Thom, I questioned that as well. Nonetheless backflow prevention in particular RPZ's have been a subject of much angst in the sprinkler industry. This proposal will reinstate the 1700 ft rule which was elimated in the 2006 edition of the NSPC which results in RPZ's on all systems with FDC's.
I didn't submit this proposed rule change however feel free to submit comments to DCA as the proposal is in the comment stage. John Drucker Fire Protection Subcode Official New Jersey -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thom McMahon Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 10:44 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: FYI NJ Rule Proposal- FDC and RPZ - 2003 NSPC I didn't realize there were that many systems in NJ that when you switched from a DCA to RPZ caused you to need a fire pump. Typically we see a 2 to 6 PSI difference only. Thom McMahon, SET Firetech, Inc. 2560 Copper Ridge Dr P.O. Box 882136 Steamboat Springs, CO 80488 Tel: 970-879-7952 Fax: 970-879-7926 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Drucker Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 9:55 PM To: [email protected] Subject: FYI NJ Rule Proposal- FDC and RPZ - 2003 NSPC Division Of Codes and Standards Uniform Construction Code Plumbing subcode, Fire department (siamese) connections Proposed Amendments: N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.15 Authorized by: Joseph V. Doria, Jr., Commissioner, Department of Community Affairs COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Authority: N.J.S.A. 52:27D-124 Proposal Number: PRN 2008- Calendar: See Summary below for explanation of exception to calendar requirement. Submit written comments by: September 5, 2008 to: Michael L. Ticktin, Esq. Chief, Legislative Analysis Department of Community Affairs PO Box 802 Trenton, NJ 08625-0802 Fax Number: (609) 633-6729 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ____________________________ Joseph V. Doria, Jr. Commissioner The agency proposal follows: Summary The proposed amendment at N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.15(b) iv would update the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Rules for the Construction of Pressure Vessels, to ensure consistency with the adopted references in the International Mechanical Code (IMC), Sections 1004.1 and 1011.1. The proposed amendment at N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.15(b) 10vi would revert to the language in the National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC)/2003. It would permit the installation of a double check valve assembly on a fire protection system, which includes a fire department (siamese) connection, where the system is supplied from a potable water system and is located more than 1700 feet from a non-potable water supply; it would also require a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow preventer on a system where a non-potable water supply system is located within 1700 feet of a non-potable water supply. The 2006 NSPC requires all fire sprinkler and standpipe systems that have a fire department (siamese) connection to have an RPZ backflow preventer no matter what the distance from a non-potable water supply. The Department believes that a double check valve assembly should be allowed to be used where the system is supplied from a potable water system and is located more than 1700 feet from a non-potable water supply because the pressure drop required for an RPZ backflow preventer is much higher than the pressure drop for a double check valve assembly. In some cases, this results in requiring a fire pump for a RPZ backflow preventer. This is costly and does not have a public health benefit commensurate with the cost. As the Department has provided a 60-day comment period on this notice of proposal, this notice is exempted from the rulemaking calendar requirement, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 1:30-3.3(a) 5. Social Impact By ensuring consistency between code provisions, the proposed amendment would remove a source of potential confusion to users of the code. Economic Impact The proposed amendment would have a positive economic benefit for builders and property owners in that a fire pump that might otherwise be required when there is a reduced pressure zone backflow preventer would no longer be required. Federal Standards Statement No Federal standards analysis is required because these amendments are not being proposed in order to implement, comply with, or participate in any program established under Federal law or under a State law that incorporates or refers to Federal law, standards, or requirements. Jobs Impact The Department does not anticipate that any jobs will be created or lost as a result of these proposed amendments. Agriculture Industry Impact The Department does not anticipate that the proposed amendments would have an impact on the agricultural industry. Regulatory Flexibility Statement Inasmuch as the proposed amendment would reduce costs and eliminate potential sources of confusion for all affected property owners, "small businesses" as defined by the New Jersey Regulatory Flexibility Act, N.J.S.A. 52:14B-16 et seq. included, it would not impose any compliance, reporting or recordkeeping burdens on any "small businesses," nor would it require them to obtain professional services. Smart Growth Impact The Department does not expect that the proposal would have any impact upon either achievement of "smart growth" or implementation of the State Plan. Full text of the proposal follows (additions indicated in boldface thus; deletions indicated in brackets [thus]): 5:23-3.15 Plumbing Subcode (a) (No change.) (b) The following pages, chapters, sections or appendices of the plumbing subcode shall be amended as follows: 1. - 3. (No change.) 4. Chapter 3 of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Materials," shall be amended as follows: i. - iii. (No change) iv. Section 3.3.8a. is amended to add the following phase: "Pressure vessels shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of American Society of Mechanical Engineers, (ASME), Rules for the Construction of Pressure Vessels, Section VIII/[1998] 2004. Any pressure vessel that exceeds any of the following, shall meet the requirements of ASME and shall be stamped ASME: A heat input rating of 200,000 BTU per hour; or a water temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit; or a nominal water capacity of 120 gallons or any other thresholds of ASME that apply." v. - ix. (No change.) 5. - 9. (No change.) 10. Chapter 10 of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Water Supply and Distribution," shall be amended as follows: i. - v. (No change.) vi. Section 10.5.9a. EXCEPTIONS (3) shall be deleted and insert the following: (3) Where fire protection systems supplied from a potable water system include a fire department (Siamese) connection is located less than 1700 feet from a non-potable water supply shall be protected by one of the following: (i) Reduced pressure backflow preventer assembly (ii) Reduced pressure detector assembly Recodify existing vi. as vii. (No change in text.) [vii.] viii. Section10.15.1, Hot water supply system, shall be amended to add the phase "outlet temperature of hot water from lavatory faucets in public facility restrooms (such as those in service stations, airports, train and bus terminals, and conventions halls) shall be provided with a means to limit the maximum temperature to 110 degrees F. as required in ASHRAE 90.1-[1999] 2004." 11. - 19. 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