MILWAUKEE — Johnson Controls, a global provider of smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, introduces the Tyco Model ES-1 and ES-2 Sprinkler Shields for the protection of in-rack early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers in storage facilities and warehouses. The all-metal shields work to protect sprinkler elements from cold soldering, which occurs when cascading water from ceiling-mounted and high-mounted, in-rack sprinklers cool down and inhibits the operation of in-rack sprinklers mounted at lower heights.
As storage ceiling and rack heights continue to trend higher and hold higher-hazard material, like non-expanded and expanded plastics, the need for in-rack sprinklers has increased. When used in conjunction with ceiling protection, in-rack ESFRs have become an integral component in an overall fire protection solution. FM datasheets 8-9 and 8-34 now require that when multiple levels of ESFR sprinklers are used, the sprinklers below the highest level have shields to protect them from getting wet should a sprinkler above them operate.