Chapter 32 — HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE
Section 3209
California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California
CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
3209.1 General. Automated storage shall be in accordance¶
with this section.
3209.2 Automatic sprinklers. Where automatic sprinklers¶
are required by Table 3206.2, the building shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
3209.3 Carousel storage. High-piled storage areas having¶
greater than 500 square feet (46 m 2 ) of carousel storage shall be provided with automatic shutdown in accordance with one of the following:
- An automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907, with coverage extending 15 feet (4575 mm) in all directions beyond unenclosed carousel storage systems and that sounds a local alarm at the operator’s station and stops the carousel storage system upon the activation of a single detector.
TABLE 3208.3 REQUIRED FLUE SPACES FOR RACK STORAGE
| RACK CONFIGURATION |
FLUE DESIGN | AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER PROTECTION | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RACK CONFIGURATION |
FLUE DESIGN | FLUE DESIGN | Sprinklers at the ceiling with or without minimum in-rack sprinklers |
Sprinklers at the ceiling with or without minimum in-rack sprinklers |
In-rack sprinklers at every tier |
| RACK CONFIGURATION |
FLUE DESIGN | FLUE DESIGN | Storage height ≤ 25 feet | Storage height > 25 feet | Any height |
| Single-row rack | Transverse flue space | Sizeb | 3 inches | 3 inches | Not required |
| Single-row rack | Transverse flue space | Vertically aligned | Not required | Yes | Not required |
| Single-row rack | Longitudinal flue space | Longitudinal flue space | Not required | Not required | Not required |
| Double-row rack (Option 1) |
Transverse flue space | Sizeb | 6 inchesa | 3 inches | Not required |
| Double-row rack (Option 1) |
Transverse flue space | Vertically aligned | Not required | Yes | Not required |
| Double-row rack (Option 1) |
Longitudinal flue space | Longitudinal flue space | Not required | 6 inches | Not required |
| Double-row rack (Option 2) |
Transverse flue space | Sizeb | 3 inches | 6 inches | Not required |
| Double-row rack (Option 2) |
Transverse flue space | Vertically aligned | Not required | Yes | Not required |
| Double-row rack (Option 2) |
Longitudinal flue space | Longitudinal flue space | 6 inches | Not required | Not required |
| Multiple-row rack | Transverse flue space | Sizeb | 6 inches | 6 inches | Not required |
| Multiple-row rack | Transverse flue space | Vertically aligned | Not required | Yes | Not required |
| Multiple-row rack | Longitudinal flue space | Longitudinal flue space | Not required | Not required | Not required |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. Three-inch transverse flue spaces shall be provided not less than every 10 feet where ESFR sprinkler protection is provided. b. Random variations are allowed, provided that the configuration does not obstruct water penetration.
32-18 2022 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
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HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE
An automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907 and within enclosed carousel storage systems, that sounds a local alarm at the operator’s station and stops the carousel storage system upon the activation of a single detector.
A single dead-man-type control switch that allows the operation of the carousel storage system only when the operator is present. The switch shall be in the same room as the carousel storage system and located to provide for observation of the carousel system.
3209.4 Automated rack storage. High-piled storage areas¶
with automated rack storage shall be provided with a manually activated emergency shutdown switch and automatic shutdown in accordance with Sections 3209.4.1 and 3209.4.2.
3209.4.1 Manual activated shutdown. A manually activated switch shall be provided to initiate the approved automatic shutdown process. The switch shall be clearly identified and shall be in a location approved by the fire code official.
3209.4.2 Automatic shutdown. Automatic shutdown shall be required for high-piled combustible storage areas greater than 500 square feet (46 m 2 ). The approved automatic shutdown process shall commence upon any of the following events:
Water flow is detected in the automatic sprinkler system, if present.
Activation of the fire detection system, if present.
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