Can the area of Class A and B factories and warehouses double after installing sprinkler systems?

Sorry, the above should be “spray””

Thank you to the person above; according to code 3.3.3, the value can be doubled when sprinklers are used. However, it’s not clear whether this doubling applies to factories and warehouses of categories A and B

Perhaps my understanding is incorrect; Code 3.3.3 states that the area can be doubled when an automatic fire suppression system is installed. The original poster mentioned \"sprinklers\", and it seems that sprinklers and automatic fire suppression systems are not the same thing. Reference: https://bbs.hcbbs.com/thread-758179-1-1.html

Thank you to the person above; it was my wording that was incorrect. It should be “automatic fire suppression system”. According to code requirement 3.3.3, the value can be doubled in such cases, but the plumbing regulations do not require automatic fire suppression systems in factories and warehouses of categories A and B. Some people believe that in factories and warehouses of categories A and B where there is a risk of explosion, even if an automatic fire suppression system is installed, the value cannot be doubled. Please clarify this for me.

See the notes to Article 3.3.3 in 50016: Article 3.3.3 The automatic fire suppression system can promptly control and extinguish any incipient fires within a fire compartment, thereby effectively preventing the spread of fire. Well-maintained automatic fire suppression systems can significantly enhance the fire safety of factories and warehouses. Therefore, in accordance with this provision, once automatic fire suppression systems are installed in factories and warehouses, the floor area of fire compartments and the land area occupied by warehouses can be increased in accordance with the requirements of Tables 3.3.1 and 3.3.2. However, for cold storage facilities, since the floor area of each fire compartment within them has been significantly adjusted in accordance with the requirements of these specifications, once an automatic fire extinguishing system is installed in a fire compartment, its floor area cannot be increased any further in line with the relevant provisions of these specifications. Generally, when installing an automatic fire extinguishing system in a fire compartment, it is necessary to install it throughout the entire compartment. However, sometimes within a fire compartment, some areas have a lower risk of fire and therefore do not require automatic fire suppression systems, while other areas have a higher risk of fire and thus require such systems to be installed there. In such cases, the additional area within the fire compartment can only be included in the total floor area of the fire compartment at twice the size of the floor area of that specific area equipped with an automatic fire suppression system; however, both the specific area and the additional area must be equipped with an automatic fire suppression system. To prevent the spread of fire caused by system failure, fire-resistant partitions must also be used within that fire compartment to separate it from areas without automatic fire suppression systems. This clause does not state that warehouses and buildings of Category A and B are not subject to it; in my opinion, they are also applicable. However, the necessity of expanding the area and its safety and economic viability must be thoroughly considered. Is it necessary to expand the area? If so, safety investments and management costs, as well as safety risks, will increase ； Reasonable fire compartmentation is the priority in fire protection design.

Thank you very much for your professional and detailed response; I have learned a great deal from it. Thank you!

Hello, I read Professor Ni Zhaopeng’s new book titled \"Clarifications on Common Issues in Fire Protection Design for Architectural Buildings.\" In the book, he argues that in Class A and B explosive areas, an accident results in an explosion first, and combustion occurs afterward; by that point, the automatic fire suppression systems have already failed. Moreover, the requirements regarding the installation of such systems outlined in Code 8.3.1 do not apply to Class A and B explosive areas. That is why this question arises; although the official provisions do not state that Class A and Class B explosive areas are exempt from Article 3.3.3 of the building codes.

Is this teacher a bookworm? Does an accident mean an explosion? Where does this logic come from? According to the regulations, it is allowed to install automatic fire suppression systems, and the area can be doubled! But except for categories A and B, those containing water-sensitive substances cannot use water-based systems. Regardless of what others think, everything should be based on rules and regulations. If decisions are made based on whatever people think, then chaos will ensue. It would mean that those with more power and influence get to decide things, which would result in rule-by-man rather than rule-of-law~~~

Thank you so much! Indeed, the regulations do not state that Category A and B items cannot have their amounts doubled. Teacher Ni is very authoritative when it comes to standards; after reading this book, I still feel a bit scared