In‑rack sprinkler guards are installed around individual sprinkler heads mounted inside warehouse racking. Their purpose is simple: to prevent physical damage in areas where sprinklers are exposed to mechanical impact.

Even minor contact with a sprinkler head can release thousands of gallons of water onto inventory and equipment within seconds. K3 guards act as a passive mechanical barrier, absorbing incidental contact before it reaches the sprinkler head.

We frequently receive questions about whether K3 guards meet fire protection and insurance requirements in the United States and Europe.

K3 specifically is installed as a standalone mechanical accessory, which makes it separate from the sprinkler system. It’s engineered to preserve sprinkler performance and maintain compliance with applicable fire codes.

We also recommend consulting with your fire protection engineer or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) regarding your specific application.

NFPA 13 is the U.S. standard for sprinkler system design and performance.

• Sprinklers subject to mechanical damage must be protected by approved means
• Additional protection may be required by a fire protection engineer or AHJ
• K3 provides compliant mechanical protection, subject to local approval

EN 12845 is the European standard for sprinkler system design and performance.

• Doesn’t mandate sprinkler guards
• Additional protection may be required by fire protection engineers, insurers, or local authorities
• K3 provides compliant mechanical protection, subject to local approval

RMH’s Sprinkler Guards Provide Peace of Mind

“It’s virtually impossible to design an in-rack sprinkler system that will eliminate the possibility of damage to sprinklers by lift trucks. However, the level of protection that RMH’s in-rack sprinkler guard provides can give the warehouse managers the peace of mind that they have done everything possible to avoid accidental damage to the sprinkler heads.”

Larry Forbes, Forbes Fire Protection