The Reliable K-22 Magnum early-suppression, fast-response (ESFR) sprinkler recently approved by FM Approvals delivers 150 gpm of water at 50 psi. According to FM Approvals, the system suppresses fires rather than controls them.
The sprinkler was tested according to requirements of Approval Standard 2008, Early Suppression Fast-Response Automatic Sprinklers. The K-22 uses a glass bulb thermal sensor, available in 155° F or 200° F temperature ratings.
The K-22 joins four previously approved K25 ESFR sprinklers in the FM Approval Guide.
Rich Ferror, FM Appovals technical team manager, says the K22 and K25 sprinklers are “essentially interchangeable.” He added, however, that the K22 might be more desirable when water pressure is good but the water supply is limited.
FM Approval lists the following advantages for K22 and K25 ESFR sprinklers:
- Protects buildings with 45-foot ceiling heights and 40-foot storage heights. (The K14 system protects 40-foot ceiling heights and 35-foot storage areas.
- Eliminates the need for in-rack sprinklers in most warehouse applications.
- Allows for 18 inches of clearance from deflector to the ceiling.
- Eliminates the need for a fire pump and suction tank in some applications
The newly approved K 22 ESFR sprinkler is intended for the protection of Class I to IV commodities and Group A or B plastics, including cartoned unexpanded plastics. The storage can be palletized and solid-piled, open-frame single or multiple rows, and portable rack storage.
Ferron notes that because the K22 and K25 ESFR sprinklers are relatively new to the market, they have not yet been tested in as many applications as the Kl4. FM Approval put its initial effort into the K14 , Ferron said, because it could be retrofitted using existing (3/4-inch) pipe and fittings. The K22 and K25 sprinklers have one-inch thread size.
Source: FM Approvals, Norwood, MA Approved Product News, 18:2, 2002,2-4.
