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Company Confidential

IMFA 2015 Annual Seminar –

Fire Sprinkler Systems:

Design, Installation and

Maintenance

March 26, 2015

Safer. Smarter. Tyco

Presented by:

Terry Victor

National Manager

Tyco/SimplexGrinnell

International Molded Fiber Association

Joe Grygny

IMFA Chair – Board of Directors

Kirk Wells

SimplexGrinnell

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A special thanks to those of your association that made my visit here possible:

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Terry Victor

National Manager of

Sprinkler Business Processes at SimplexGrinnell.

Over 40 years of technical experience in the sprinkler

industry and serves on various industry boards, including

NFPA technical committees for NFPA 13, NFPA 13D, NFPA

13R, NFPA 20, NFPA 25 and several others.

Meet Your Presenter:

What You’ll Learn Today:

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Types of water based fire protection systems typically

used in a molded fiber products manufacturing and

storage facilities (NFPA 13, 15, 16, 20 and 22)

Basics of sprinkler systems (NFPA 13)

How to maintain sprinkler systems and other water based

fire protection systems (ITM per NFPA 25)

Who is responsible for maintaining fire protection

sprinkler systems and who is qualified to perform ITM?

What are some of the common problems and how are

they corrected?

Water Based Fire Protection Systems

Installation Standards

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NFPA 13 – Fire Sprinkler Systems

NFPA 14 – Hose Standpipe Systems

NFPA 15 – Water Spray Systems

NFPA 16 – Foam Water Systems

NFPA 20 – Fire Pumps

NFPA 22 – Water Storage Tanks

NFPA 25 – Inspection, Testing and Maintenance



6

NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of

Sprinkler Systems • Primarily based on closed pipe systems with sealed

sprinklers

• Describes protection for various types of buildings and fire

hazards including office, manufacturing, warehousing/storage,

distribution, and retail.

• Universally adopted by almost every jurisdiction in the US

and Canada

• Includes requirements on how to properly design and install

sprinkler systems



7


Standpipe and Hose Systems • Primarily based on standpipe systems with hose connections

and an adequate water supply

• Describes size and placement of standpipes and hose

connections for various types of buildings and fire hazards

including office, manufacturing, warehousing/storage,

distribution, and retail.


and Canada


standpipe systems



8

NFPA 15 Standard for Water Spray Fixed

Systems for Fire Protection • Primarily based on open piping systems with open directional

spray nozzles

• Describes protection for various types of vessels, equipment,

and fire hazards such as conveyors, storage tanks,

transformers, and cable trays


and Canada


water spray fixed systems



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NFPA 16 Standard for the Installation of Foam-

Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems • Primarily based on closed pipe systems with sealed foam-

water sprinklers

• Describes protection for various types of fire hazards

including some manufacturing, warehousing/storage, and

distribution.


and Canada


foam-water based systems



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Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection • Primarily based on electric and diesel split case fire pumps

and their controllers

• Describes special requirements for high rise buildings


and Canada


fire pumps for fire protection and all of the components

between the suction valve and the discharge valve



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NFPA 22 Standard for Water Tanks for Private

Fire Protection • Primarily based on ground storage tanks

• Describes other types of tanks including elevated tanks,

pressure tanks, and fabric tanks.


and Canada


water tanks and all of the valves and other components that

go with it.



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NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing,

and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection

Systems • Primarily based on closed pipe systems with sealed

sprinklers

• Describes inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements

for all water based fire protection systems (NFPA 13, 13R, 14,

15, 16, 20, 22, 24, 214)


and Canada

• Includes requirements to properly evaluate existing systems

when changes are made.

Introduction to Water Based

Fire Protection (NFPA 13)

Wet and Dry Pipe Systems

Deluge and Preaction Systems


Wet Pipe Systems


Wet Pipe System Definition

3.4.10 Wet Pipe Sprinkler

System. A sprinkler system

employing automatic sprinklers

attached to a piping system

containing water and connected

to a water supply so that water

discharges immediately from

sprinklers opened by heat from

a fire.


Wet Pipe System

Water Supply

FDC

Alarm

Insp. Test

Sprinklers

Cross Main

Riser Assembly

Branch Line


Key Points

•Sprinklers act as heat detector and point of water distribution.

•Used in areas not subject to freezing.

•Used to detect waterflow via waterflow detection devices.

•Used to verify water supply is available via pressure gauges and

indicator type main control valves.


NFPA 13 Requirements

6.7.1.3 Listed Indicating Valves. Unless the requirements of

6.7.1.3.1, 6.7.1.3.2, or 6.7.1.3.3 are met, all valves controlling

connections to water supplies and to supply pipes to sprinklers

shall be listed indicating valves.



8.16.1.1.3.1 Where there is more than one source of water

supply, a check valve shall be installed in each connection.



8.16.1.1.3.2 A listed backflow prevention device shall be

considered a check valve, and an additional check valve shall not

be required.



6.9.1 General. Waterflow alarm devices shall be listed for the

service and so constructed and installed that any flow of water

from a sprinkler system equal to or greater than that from a single

automatic sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed on the

system will result in an audible alarm on the premises within 5

minutes after such flow begins and until such flow stops.



8.17.4.2.1 An alarm test

connection not less than 1 in.

(25 mm) in diameter,

terminating in a smooth bore

corrosion resistant orifice, giving

a flow equal to or less than one

sprinkler of a type having the

smallest orifice installed on the

particular system, shall be

provided to test each waterflow

alarm device for each system.

Example of an incorrect alarm test connection



7.1.1.2 Pressure gauges shall be installed above and below each

alarm check valve or system riser check valve where such

devices are present.

System Gauge

Supply Gauge



8.17.4.1.1 Main drain test connections shall be provided at

locations that will permit flow tests of water supplies and

connections.


Waterflow Alarm Switch


Alarm Check Valve

Includes

• Trim piping & Devices

• Ability to generate a mechanical

alarms

More complex and expensive

during:

• Installation

• Testing

• Maintenance


Riser Manifold


Dry Pipe Systems


Dry Pipe Systems

3.4.5 Dry Pipe Sprinkler System. A sprinkler system employing automatic sprinklers that are attached to a piping system containing air or nitrogen under pressure, the release of which (as from the opening of a sprinkler) permits the water pressure to open a valve known as a dry pipe valve, and the water then flows into the piping system and out the opened sprinklers.


Dry Pipe Systems

Water Supply

FDC

Alarm

Insp. Test

Sprinklers

Cross Main

Riser Assembly

Branch Line

Enclosure



7.2.1 Pressure Gauges. Listed

pressure gauges conforming with

8.17.3 shall be connected as follows:

• (1) On the water side and air side of the dry

pipe valve

• (2) At the air pump supplying the air

receiver where one is provided

• (3) At the air receiver where one is provided

• (4) In each independent pipe from air

supply to dry pipe system

• (5) At accelerators


Dry Pipe Systems

Mechanical Latching Dry Valve Differential Dry Valve


Traditional Dry Pipe Valves

Operates on a pressure differential concept

• 1 pound of air pressure holds back approximately 6 pounds of water pressure

• Most require disassembly to reset valve

• Often required prime water

Few moving parts

• Used for over 100 years

• Dependable

• Easy to operate and maintain

Large valve body

• Takes up valuable floor space

• Heavy

• Can be difficult to install for larger pipe sizes

• Costly to manufacture and ship


Mechanical Latching Dry Valves

Operates on a pressure differential concept

• 1 pound of air pressure holds back approximately 6 pounds of water pressure

• 6:1 differential is achieved from 2 seat surfaces

• Some models are have external reset

• Often required prime water

More moving parts

• More difficult to operate and maintain

• Increases chances of malfunction

Smaller valve body

• Lighter

• Takes up less floor space



7.2.6.2.2* The air supply shall have a capacity capable of restoring normal air pressure in the system within 30 minutes.

7.2.6.1 Maintenance of Air Pressure. Air or nitrogen pressure shall be maintained on dry pipe systems throughout the year.

Riser Mount

Tank Mount

Dry Air Compressor

Floor Mount


Automatic Air Maintenance


Water Delivery Requirements

7.2.3.2 System size shall be such that initial water is discharged

from the system test connection in not more than 60 seconds,

starting at the normal air pressure on the system and at the time

of fully opened inspection test connection.

Inspectors Test

System Riser


Quick Opening Devices

Exhausters

Mechanical Accelerators

Electrical Accelerators


Deluge Systems


Deluge System Definition

3.4.4 Deluge Sprinkler System. A sprinkler system employing open sprinklers that are attached to a piping system that is connected to a water supply through a valve that is opened by the operation of a detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers. When this valve opens, water flows into the piping system and discharges from all sprinklers attached thereto.


When are Deluge Systems Used?

Deluge systems are used for special hazards where there are

easily ignitable and fast burning substances which promote rapid

fire development.

oExtinguishment

oControl of Burning

oExposure Protection

oPrevention of Fire


Nozzles - Typical Applications


Preaction Systems


Preaction System Definition

3.4.9* Preaction Sprinkler

System. A sprinkler system

employing automatic sprinklers

that are attached to a piping

system that contains air that

might or might not be under

pressure, with a supplemental

detection system installed in

the same areas as the

sprinklers.


What makes a Preaction System?

A preaction system combines automatic sprinklers with

supplemental fire detection system.

Since supplemental detection is being used, the automatic control

valve used in the preaction system riser is typically a deluge valve

(automatic control valve); however, the piping system will have

automatic sprinklers instead of open nozzles.

When there are more than 20 sprinklers, the sprinkler piping must

be supervised with air pressure.


When are Preaction Systems Used?

Preaction action systems

oCold storage freezers

oData centers

oComputer rooms

oMuseums


Questions?

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Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance


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Learning Focus

The responsibilities of building owners for maintaining

their sprinkler systems

Definitions from the standard that outline the role of

the building owner and the inspector

The basic requirements for properly inspecting and

testing sprinkler systems and their components

The steps that should be taken when system

deficiencies and impairments are found – and the

additional tests required when they’re corrected

The difference between an internal pipe inspection

and an obstruction investigation

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The acronym ITM stands for Inspection, Testing and Maintenance


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NFPA 25 Quote

“History has shown that the performance reliability of a water-based fire protection system under fire-related conditions increases where comprehensive inspection,

testing, and maintenance procedures are enforced. Diligence during an inspection is important.”

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Outline

NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems – 2008 Edition

•Chapter 1 Administration

•Scope

•Purpose

•Chapter 4 General Requirements

•Responsibility of the Property Owner or Occupant

•Chapter 3 Definitions

•Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems

•Chapter 13 Valves, Valve Components, and Trim

•Chapter 14 Obstruction Investigation

•Chapter 15 Impairments

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Chapter 1 Administration

1.1 Scope This document establishes the minimum requirements

for the periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-

based fire protection systems, including land-based and marine

applications. - - - - - - - - - - -

1.1.3 This standard shall not apply to sprinkler systems designed

and installed in accordance with NFPA 13D, Standard for the

Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family

Dwellings and Manufactured Homes.

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NFPA 25 does not apply to sprinkler systems installed in one and two family homes. Separate inspection, testing and maintenance requirements are found in NFPA 13D.


Chapter 1 Administration

1.2* Purpose.

The purpose of this document is to provide requirements that

ensure a reasonable degree of protection for life and property

from fire through minimum inspection, testing, and maintenance

methods for water-based fire protection systems. In those cases

…

A.1.2 History has shown that the performance reliability of a

water-based fire protection system under fire-related conditions

increases where comprehensive inspection, testing, and

maintenance procedures are enforced. Diligence …

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“Sprinkler systems perform exceptionally well. Of those rare instances when they do fail, more than half (53.4%) of the system failures can be related to maintenance issues.”


Chapter 4 General Requirements

4.1.1* Responsibility for Inspection, Testing, and

Maintenance. The responsibility for properly maintaining a water-

based fire protection system shall be that of the owner of the

property.

A.4.1.1 Inspection, testing, and maintenance can be permitted to

be contracted with an inspection, testing, and maintenance

service. - - - - - - - - - - -

4.1.2.2 These tasks shall be performed by personnel who have

developed competence through training and experience.

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It’s stated very clearly throughout NFPA 25 that the building owner has the ultimate responsibility to properly maintain any water based fire protection system in their building.



4.1.4* Corrections and Repairs. The property owner or occupant

shall promptly correct or repair deficiencies, damaged parts, or

impairments found while performing the inspection, test, and

maintenance requirements of this standard.

4.1.4.1* Corrections and repairs shall be performed by qualified

maintenance personnel or a qualified contractor.

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Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines promptly as “being ready and quick to act as occasion demands”. This is a good definition as it applies to correcting deficiencies and impairments found while performing ITM tasks.



4.1.5* Changes in Occupancy, Use, Process, or Materials. The

property owner or occupant shall not make changes in the

occupancy, the use or process, or the materials used or stored in

the building without evaluation of the fire protection systems for

their capability to protect the new occupancy, use, or materials.

58

Evaluations of these systems are not the responsibility of the qualified person trained to perform ITM tasks per NFPA 25.



59

Many inspection forms have a general section with questions for the owner or the owner’s authorized representative. The intent of asking these questions is to make the owner aware that changes require an evaluation.



4.1.5.1 The evaluation shall consider factors that include, but are

not limited to, the following:

(1) Occupancy changes such as converting office or

production space into warehousing

(2) Process or material changes such as metal stamping to

molded plastics

(3) Building revisions such as relocated walls, added

mezzanines and ceilings added below sprinklers

(4) Removal of heating systems in spaces with piping subject

to freezing

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This section gives additional guidance to the building owner on some of the factors that need to be considered when performing an evaluation of the fire protection system for it’s capability to protect the new occupancy, use, or materials.



4.1.6 Addressing Changes in Hazard. Where changes in the

occupancy, hazard, water supply, storage commodity, storage

arrangement, building modification, or other condition that affects

the installation criteria of the system are identified, the property

owner or occupant shall promptly take steps, such as contacting a

qualified contractor, consultant, or engineer, and the authority

having jurisdiction, to evaluate the adequacy of the installed

system in order to protect the building or hazard in question.

4.1.6.1 Where the evaluation reveals a deficiency causing a

threat to life or property, the property owner shall make

appropriate corrections. All requirements of the authority having

jurisdiction shall be followed.

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This section makes it clear that the evaluation is to be performed by someone with competency and qualifications to do it.



4.4 Records.

4.4.1* Records shall be made for all inspections, tests, and

maintenance of the system and its components and shall be

made available to the authority having jurisdiction upon request. - - - - - - - - - - -

4.4.3* Records shall be maintained by the property owner.

4.4.4 As-built system installation drawings, hydraulic calculations,

original acceptance test records, and device manufacturer’s data

sheets shall be retained for the life of the system.

4.4.5 Subsequent records shall be retained for a period of 1 year

after the next inspection, test, or maintenance of that type

required by the standard.

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The results of many NFPA 25 tests are to be compared to previous test results or the installation acceptance tests. Without a baseline for comparison, the test results may not indicate a degradation that could affect system performance.


Chapter 3 Definitions

3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). An organization,

office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a

code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an

installation, or a procedure. - - - - - - - - - - -

3.2.4 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.

3.2.5 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is

advised but not required.

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These standard definitions are found in every NFPA document. However, for many building owners, NFPA 25 is the only NFPA document they may have to understand and apply.



3.3.4 Deficiency. A condition in which the application of the

component is not within its designed limits or specifications.

[1071, 2006] - - - - - - - - - - -

3.3.17* Impairment. A condition where a fire protection system or

unit or portion thereof is out of order, and the condition can result

in the fire protection system or unit not functioning in a fire event.

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Adding these new definitions certainly helps clarify what the difference is between a deficiency and an impairment, but there are still a lot of gray situations that require judgment when applying them.



3.3.17.1 Emergency Impairment. A condition where a water-

based fire protection system or portion thereof is out of order due

to an unexpected occurrence, such as a ruptured pipe, an

operated sprinkler, or an interruption of the water supply to the

system.

3.3.17.2 Preplanned Impairment. A condition where a water-

based fire protection system or a portion thereof is out of service

due to work that has been planned in advance, such as revisions

to the water supply or sprinkler system piping.

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What isn’t stated is how an impairment found during an ITM task should be classified.



3.3.18 Inspection. A visual examination of a system or portion thereof to verify that it appears to be in operating condition and is free of physical damage. [820, 2008]

- - - - - - - - - - -

3.3.34 Testing. A procedure used to determine the status of a system as intended by conducting periodic physical checks on waterbased fire protection systems such as waterflow tests, fire pump tests, alarm tests, and trip tests of dry pipe, deluge, or preaction valves. These tests follow up on the original acceptance test at intervals specified in the appropriate chapter of this standard

- - - - - - - - - - -

3.3.20 Maintenance. In water-based fire protection systems, work performed to keep equipment operable or to make repairs.

66

Making sure all parties understand the difference between these terms is important.



3.3.19 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Service. A service

program provided by a qualified contractor or qualified property

owner’s representative in which all components unique to the

property’s systems are inspected and tested at the required times

and necessary maintenance is provided. This program includes

logging and retention of relevant records. - - - - - - - - - - -

3.3.28 Qualified. A competent and capable person or company

that has met the requirements and training for a given field

acceptable to the AHJ. [96, 2008]

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Inspection, testing and maintenance of a water based fire protection system is a very specialized field.


Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems

5.1 General.

This chapter shall provide the minimum requirements for the

routine inspection, testing, and maintenance of sprinkler systems.

Table 5.1 shall be used to determine the minimum required

frequencies for inspection, testing, and maintenance.

This chapter covers the most common types of fire protection



This is a quick reference of inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements



Most of the requirements in this table require specialized training



5.2* Inspection.

5.2.1 Sprinklers.

5.2.1.1* Sprinklers shall be inspected from the floor level

annually.

5.2.1.1.1* Sprinklers shall not show signs of leakage; shall be

free of corrosion, foreign materials, paint, and physical damage;

and shall be installed in the proper orientation (e.g., upright,

pendent, or sidewall).

Sprinklers are generally very reliable products, but environmental issues and careless acts can have a negative impact on their effectiveness



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Examples of leaking, corroded, internally obstructed, painted & damaged sprinklers.



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Examples of a loaded sprinkler and a sprinkler covered with sodium silicate.



5.2* Inspection.

5.2.1 Sprinklers.

5.2.1.1.3 Glass bulb sprinklers shall be replaced if the bulbs have

emptied.

This shows the difference between sprinklers that do not have fluid



5.2* Inspection.

5.2.2* Pipe and Fittings. Sprinkler pipe and fittings shall be

inspected annually from the floor level.

5.2.2.1 Pipe and fittings shall be in good condition and free of

mechanical damage, leakage, and corrosion.

5.2.2.2 Sprinkler piping shall not be subjected to external loads

by materials either resting on the pipe or hung from the pipe.

This again highlights that looking at the general condition is all that is required



5.2* Inspection.

5.2.3* Hangers and Seismic Braces. Sprinkler pipe hangers and seismic braces shall be inspected annually from the floor level.

5.2.3.1 Hangers and seismic braces shall not be damaged or loose.

5.2.5 Buildings. Annually, prior to the onset of freezing weather, buildings with wet pipe systems shall be inspected to verify that windows, skylights, doors, ventilators, other openings and closures, blind spaces, unused attics, stair towers, roof houses, and low spaces under buildings do not expose water-filled sprinkler piping to freezing and to verify that adequate heat [minimum 40°F (4.4°C)] is available.

Freezing of sprinkler pipe and sprinklers is a common occurrence in cold months



5.3 Testing.

5.3.1* Sprinklers.

5.3.1.1* Where required by this section, sample sprinklers shall be submitted to a recognized testing laboratory acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction for field service testing.

5.3.1.2* A representative sample of sprinklers for testing per 5.3.1.1.1 shall consist of a minimum of not less than four sprinklers or 1 percent of the number of sprinklers per individual sprinkler sample, whichever is greater.

5.3.1.3 Where one sprinkler within a representative sample fails to meet the test requirement, all sprinklers within the area represented by that sample shall be replaced.

The guidelines to have certain sprinklers checked is clear in NFPA 25



5.5 Component Action Requirements.

5.5.1 Whenever a component in a sprinkler system is adjusted,

repaired, reconditioned, or replaced, the actions required in Table

5.5.1 shall be performed.

Some occupancy types tend to have sprinkler adjustments more often



This table provides a quick snapshot of testing requirements


Chapter 13 Valves, Components & Trim

13.2.5* Main Drain Test. A main drain test shall be conducted

annually at each water-based fire protection system riser to

determine whether there has been a change in the condition of

the water supply piping and control valves. (See also 13.3.3.4.)

13.2.5.1 Systems where the sole water supply is through a

backflow preventer and/or pressure reducing valves, the main

drain test of at least one system downstream of the device shall

be conducted on a quarterly basis.

13.2.5.2 When there is a 10 percent reduction in full flow

pressure when compared to the original acceptance test or

previously performed tests, the cause of the reduction shall be

identified and corrected if necessary.

This is one of the most important parts of the annual sprinkler system test



This shows a typical main drain test at full flow



13.4.2 Check Valves.

13.4.2.1 Inspection. Valves shall be inspected internally every 5

years to verify that all components operate correctly, move freely,

and are in good condition.

13.4.2.2 Maintenance. Internal components shall be cleaned,

repaired, or replaced as necessary in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions.

This is one of the 5 year requirements



13.4.4 Dry Pipe Valves/Quick-Opening Devices.

13.4.4.1 Inspection.

13.4.4.1.5 The interior of the dry pipe valve shall be inspected

annually when the trip test is conducted.

13.4.4.1.6 Strainers, filters, and restricted orifices shall be

inspected internally every 5 years unless tests indicate a greater

frequency is necessary.

Dry pipe systems are more susceptible to corrosion than wet systems




13.4.4.2 Testing.

13.4.4.2.2* Each dry pipe valve shall be trip tested annually

during warm weather.

13.4.4.2.2.2* Every 3 years and whenever the system is altered,

the dry pipe valve shall be trip tested with the control valve fully

open and the quick-opening device, if provided, in service.

A full flow test is only required every 3 years.




13.4.4.2 Testing.

13.4.4.2.4* Quick-opening devices, if provided, shall be tested

quarterly.

Quick opening devices are often found on larger dry pipe systems




13.4.4.2.9 Testing.

13.4.4.2.4* Dry pipe systems shall be tested once every 3 years

for air leakage, using one of the following test methods

• A pressure test at 40 psi for two hours. …. Air leaks shall be addressed if the

system loses more than 3 psi during this test.

• With the system at normal pressure, shut off the air source [compressor or

shop air] for 4 hours. If the low pressure alarm goes off within this period, the

air leaks shall be addressed.

Quick opening devices are often found on larger dry pipe systems



13.6 Backflow Prevention Assemblies.

13.6.2 Testing.

13.6.2.1* All backflow preventers installed in fire protection system piping shall be tested annually in accordance with the following:

(1) A forward flow test shall be conducted at the designed flow rate, including hose stream demand, of the system, where hydrants or inside hose stations are located downstream of the backflow preventer.

(2) A backflow performance test, as required by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be conducted at the completion of the forward flow test.

Almost all sprinkler systems have backflow preventers



13.6 Backflow Prevention Assemblies.

Many local water purveyors require inspectors to be certified



13.7 Fire Department Connections.

13.7.1 Fire department connections shall be inspected quarterly. The inspection shall verify the following:

(1) The fire department connections are visible and accessible.

(2) Couplings or swivels are not damaged and rotate smoothly.

(3) Plugs or caps are in place and undamaged.

(4) Gaskets are in place and in good condition.

(5) Identification signs are in place.

Fire department connections are an important feature of fire sprinkler systems



(6) The check valve is not leaking.

(7) The automatic drain valve is in place and operating

properly.

(8) The fire department connection clapper(s) is in place and

operating properly.

13.7.2 If fire department connection plugs or caps are not in

place, the interior of the connection shall be inspected for

obstructions, and it shall be verified that the fire department

connection clapper is operational over its full range.

Keeping fire department connections in working order can be challenging


Chapter 14 Obstruction Investigation

14.1 General.

This chapter shall provide the minimum requirements for

conducting investigations of fire protection system piping for

possible sources of materials that could cause pipe blockage.

14.2* Obstruction Investigation and Prevention.

14.2.1 An inspection of piping and branch line conditions shall be

conducted every 5 years by opening a flushing connection at the

end of one main and by removing a sprinkler toward the end of

one branch line for the purpose of inspecting for the presence of

foreign organic and inorganic material.

This inspection is a relatively simple process, and can be combined with the other 5 year requirements for economical purposes


Why do internal inspections?

If a fire occurs, the system may be too plugged to control the fire




Pin Hole Leaks

Caused By

MIC

Rust spots like these on pipe are good indicators that MIC can be present. Testing is very reasonable!


Chapter 15 Impairments

15.1 General.

This chapter shall provide the minimum requirements for a water-

based fire protection system impairment program. Measures shall

be taken during the impairment to ensure that increased risks are

minimized and the duration of the impairment is limited.

15.2 Impairment Coordinator.

15.2.1 The property owner shall assign an impairment

coordinator to comply with the requirements of this chapter.

15.2.2 In the absence of a specific designee, the property owner

shall be considered the impairment coordinator.

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Chapter 15 on Impairments is often overlooked, but is extremely important. Several fire losses have occurred when a sprinkler system is shut down for tests, repairs, or maintenance.


Questions?

Terry Victor

National Manager of Sprinkler Business Processes

SimplexGrinnell

410-401-2245

[email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]

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