Most fire sprinkler systems are considered Control Mode Sprinkler Systems. These systems are designed to control the spread of a fire until fire responders can arrive. These systems provide wetting and cooling functions to control the spread of a fire.

There are two specific Control Mode Sprinkler types that apply specifically to storage occupancies- CMDA and CMSA Sprinklers.

CMDA stands for control-mode density area. Control-mode refers to the function of these sprinklers intended to wet and cool an area to control the spread of a fire until first responders are able to arrive. Density area is in reference to density area curves that outline the amount of water needed for a specific area.

Control-Mode Density Area Sprinklers are very similar to regular fire sprinklers, but they have larger K-Factors and higher temperature ratings. This larger K-Factor allows a greater volume of water to flow.

CMDA Sprinklers are used to address the unique challenges of storage occupancies.

CMSA stands for control-mode special application. Like CMDA sprinklers, the control-mode in CMSA refers to the function of these sprinklers intended to wet and cool an area to control the spread of a fire until first responders are able to arrive. Special application is in reference to CMSA being made to fit special applications.

CMSA Sprinklers do not adhere to the density area curve design approach used with most regular sprinklers and CMDA Sprinklers. CMSA Sprinklers have distinct deflectors that produce different spray patterns and large droplet sizes capable of controlling high challenge fires.

CMSA Sprinklers were previously known, and still sometimes referred to, as Large Drop Sprinklers.

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