Source: TS EN 12845+A2:2026, Clause G.3 "Clothes in multiple garment hanging storage", G.3.1-G.3.5 (EN p.145-146), G.3.6 and G.3.7 with Figure G.1 (EN p.147).
This is one of the most detailed clauses in Annex G. Two frequent mistakes should be corrected at the outset: hanging garment storage is G.3 (G.5 is idle pallets), and the ceiling density is given in G.3.5 as a single value, but conditionally.
G.3.1 Scope
Clause G.3.1 (EN p.145): This annex contains special requirements for intensive hanging garment stores having multiple rows of garment racks at two or more levels. Such stores might have automatic or semi-automatic garment delivery, picking or transportation systems. Access to elevated garment storage levels within the warehouse is usually by walkways and ramps. A common feature of hanging garment storage is that there is no fire separation between the decks. Walkways, aisles, ramps and garment racks create a significant obstruction to ceiling level sprinkler protection.
Clause G.3.1 continues (EN p.146): Protection of hanging garments stored in carousels or vertical blocks without aisles, and of configurations other than those described in G.3, is beyond the scope of this annex.
G.3.2 Categorization
Clause G.3.2 (EN p.146) is a single sentence: "The requirements of this annex shall be applied to all types of garments, irrespective of their storage category."
This provision invalidates the common practice of changing the category according to the proportion of plastic hangers or the type of fabric: whatever the garment type, G.3 applies.
G.3.3 Sprinkler protection other than at ceiling
Clause G.3.3 (EN p.146) requires the sprinkler protection to be in accordance with the requirements for in-rack sprinklers, and gives the following geometric limits:
| Topic | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rows of hanging garments side by side in each garment rack | Maximum 2 rows | G.3.3, EN p.146 |
| Storage height between intermediate levels of sprinklers | 3.5 m | G.3.3, EN p.146 |
| Aisle width between racks | At least 0.8 m | G.3.3, EN p.146 |
| Sprinkler row protecting each rack | Single row | G.3.3, EN p.146 |
| Spacing between sprinkler rows | Does not exceed 3.0 m | G.3.3, EN p.146 |
| Horizontal sprinkler interval along the rack | Does not exceed 2.8 m | G.3.3, EN p.146 |
| Distance from the rack end to the nearest sprinkler | Maximum 1.4 m | G.3.3, EN p.146 |
| Clearance between the top of the garments and the sprinkler deflector | At least 0.15 m | G.3.3, EN p.146 |
The sprinklers installed directly above the garment racks are stagger-spaced in the vertical plane (Figure G.1, EN p.147).
Baffle (capping)
Clause G.3.3 (EN p.146): except as modified below, each sprinkler row protecting garment storage racks is capped by a continuous solid horizontal baffle of at least the length and width of the garment row. The baffle material has to be of Euroclass A1 or A2 or an equivalent in existing national classification systems.
Exception: where the clearance between the top of the garments and the deflectors of the ceiling sprinklers does not exceed 3 m height, the upper level of rack protection and the baffle might be omitted.
Below ramps and walkways
Clause G.3.3 (EN p.146): sprinklers are installed below all access ramps, main aisles, walkways and transportation routes, with the exception of aisles not exceeding 1.2 m wide between sprinkler protected garment storage rows.
G.3.4 Sprinklers in operation
Clause G.3.4 (EN p.146) gives the hydraulic calculation assumption:
- Rows: 3
- Levels: ≤ 3
- Sprinklers per row: 3
Where there are more than 3 levels of sprinkler protection, 3 rows of 3 sprinklers on 3 protected levels are assumed to operate. Where there are three levels or less, 3 rows of 3 sprinklers on all protected levels are assumed to operate.
G.3.5 Ceiling sprinklers
Clause G.3.5 (EN p.146): "Ceiling sprinklers shall be designed to provide a density of 7.5 mm/min over an area of operation of 260 m2, providing the uppermost level of racks is capped and protected by rack sprinklers."
"If the uppermost level or the capping is omitted, the ceiling sprinklers shall be designed on the basis of at least Category III goods. The stack height shall be measured from above the uppermost intermediate level sprinklers to the top of the hanging garments."
In other words, 7.5 mm/min over 260 m2 is not an unconditional design value; it is valid where the capping and the upper level rack protection are present. If the condition is not met, the design falls back to Table 4 (EN p.38) via Category III.
G.3.6 Automatic shutdown
Clause G.3.6 (EN p.146): "Operation of the sprinkler system shall automatically stop all automated distribution systems within the warehouse."
G.3.7 Control valve set
Clause G.3.7 (EN p.147) is a single sentence: "All installations shall be of the wet pipe type."
What the standard does not say here
- A stepped density table by height (for example one value up to 3 m and another between 3 m and 6 m). Clause G.3.5 gives a single density and one condition.
- ESFR design, K-factor, operating pressure or number of sprinklers.
- A response time index (RTI) value or a "quick response" requirement. G.3 gives no figure for sprinkler sensitivity.
- Raising the category according to the proportion of plastic hangers. G.3.2 says exactly the opposite: the requirements apply to all types of garments irrespective of their storage category.
- A cover intended to prevent dripping. The purpose of the baffle is defined in the standard as capping.
Field note
Field note (not from the standard, this is engineering interpretation): in these stores the single decision that determines the fate of the design is whether the uppermost level is capped or not. If the capping is given up, the ceiling design rests on a completely different basis; for that reason this decision has to be settled with the architecture and the warehouse automation at the start of the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ceiling sprinkler design in a hanging garment store?
TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clause G.3.5 (EN p.146): ceiling sprinklers are designed to provide a density of 7.5 mm/min over an area of operation of 260 m2. This applies only if the uppermost level of racks is capped and protected by rack sprinklers. If the uppermost level or the capping is omitted, the ceiling sprinklers are designed on the basis of at least Category III goods.
How are garment racks arranged?
Clause G.3.3 (EN p.146): each garment rack is limited to two rows of hanging garments side by side and to a storage height of 3.5 m between intermediate levels of sprinklers. Each rack is separated by an aisle of at least 0.8 m width and is protected by a single row of sprinklers. The spacing between sprinkler rows does not exceed 3.0 m.
What are the sprinkler spacing and clearance rules?
Clause G.3.3 (EN p.146): the sprinklers installed directly above the garment racks are stagger-spaced in the vertical plane, at horizontal intervals of not more than 2.8 m along the length of the rack, and there is a sprinkler not more than 1.4 m from the rack end. The clearance between the top of the garments and the sprinkler deflector has to be at least 0.15 m.
Why and how is a baffle (capping) provided?
Clause G.3.3 (EN p.146): each sprinkler row protecting garment storage racks is capped by a continuous solid horizontal baffle of at least the length and width of the garment row. The baffle material has to be of Euroclass A1 or A2 or an equivalent in existing national classification systems. The upper level of rack protection and the baffle might be omitted where the clearance between the deflectors of the ceiling sprinklers and the top of the garments does not exceed 3 m height.
How many rack sprinklers are assumed to operate in the hydraulic calculation?
Clause G.3.4 (EN p.146): 3 rows, 3 sprinklers per row, a maximum of 3 levels. Where there are more than 3 levels of protection, 3 rows of 3 sprinklers on 3 levels are assumed to operate; where there are 3 levels or less, 3 rows of 3 sprinklers are assumed on all protected levels.
What is required for the installation type and the automation in these stores?
Clause G.3.6 (EN p.146): operation of the sprinkler system automatically stops all automated distribution systems within the warehouse. Clause G.3.7 (EN p.147): all installations have to be of the wet pipe type.
References
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clause G.3.1 (EN p.145-146)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clauses G.3.2, G.3.3, G.3.4, G.3.5, G.3.6 (EN p.146)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clause G.3.7 and Figure G.1 (EN p.147)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Table 4 (EN p.38)
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Download MEP Calc on the App StoreTS EN 12845+A2:2026 (EN 12845:2015+A2:2026) Fixed firefighting systems — Automatic sprinkler systems — Design, installation and maintenance; TS EN 12845-2:2025 (EN 12845-2:2024) ESFR and CMSA sprinkler systems. Every figure in this article is taken from the published standard text; clause, table and page references are listed under References. General information only, not a substitute for the standard or for a design review.