In-rack warehouse sprinkler

Warehouse Sprinkler Systems

Ensure the safety of employees and products
in a distribution center.

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Learn about Warehouse Sprinkler Systems

Warehouse sprinkler systems are placed strategically within a warehouse to suppress and extinguish a fire. Sprinkler systems are often required by municipalities to comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations. These regulations were created to ensure the safety of employees and protection of assets in a distribution center.

RCS is a woman owned and operated, WBE certified company that provides full project management of warehouse fire sprinkler systems, including permitting support and installation. We work with end users, manufacturers, dealers, and contractors to provide a safe, compliant material handling system. We partner with a highly rated fire protection engineering firm to create the proper drawings necessary to comply with all fire codes applicable to your municipality.

RCS Warehouse Sprinkler
System Services

RCS is a team of experts that thoroughly understand the requirements of overhead and in-rack sprinkler systems. We ensure this complex process runs smoothly so that your material handling system can be completed on time.

We provide full project management of overhead and in-rack sprinkler systems for all types of rack systems, including multi-level rack systems. We take all steps necessary to provide you with a safe, compliant material handling system.

01 Sprinkler System Evaluation

02 Permitting Support

03 Sprinkler System Procurement and Installation

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Types of Warehouse Sprinkler Systems

Through a sprinkler system evaluation, RCS will identify what type of sprinkler system is necessary in your warehouse. Sometimes, minor corrections to the existing overhead system are sufficient. Other times, the installation of a new sprinkler system is necessary. Two general types of sprinkler systems include overhead sprinklers and in-rack sprinklers.

Overhead Sprinklers

Overhead sprinklers are fire suppression systems that are installed on the ceiling. There are many types of overhead sprinkler systems available, for example, ESFR systems (Early Suppression, Fast Response).

Often, a warehouse will have an existing overhead sprinkler system installed. 
In this case, RCS can often identify minor corrections to the existing overhead system that will satisfy life safety requirements.

pallet racking with overhead lighting and sprinkler systems

In-Rack Sprinklers

In-rack sprinkler systems, when required, are placed strategically within a rack system. Since they’re typically placed on multiple levels of the system, it delivers water immediately to all storage areas necessary. This can help avoid extra product loss due to water being released only in the bay(s) needed.

In-rack sprinklers are usually required for multi-level systems. This is because it’s more difficult for water from the ceiling to penetrate the lower levels of a dense, multi-level system.

For freestanding systems, what commodity is being stored is often the driver of whether in-rack sprinklers are required. For example, the storage of motor oil, aerosols, and some flammable plastics all require a sprinkler system. Additionally, the presence of an existing sprinkler system, such as an ESFR sprinkler system, can affect what is going to be required.

Fire sprinkler system inside of a warehouse racking system

Warehouse Fire Sprinkler Systems
with RCS it’s easy

01 Step One

An RCS expert will determine where all sprinklers should be located to satisfy local municipality requirements.

We will provide this information to all applicable parties to have this included in the CADD drawings.

02 Step Two

We will determine if a high pile storage permit is required. If required, we will provide a high pile storage drawing containing all life safety information, including sprinkler and fire protection information. This is then submitted to the municipality for approval.

03 Step Three

Once all drawings are completed and all required permits are obtained, RCS engineers will source sprinklers from our network of approved vendors based on requirements and cost. We’ll work with all necessary parties to install these.

RCS is a team of experts that
thoroughly understand the
requirements
of warehouse
sprinkler systems

pallet racking with overhead lighting and sprinkler systems

161

Combined years of experience project managing material handling systems

243

Combined years of experience engineering material handling systems

373

Combined years of experience implementing material handling system safety regulations

Case Studies and Articles

Fire sprinkler system inside of a warehouse racking system

Warehouse Fire Safety 101: A Guide

Looking for a starting point to warehouse fire safety? Read our guide to better understand warehouse fire prevention, detection, suppression, and emergency procedures.

Close up of sprinkler head in a warehouse catwalk system

How Do Fire Sprinklers Work: Each Part Explained 

Fire sprinklers are an essential part to keeping your facility safe. Check out our guide that explains how sprinklers work, their different parts, and how to make sure you are code compliant.

Warehouse catwalk system with in-rack lighting and sprinklers

Working with a Systems Integrator on Catwalk Racking Project

A material handling systems integrator hired RCS as a subcontractor to help with several aspects of their catwalk rack project. These include lighting, sprinklers, rack installation, and permitting support. Read how RCS worked with the integrator to streamline their project.

Pallet racking with arrows depicting transverse flue spaces

Flue Spaces 101: A Guide to the Different Types & Benefits

Don’t let flue spaces go overlooked in your building design. Check out our guide that explains the different types of flue spaces and their benefits for fire safety.

pallet rack system with overhead lighting

Lighting and Fan Relocation

Contributing Authors: Lori Palmer and Joe Kane Concern: Problematic lighting and fan placement in existing warehouse An IT company was working with a material handling systems integrator to build a new selective rack system. The system would hold pallets of IT equipment that is used to replenish the company’s data centers. The selective rack system […]

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact the Sprinkler System Experts at RCS

Contact RCS for more information. We work with end users, manufacturers, dealers, and contractors.

Our team will be happy to help you better understand our services and provide you with a quote.

Call us at (630) 247-6934 or email at info@rcscorp.com.