Commodity Classification

Ensuring a correct classification ensures a successful high-piled storage project.

The fire code and NFPA standards are the primary guide to classifying commodities for high-piled storage.  However, sometimes it takes engineering analysis and fire tests to determine commodity classification based on heat release rate comparisons or commodity makeup.  Additionally, most distribution centers to not store just one commodity, and mixing commodities increases the requirements for storage.  Therefore, it is important to call us to assist in classifying your warehouse storage.

Commodity Classification per §3203 of the 2012 International Fire Code:

Class I commodities - essentially noncombustible products on wooden or nonexpanded polyethylene solid deck pallets, in ordinary corrugated cartons with or without single-thickness dividers, or in ordinary paper wrappings with or without pallets. Class I commodities are allowed to contain a limited amount of Group A plastics.

Class II commodities - Class I [essentially noncombustible] products in slatted wooden crates, solid wooden boxes, multiple-thickness paperboard cartons or equivalent combustible packaging material with or without pallets. Class II commodities are allowed to contain a limited amount of Group A plastics.

Class III commodities - commodities of wood, paper, natural fiber cloth, or Group C plastics [moderate to low heat of combustion] or products thereof, with or without pallets. Products are allowed to contain limited amounts of Group A or B plastics, such as metal bicycles with plastic handles, pedals, seats and tires. Group A plastics shall be limited.

Class IV commodities - Class I, II or III products containing Group A plastics in ordinary corrugated cartons and Class I, II and III products with Group A plastic packaging, with or without pallets. Group B plastics and free-flowing Group A plastics are also included in this class. The total amount of non-free-flowing Group A plastics shall be limited.

Group A Plastics - plastic commodities having a much higher heat of combustion than ordinary combustibles. However, a unit load of mixed commodities may also be considered a Group A Plastic if it contains greater than 25% by volume of expanded plastic or 15% by weight of unexpanded plastic [for instance if a Class IV commodity contains greater than 25% of plastic packaging] according to 2012 IFC Figure 3203.7.4.