a minimum 2.4 m (8 ft) aisle between multiple storage areas. - Technical Report for NFPA 13
Large-Scale Validation of: (1) In-Rack Automatic Sprinkler Designs for Open-Frame Rack Storage Using Quick-Response, Pendent K200 lpm/bar1/2 (K14.0 gpm/psi1/2) and Larger Sprinklers, and (2) Protection of Uncartoned Unexpanded Plastics in Open-Frame Double-Row Racks Using Two Different In-Rack Sprinkler Protection Arrangements - Technical Report for NFPA 30B
Fire Protection Scheme A for Cartoned Plastic Aerosol 3 Products and Level 2 and 3 Aerosol Products - Technical Report for NFPA 30B - Plastic Aerosol Products
To support the continued development of plastic aerosol products, and their required protection, FM conducted testing on several new product variables of plastic aerosol containers. The results of the program identified two products to classify as Plastic Aerosol 3, two products to classify as a new product category Plastic Aerosol 2, and two products to classify as a new product category Plastic Aerosol Cooking Sprays. -
Technical Report for NFPA 30 - Distilled Spirits in Wooden Barrels
This report summarizes two full-scale fire test programs intended to define automatic sprinkler protection for wooden barrel storage in palletized and rack storage arrays. The testing used simulated distilled spirits consisting of 75% (by volume) of denatured alcohol in water and evaluated both wet and dry automatic sprinkler protection. - Technical Report for NFPA 30 - Small Metal Containers
This report summarizes two full-scale fire test projects intended to determine the fire protection needs for uncartoned 5 gal (19 L) metal containers arranged in a palletized and rack storage array. In addition, a test on palletized cartoned 1 gal (3.8 L) metal containers is also presented. The testing was completed in 2008 (palletized storage project) and 2016 (rack storage project). The test programs looked at heptane [liquid with a flash point under 200°F (93°C)] and mineral seal oil [liquid with a flash point greater than 200°F (93°C)] filled containers. This report has been generated to support proposed changes to the 2021 edition of NFPA 30. - Technical Report for NFPA 30 - General Purpose Warehouse Protection
This report summarizes full scale fire testing completed by FM since 1994 defining the hazard and new protection options for various ignitable liquid-container combinations. The report has been generated to support proposed changes to the 2018 edition of NFPA 30. Testing covers alcohols in plastic and glass containers, low flash point liquids in very small plastic containers, and cooking oils in consumer packaging. - Technical Report for NFPA 13
ESFR Sprinkler Protection of Exposed Nonexpanded Group A Plastics for Ceilings over 30 ft (9.1 m) and up to 40 ft (12.2 m) High