Sorry for the late response been on vacation. All NFPA documents have this
1.5 Equivalency. Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or
superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this standard. Technical documentation shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency. The system,
method, or device shall be approved for the intended purpose by the authority having jurisdiction.
1.6 New Technology.
1.6.1 Nothing in this standard shall be intended to restrict new technologies or alternate arrangements, provided the
level of safety prescribed by this standard is not lowered.
When dealing with storage occupancies so much full scale testing has been done in the last few years. Some of the sprinkler designs in NFPA 13, 2010 has been added as well as FM data 8-9. Always check the sprinkler mfg cut sheets they are mostly up to date. Do not forget NFPA 30 a lot of full scale testing on flammable liquids storage occupancies have been done BUT not ALL storage configurations. Remember the sprinkler design is only part of the story you have to review drainage and the movement of the liquid. AFFF foam is what you should see or very large drainage systems to get the water and product out of the building.