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 2 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. 3 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? 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 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. 11 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. 12 Introduction to Water Based Fire Protection (NFPA 13) Wet and Dry Pipe Systems Deluge and Preaction Systems Wet Pipe Systems Company Confidential 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. Company Confidential Wet Pipe System Branch Line Sprinklers Cross Main Alarm FDC Riser Assembly Water Supply Company Confidential 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. Company Confidential 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. Company Confidential 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. Company Confidential 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. Company Confidential 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. Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential 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. Company Confidential Waterflow Alarm Switch Company Confidential Alarm Check Valve Includes • Trim piping & Devices • Ability to generate a mechanical alarms More complex and expensive during: • Installation • Testing • Maintenance Company Confidential Riser Manifold Company Confidential Riser Manifold Company Confidential Dry Pipe Systems Company Confidential 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. Company Confidential Dry Pipe Systems Branch Line Sprinklers Cross Main Riser Assembly Alarm FDC Enclosure Water Supply Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential Dry Pipe Systems Differential Dry Valve Mechanical Latching Dry Valve Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential 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. Company Confidential Automatic Air Maintenance Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential Quick Opening Devices Exhausters Mechanical Accelerators Electrical Accelerators Company Confidential Deluge Systems Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential Nozzles - Typical Applications Company Confidential Nozzles - Typical Applications Company Confidential Preaction Systems Company Confidential 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. Company Confidential When are Preaction Systems Used? Preaction action systems o Cold storage freezers o Data centers o Computer rooms o Museums Company Confidential Questions? Company Confidential 49 49 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Company Confidential 50 50 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 Company Confidential 51 51 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.” Company Confidential 52 52 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 Company Confidential 53 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. ----------- 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. Company Confidential 54 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.” Company Confidential 55 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. ----------- 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. Company Confidential 56 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. Company Confidential 57 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. Company Confidential 58 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. Company Confidential 59 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. Company Confidential 60 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. Company Confidential 61 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. ----------- 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. Company Confidential 62 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. 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. Company Confidential 63 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] ----------- 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. Company Confidential 64 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. Company Confidential 65 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] ----------- 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. Making sure all parties understand the difference between these terms is important. Company Confidential 66 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. ----------- 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. Company Confidential 67 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 Company Confidential Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems This is a quick reference of inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements Company Confidential Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems Most of the requirements in this table require specialized training Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems Examples of leaking, corroded, internally obstructed, painted & damaged sprinklers. Company Confidential 72 Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems Examples of a loaded sprinkler and a sprinkler covered with sodium silicate. Company Confidential 73 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 Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems This table provides a quick snapshot of testing requirements Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential Chapter 13 Valves, Components & Trim This shows a typical main drain test at full flow Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential 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. Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential Chapter 13 Valves, Components & Trim 13.6 Backflow Prevention Assemblies. Many local water purveyors require inspectors to be certified Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential 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 Company Confidential Chapter 14 Obstruction Investigation Why do internal inspections? If a fire occurs, the system may be too plugged to control the fire Company Confidential 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! Company Confidential 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. Company Confidential 94 Questions? Terry Victor National Manager of Sprinkler Business Processes SimplexGrinnell 410-401-2245 tvictor@simplexgrinnell.com Company Confidential 95 95