Fire Systems & Cross Connections

By Eric Flora

AGENDA

• Types of Systems• NFPA 13• NFPA 25• Procedures for Testing• Wall of Shame• Questions

TYPES OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

• Wet• Dry• Preaction/Deluge• Antifreeze

WET SPRINKLER SYSTEM

• Water in the system• Sprinkler head activates and water discharges from system

DRY SPRINKLER SYSTEM

• Air in the system• Sprinkler head activates and air discharges from system• Water then follows

PREACTION/DELUGE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

• No air or water in the system• Detection system activates and water enters the system

ANTIFREEZE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

• Wet system with antifreeze

NATIONAL FIRE PRTECTION ASSOCIATION

• NFPA – Installation Code (2010)• NFPA – Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Code (2011)

WHAT DOES NFPA REQUIRE?

NATIONAL FIRE PRTECTION ASSOCIATION

• NFPA – Installation Code (2010)• NFPA – Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Code (2011)

8.17.4.6.2

• When backflow prevention devices are to be retroactively installed on existing systems, a thorough hydraulic analysis, including revised hydraulic calculations, new fire flow data, and all necessary system modifications to accommodate the additional friction loss, shall be completed as a part of the installation.

8.17.4.6.2 CONTINUED

• Existing pipe schedule systems are NOT required to be recalculated in accordance with the hydraulic calculation methods• Pipe schedule systems ARE required to meet certain pressure and flow requirements.

11.2.2.6.2

• When backflow prevention valves are installed on pipe schedule systems, the friction losses of the device shall be accounted for when determining acceptable residual pressure……..

Table 11.2.2.1

• Ordinary Hazard• 20 psi• 850-1500 gpm(flow at base of riser)• 60-90 minutes

Wilkins Model 360 ADA

• 8” Device• 1500 gpm flowing• 6 psi loss

10.10.2.5.1

•The backflow prevention assembly shall be forward flow tested to ensure proper operation.

A.8.17.4.6.1

• Means shall be provided downstream of all backflow prevention valves for flow tests at system demand.

WHAT DOES NFPA 25 REQUIRE?

13.3.3.4

• A main drain test shall be conducted any time the control valve is closed and reopened at system riser.

13.6.1.1

• The double check assembly (DCA) valves and double check detector assembly (DCDA) valves shall be inspected weekly to ensure that the OS&Y isolation valves are in the normal open position

13.6.1.1.1

• Valves secured with locks or electrically supervised in accordance with applicable NFPA standards shall be inspected monthly.

13.6.1.2

• Reduced pressure assemblies (RPA) and reduced pressure detector assemblies (RPDA) shall be inspected weekly to ensure that the differential-sensing valve relief port is not continuously discharging and the OS&Y isolation valves are in the normal open position

A.13.6.1.2

• Intermittent discharge from a differential-sensing valve relief port is normal. Continuous discharge is a sign of malfunction of either or both of the check valves, and maintenance is necessary.

13.6.2.1

•All backflow preventers installed in fire protection system piping shall be tested annually by conducting a forward flow test of the system at the designed flow rate, including hose stream demand, where hydrants or inside hose stations are located downstream of the backflow preventer.

Step 5.0

Meet with Owner’s representative and go over the following:

• Who we are• What we are there for•Advise them the water service could be interrupted for a few minutes•Ask about any special requests they have

• Notify Joleen of these requests so they can be added to the system

 

 

Step 6.0

Notify Alarm Company of Testing• If Dictograph, ESG or Mulhaupts then we will typically notify Alarm Company• If ADT or other firms requiring password then owner will typically notify

  

 

Step 11.0

•Test Backflow device as appropriate (See Backflow Inspection Procedures)

  

 

Step 11.5

Main Drain Test • Check “dump” area before proceeding with test• Record the pressure indicated by the supply water gauge• Fully open the main drain valve•After flow has stabilized, record the residual (flowing) pressure indicated by the water supply gauge• Close the main drain valve slowly•Record the time take for the supply water pressure to return to the original static (non-flowing) pressure

  

 

Step 18.0

• Verify alarm panel is clear of all alarm and trouble signals related to the sprinkler system

  

 

Step 19.0

• Notify alarm company of completed testing

  

 

WALL OF SHAME

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS

  

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Eric FloraBrenneco Fire Protection, Inc.

574 967 0017eric.flora@brennecofp.com

Twitter: @BrennecoFire

www.brennecofp.com

BrennecoFP.com