Automotive battery storage

[Code Neophyte]

Would a 10,000 s.f. distribution center / retail outlet for automotive batteries be classified as a straight-forward S-1 (/B or M), or an H-4 (due to the volume of corrosives)? Are there any unique occupancy requirements for this type of operation? I appreciate any and all replies!

 

[Coug Dad]

Re: Automotive battery storage

The base is 500 gallons of electrolyte per control area or 1,000 gallons if sprinklered.

This can be increased to 975 gallons per control area or 1,950 if sprinklered and storage is in accordance with Fire Code Section 2703.11.

No limit if batteries are shipped dry.

There may be another exception for sealed batteries, but I am not finding it off the top of my head.

 

[cda]

Re: Automotive battery storage

Chapter 23 IFC???

what are the casings made out of??? Plastic problem???

 

[Insurance Engineer]

Re: Automotive battery storage

Per NFPA 13 regarding commodity classification:

Batteries

Automobile — filled Class I, (see b below)

Truck or larger — empty or filled Group A plastics

b Most batteries have a polypropylene case and, if stored empty, should be

treated as a GroupAplastic. Truck batteries, even where filled, should be

considered a Group A plastic because of their thicker walls.

 

[Code Neophyte]

Re: Automotive battery storage

Your responses have set me off in the right direction. Thanks!