How to Determine

Commodity Classification
It’s Not as Easy as You Think
TRACEY BELLAMY, P.E., C.F.P.S. | Telgian Corporation

So you think you can determine the exact commodity classifica- • Class I
tion for a specific packaged arrangement of materials using your A noncombustible product:
knowledge of the commodity classification definitions provided 1. on a wood pallet
by NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems? 2. in single layer corrugated carton
Well, think again. No, you can’t. It’s just not that easy.The heat 3. shrink wrapped or paper wrapped
release rate associated with the burning of a specific arrangement • Class II
of packaged materials is an extremely complex occurrence A noncombustible product:
involving a multitude of influences, including but not limited 1. in slatted wood crate
to, the materials involved, including the stored materials as well 2. in solid wood box
as the packaging; the quantity of each of the materials; the 3. in multi-layer corrugated carton
Copyright 2015 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Licensed, by agreement, for individual use and single download via NFCSS All Access on October 5, 2015 This documen
relative position of the materials within the storage array to the • Class III
Wellen. No other reproduction or transmission in any form permitted without written permission of NFPA. For inquires or to report unauthorized use, contact l

advancing flame front; the physical configuration of the 1. Wood*

13–28 INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
materials and available paths for air flow and fire spread within 2. Paper*
the array; and the list goes on. This doesn’t even consider that 3. Natural Fibers*
the commodity classification is also impacted by the ability, or 4. Group
25 C Plastics* – See list of Group C Plastics in 5.6.4.3
lack thereof, of the discharging water from the operating
Percentage by Weight of Group A

20
sprinklers to affect the heat release rate. *May include ≤5 percent Group A or B Plastic (by weight forA
Group
Unexpanded Plastic

Group A Expanded
unexpanded
15 or by volume for expanded). See Figures
Base Code Mandate The commodity classification defini- 5.6.3.3.3(a) and (b).
10
tions in Chapter 5 of NFPA 13 provide a relatively simple set
of criteria to establish the commodity classification, among • Class 5 IV
IV

one of eight different classifications, based on the materials 1. Group III B Plastic – See list of Group B Plastics in 5.6.4.2

included in the package load along with any pallet used for 2. Free 0
Flowing
5 10Group 15 A Plastic 20 25 30 35 40

material handling. These stated definitions provide the 3. Cartoned or in a wooden crate that
Percentage by Volume of Group A Plastic
III - Class III Commodity. Refer to 5.6.2 if a plastic pallet is used.
contains >5 percent
following for product stored with or without metal or IVup toIV Commodity.
- Class 15 percent Unexpanded
Refer to 5.6.2 Group A Plastic b
if a plastic pallet is used.
Copyright 2015 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Licensed, by agreement, for individual use and single download via NFCSS All Access on October 5, 2015 This document is for NFPA Committee use only by Thomas
wooden pallets: weight**
5.6.3.3.3(a)(See list ofContaining
Wellen. No other reproduction or transmission in any form permitted without written permission of NFPA. For inquires or to report unauthorized use, contact [email protected].
FIGURE Commodities GroupaAMixture Plastics in 5.6.4.1)
of Expanded and Unexpanded Group
A Plastics.
13–28 INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

25 25
Percentage by Weight of Group A

Percentage by Weight of Group A

20 20
Group A Group A Group A
Unexpanded Plastic

Group A
Unexpanded Plastic

Expanded Unexpanded Expanded

15 15

10 10
IV
IV
5 5
III III
0 0
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Percentage by Volume of Group A Plastic Percentage by Volume of Group A Expanded Plastic
III - Class III Commodity. Refer to 5.6.2 if a plastic pallet is used. III - Class III Commodity. Refer to 5.6.2 if a plastic pallet is used.
IV - Class IV Commodity. Refer to 5.6.2 if a plastic pallet is used. IV - Class IV Commodity. Refer to 5.6.2 if a plastic pallet is used.

Figure
FIGURE 1. NFPA 13, Figure
5.6.3.3.3(a) 5.6.3.3.3(a).
Commodities Commodities
Containing a Mixture ofcontaining a mixture
Expanded and of Group
Unexpanded Figure
FIGURE 2. NFPA 13, Figure
5.6.3.3.3(b) 5.6.3.3.3(b).
Exposed Expanded
Commodities commodities
Containing containing
a Mixture of Expandedaand mixture
Unex-
A Plastics. panded Group A Plastics.
expanded and unexpanded Group A plastics. Reprinted with permission from NFPA of expanded and unexpanded Group A plastics. Reprinted with permission from
13-2016, Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook, Copyright © 2015, National Fire NFPA 13-2016, Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook, Copyright © 2015, National
(1) Fluoroplastics (PCTFE — polychlorotrifluoroethylene; 5.6.5.1 through 5.6.5.4 shall apply and shall b
Protection Association, Quincy, MA. This reprinted material is not the complete and Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. This reprinted material
PTFE — polytetrafluoroethylene) mineisthe
notsprinkler
the complete
system design criteria.
official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented only by and
(2) official
Melamineposition of theformaldehyde)
(melamine NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented
5.6.5.1 Heavyweight Class. Heavyweight class
(3) Phenolic
the standard25in its entirety. only
(4) by
PVCthe standard
(polyvinyl in its entirety.
chloride — flexible — PVCs with plasti- so as to include paperboard and paper stoc
cizer content up to 20 percent) weight [weight per 1000 ft2 (92.9 m2)] of 20
t of Group A

20 (5) PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride)

10 Sprinkler Age | March/AprilGroup
2016A Group A (6) PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) 5.6.5.2 Mediumweight Class. Mediumweight
fined so as to include all the broad range of
lastic

Unexpanded Expanded (7) Urea (urea formaldehyde)

15 basis weight [weight per 1000 ft2 (92.9 m2)]
 4. Cartoned or in a wooden crate that contains >5 percent # Product Material Packaging Material
up to 25 percent Expanded Group A Plastic by volume**
1 Toilet Tissue Plastic Wrapped
5. Cartoned or in a wooden crate that contains a mix of
Unexpanded and Expanded Group A Plastic within the 2 Wax Coated Paper Cups Cartoned
Class IV region of Figure 5.6.3.3.3(a)** 3 Banded Load of 4ft x 8ft None
6. Exposed that contains a mix of Unexpanded and Expand- Sheets of Plywood
ed Group A Plastic within the Class IV region of Figure 4 Noncombustible powder One-gallon plastic container
5.6.3.3.3(b)**
Figure 3. Classifying commodities.

**Remainder being metal, wood, paper, natural or synthetic

fibers, Group B or C Plastics. (See Figures 1 and 2 on page 10.) Classifying Commodities Now that we’re armed with these
mandatory provisions of NFPA 13 related to the determination of
Group A Plastics – There are four distinct commodity classifi- the proper commodity classification, let’s take a stab at classifying
cations under the designation as a Group A Plastic a few commodities. (See Figure 3 above.)
• Cartoned Unexpanded Group A
1. Cartoned or in a wooden crate that contains >15 percent Using the provided definitions for commodities in Chapter 5 and
by weight of Unexpanded Group A Plastic† the aid of Table A.5.6.1.1 we can step through each as follows:
2. Cartoned on in a wooden crate that contains >25 percent 1. Toilet tissue is a paper product falling within the bounds of the
up to 40 percent by volume of Expanded Group A Plastic† definition of a Class III Commodity. The inclusion of the plastic
3. Cartoned or in a wooden crate that contains a mix of wrapping material would fall well within the 5 percent weight/
Unexpanded and Expanded Group A Plastic within the volume allowance for a plastic material within the packaged load
Group A region of Figure 5.6.3.3.3(a) † also within the bounds of a Class III Commodity.
• Cartoned Expanded Group A 2. Paper cups would certainly also fall within the bounds of the
1. Cartoned or in a wooden crate that contains >40 percent definition of a Class III Commodity; however, the definitions
by volume Expanded Group A Plastic† do not provide specific guidance as to how to address a wax-
• Exposed Unexpanded Group A coated paper product. For purposes of evaluation let’s assume
1. Exposed that contains >15 percent by weight of Unex- we would treat it as a Group A Plastic component and again
panded Group A Plastic† this coating material would surely fall well below the threshold
2. Exposed that contains >5 percent up to 25 percent by vol- of the 5 percent weight/volume allowance of a plastic material.
ume of Expanded Group A Plastic† So, another Class III Commodity.
3. Exposed that contains a mix of Unexpanded and Expand- 3. Plywood is a wood product again within the exact bounds of a
ed Plastic within the Group A Unexpanded region of Figure Class III Commodity.
5.6.3.3.3(b) † 4. A noncombustible powder would fall within the bounds of a
• Exposed Expanded Group A Class I or Class II Commodity; however, the material is
1. Exposed that contains >25 percent by volume Expanded contained in a one-gallon plastic container. The definitions for
Group A Plastic† these two Commodity classifications do not allow for any
plastic materials within the packaged load. Assuming that the
† Remainder being noncombustible, wood, paper, natural or plastic container material does not exceed the 5 percent weight/
synthetic fibers or Group A, Group B or Group C Plastics volume allowance, the Commodity could then be considered a
Class III Commodity.
If the product is stored on a non-listed high-density polyethylene
(HDPE) or polypropylene plastic pallets, the commodity Wow that was easy – Class III Commodities across the board. But
classification is bumped up one commodity classification for how accurate was our determination? Let’s take a look. Aside from
non-reinforced pallets and two commodity classifications for the definitions previously provided and discussed, additional Annex
reinforced pallets, except that no additional increase in commod- material is provided in the way of Commodity classification
ity classification is required beyond a Group A Plastic designation. examples in Tables A.5.6.3, A.5.6.3.1, A.5.6.3.2, A.5.6.3.3,
A.5.6.3.4, and A.5.6.4.1 to aid in the proper Commodity classifica-
As an aid to further ease the proper identification of the tion. Taking a look at Table A.5.6.3 (the alphabetical listing of
commodity classification, a new Table A.5.6.1.1 has been added Commodity classification examples) for each of the above described
to the Annex to provide a roadmap for navigation for these examples we find the following:
rules. The use of this Table starts by identifying the construc- 1. Tissue Products; Plastic Wrapped; Uncartoned – Group A
tion material for the stored product in the first column, then Nonexpanded (since it is uncartoned, it would further be
moving to the second column to identify the packaging designated as Exposed Unexpanded Group A Plastic)
materials, and along to the third column to include the type of 2. Cellulosic Paper Products; Wax Coated (e.g., paper plates, cups)
pallet, if any, utilized for support of the load which then lands Loosely Packed; Cartoned – Group A Nonexpanded (since it is
the user in the fourth column that either identifies the commod- cartoned, it would further be designated as Cartoned Unex-
ity classification or directs the user to the appropriate Figure panded Group A Plastic); if the cups are Nested; Cartoned –
and/or Section for final determination. Class IV Commodity
12 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016
 Standardized Test Commodities
Class II Class III Class IV

Cartoned Unexpanded Cartoned, Expanded Exposed, Expanded

Group A Plastic Group A Plastic Group A Plastic

Figure 4. Standardized test commodities. Photo reprinted with permission

COPYRIGHT © 2015 UL of Underwriters
LLC. ALL RIGHTSLaboratories Inc. Copyright
RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT2015
MAY UL
NOTLLC.
BE 1
REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC.

3. Wood Products (e.g., fiberboard, lumber, partible board, examples in the Annex; however, as the real world would have it, we
plywood, pressboard, with smooth ends and edges); bundled consistently find ourselves in a position to be asked to classify a
solid blocks – Class II Commodity commodity that is not included in this list. In those circumstances
4. Powders; Noncombustible; Plastic Bottles or Jars up to One-Gal- one must use care and significant judgment for such a determina-
lon capacity Cartoned – Class IV tion. In reviewing the list of examples in the Annex, one might
utilize a comparative assessment technique to try and find a best fit
As you can see, the utilization of the mandated provisions of match for something similar to the specific product at hand. As a
Chapter 5 as a means of determination of Commodity classification further judgment, one might consider a comparative burning rate
is fraught with problems that can end up with incorrect Commod- of the specific product against those of the standard test commodi-
ity classifications both to a lesser and worse degree than the ties utilized for each of the eight commodity classifications.
commodity examples would indicate.
A comparative assessment using applied judgment is essential to the
These examples provided in the 2016 edition of NFPA 13 have proper determination of Commodity classification for the broad
been completely reworked and revised to enhance the usability and range of products that exist and are encountered in the real world;
accuracy of the information provided. A significant number of however, this applied judgment cannot be taken lightly. The proper
items have been added and deleted and modified based on the best classification of the commodity is essential to the proper design of
available commodity classification designations. One of the items the system. A misclassification in commodity will result in an
that the definitions in Chapter 5 fails to address that the examples incorrectly designed sprinkler system. As you can see – it’s just not
do address/include is the position of the various combustible that easy. n
materials within the packaged load, such as plastic materials that are
positioned at the face of the packaged load that would represent a AUTHOR’S NOTE: Tracey Bellamy, P.E., C.F.P.S.,
direct exposure to fire growth as opposed to being an internal is chief engineering officer for Telgian Corpora-
element that would not. Additionally, the configuration of the tion, Atlanta, Georgia. He is active in NFPA and
represents the company on a number of technical
materials including available fire spread paths and available air flow committees including NFPA 13, 30B, and 101.
is considered. Bellamy is a graduate of the University of South
Carolina with undergraduate and master’s degree
in civil engineering. He is a registered Fire Protec-
From a user perspective, a simple utilization of the rules prescribed tion and Civil Engineer.
in Chapter 5 would fall significantly short of allowing for a proper
determination of commodity classification. As a result, the use of
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This article and its content are not a Formal Inter-
the examples in the Annex is an essential part of the proper pretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is
determination. In the examples reviewed previously, the determina- the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily
tion was fairly straightforward once we found a match in the list of present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.

Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016 13