IMFA
2015 Annual Seminar –
Fire Sprinkler Systems:
Design, Installation and
Maintenance
Presented by:
Terry Victor
National Manager
Tyco/SimplexGrinnell
March 26, 2015
Safer. Smarter. Tyco
Company Confidential
International Molded Fiber Association
A special thanks to those of your association that made my
visit here possible:
Joe Grygny
IMFA Chair – Board of Directors
Kirk Wells
SimplexGrinnell
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Meet Your Presenter:
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.
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What You’ll Learn Today:
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?
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Water Based Fire Protection Systems
Installation Standards
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
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Water Based Fire Protection Systems
Installation Standards
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
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Water Based Fire Protection Systems
Installation Standards
NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of
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.
• Universally adopted by almost every jurisdiction in the US
and Canada
•Includes requirements on how to properly design and install
standpipe systems
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Water Based Fire Protection Systems
Installation Standards
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
• Universally adopted by almost every jurisdiction in the US
and Canada
•Includes requirements on how to properly design and install
water spray fixed systems
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Water Based Fire Protection Systems
Installation Standards
NFPA 16 Standard for the Installation of FoamWater Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems
• Primarily based on closed pipe systems with sealed foamwater sprinklers
• Describes protection for various types of fire hazards
including some manufacturing, warehousing/storage, and
distribution.
• Universally adopted by almost every jurisdiction in the US
and Canada
•Includes requirements on how to properly design and install
foam-water based systems
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Water Based Fire Protection Systems
Installation Standards
NFPA 20 Standard for the Installation of
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
• Universally adopted by almost every jurisdiction in the US
and Canada
•Includes requirements on how to properly design and install
fire pumps for fire protection and all of the components
between the suction valve and the discharge valve
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Water Based Fire Protection Systems
Installation Standards
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.
• Universally adopted by almost every jurisdiction in the US
and Canada
•Includes requirements on how to properly design and install
water tanks and all of the valves and other components that
go with it.
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Water Based Fire Protection Systems
Installation Standards
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)
• Universally adopted by almost every jurisdiction in the US
and Canada
•Includes requirements to properly evaluate existing systems
when changes are made.
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Introduction to Water Based
Fire Protection (NFPA 13)
Wet and Dry Pipe
Systems
Deluge and Preaction
Systems
Wet Pipe Systems
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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.
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Wet Pipe System
Branch Line
Sprinklers
Cross Main
Alarm
FDC
Riser Assembly
Water Supply
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Insp. Test
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.
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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.
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NFPA 13 Requirements
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.
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NFPA 13 Requirements
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.
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NFPA 13 Requirements
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.
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NFPA 13 Requirements
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.
Company Confidential
Example of an incorrect alarm test connection
NFPA 13 Requirements
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
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NFPA 13 Requirements
8.17.4.1.1 Main drain test connections shall be provided at
locations that will permit flow tests of water supplies and
connections.
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Waterflow Alarm Switch
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Alarm Check Valve
Includes
• Trim piping & Devices
• Ability to generate a mechanical
alarms
More complex and expensive
during:
• Installation
• Testing
• Maintenance
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Riser Manifold
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Riser Manifold
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Dry Pipe Systems
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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.
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Dry Pipe Systems
Branch Line
Sprinklers
Cross Main
Riser Assembly
Alarm
FDC
Enclosure
Water Supply
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Insp. Test
NFPA 13 Requirements
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
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Dry Pipe Systems
Differential Dry Valve
Mechanical Latching Dry Valve
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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
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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
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NFPA 13 Requirements
7.2.6.2.2* The air supply shall have a capacity capable of
restoring normal air pressure in the system within 30 minutes.
Riser
Mount
Floor
Mount
Tank
Mount
Dry Air
Compressor
7.2.6.1 Maintenance of Air Pressure. Air or nitrogen pressure
shall be maintained on dry pipe systems throughout the year.
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Automatic Air Maintenance
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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.
System Riser
Inspectors Test
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Quick Opening Devices
Exhausters
Mechanical Accelerators
Electrical Accelerators
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Deluge Systems
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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.
Company Confidential
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.
o Extinguishment
o Control
of Burning
o Exposure
Protection
o Prevention
of Fire
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Nozzles - Typical Applications
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Nozzles - Typical Applications
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Preaction Systems
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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.
Company Confidential
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.
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When are Preaction Systems Used?
Preaction action systems
o Cold
storage freezers
o Data
centers
o Computer
rooms
o Museums
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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
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 waterbased fire protection systems, including land-based and marine
applications.
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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.
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.
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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 …
“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.”
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Chapter 4 General Requirements
4.1.1* Responsibility for Inspection, Testing, and
Maintenance. The responsibility for properly maintaining a waterbased 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.
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4.1.2.2 These tasks shall be performed by personnel who have
developed competence through training and experience.
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.
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Chapter 4 General Requirements
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.
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.
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Chapter 4 General Requirements
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.
Evaluations of these systems are not the responsibility of the qualified person trained
to perform ITM tasks per NFPA 25.
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Chapter 4 General Requirements
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.
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Chapter 4 General Requirements
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
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.
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Chapter 4 General Requirements
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.
This section makes it clear that the evaluation is to be performed by someone with
competency and qualifications to do it.
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Chapter 4 General Requirements
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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3.2.4 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.
3.2.5 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is
advised but not required.
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.
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Chapter 3 Definitions
3.3.4 Deficiency. A condition in which the application of the
component is not within its designed limits or specifications.
[1071, 2006]
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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.
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.
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Chapter 3 Definitions
3.3.17.1 Emergency Impairment. A condition where a waterbased 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 waterbased 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.
What isn’t stated is how an impairment found during an ITM task should be classified.
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Chapter 3 Definitions
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]
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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
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3.3.20 Maintenance. In water-based fire protection systems, work
performed to keep equipment operable or to make repairs.
Making sure all parties understand the difference between these terms is important.
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Chapter 3 Definitions
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.
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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]
Inspection, testing and maintenance of a water based fire protection system is a very
specialized field.
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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
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Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems
This is a quick reference of inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements
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Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems
Most of the requirements in this table require specialized training
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Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems
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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Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems
Examples of leaking, corroded, internally obstructed, painted & damaged sprinklers.
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Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems
Examples of a loaded sprinkler and a sprinkler covered with sodium silicate.
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Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems
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
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Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems
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
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Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems
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
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Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems
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
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Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems
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
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Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems
This table provides a quick snapshot of testing requirements
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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
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Chapter 13 Valves, Components & Trim
This shows a typical main drain test at full flow
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Chapter 13 Valves, Components & Trim
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
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Chapter 13 Valves, Components & Trim
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
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Chapter 13 Valves, Components & Trim
13.4.4 Dry Pipe Valves/Quick-Opening Devices.
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.
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Chapter 13 Valves, Components & Trim
13.4.4 Dry Pipe Valves/Quick-Opening Devices.
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
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Chapter 13 Valves, Components & Trim
13.4.4 Dry Pipe Valves/Quick-Opening Devices.
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
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Chapter 13 Valves, Components & Trim
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
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Chapter 13 Valves, Components & Trim
13.6 Backflow Prevention Assemblies.
Many local water purveyors require inspectors to be certified
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Chapter 13 Valves, Components & Trim
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
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Chapter 13 Valves, Components & Trim
(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
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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
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Chapter 14 Obstruction Investigation
Why do internal inspections?
If a fire occurs, the system may be too plugged to control the fire
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Chapter 14 Obstruction Investigation
Pin Hole Leaks
Caused By
MIC
Rust spots like these on pipe are good indicators that MIC can be present. Testing is
very reasonable!
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Chapter 15 Impairments
15.1 General.
This chapter shall provide the minimum requirements for a waterbased 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.
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.
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Questions?
Terry Victor
National Manager of Sprinkler Business Processes
SimplexGrinnell
410-401-2245
tvictor@simplexgrinnell.com
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