Summary

Research was conducted to determine the thermal sensitivity and water discharge requirements for pendent and sidewall extended coverage sprinklers (with standard and quick response thermal sensitive elements) in light hazard occupancies. Approval criteria were sought which would allow for simpler installation standards than those of existing extended coverage sprinklers. A series of free burn full-scale tests with heptane pool fires was conducted to determine the response of sprinklers as a function of the Response Time Index (RTI), Conduc-tivity Factor (C), temperature rating, and room dimensions for a selected fire size. In addition, a series of six full-scale sprinklered fire tests was conducted to determine sprinkler discharge requirements using a light hazard scenario. Based on the test results, recommenda-tions for approval criteria for pendent and sidewall standard response and quick response, extended coverage sprinklers have been made in terms of RTI, C, temperature rating, water densities, and wall wetting capabilities. Sprinklers evaluated under the new criteria are recom-mended for installation in light hazard occupancies with smooth horizontal ceilings, having ceiling heights no greater than 3 m. I NTRODUCTIO