What is the minimum operating pressure for sprinklers serving a storage area with commodities?

The minimum operating pressure for sprinklers serving a storage area with commodities is recognized within the industry to be 15 psi. This pressure level is established to ensure adequate performance of the sprinkler system when activated. A pressure of 15 psi is generally considered sufficient to provide effective distribution of water over the target area, enabling the sprinklers to deliver the necessary flow rate to suppress or control a potential fire involving commodities.

In fire protection systems, especially in areas dealing with varied storage goods, maintaining adequate pressure is crucial for ensuring that all specified areas receive water coverage and that the system can respond effectively to a fire incident. The choice of 15 psi represents a balance between effectiveness and the practicalities of system design, allowing for reliable operation under various conditions.