Some commentary states that the FDC is not intended to be a substitute for the normal water supply (GPM) but a supplementary source used to boost pressure. With that being the intent, the smaller size makes more sense.
With the test header, you are testing the actual flow (gpm) characteristics of the pump. The FDC and Test Header is an apples to oranges comparison. Craig L. Prahl, CET Fire Protection Specialist Mechanical Department CH2MHILL Lockwood Greene 1500 International Drive PO Box 491, Spartanburg, SC 29304-0491 Direct - 864.599.4102 Fax - 864.599.8439 [email protected] http://www.ch2m.com -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Fletcher, Ron Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 8:54 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: 100ft from FDC to hydrant? NFPA #13 gives the same amount of attention to the placement of the FDC as it does it's adequacy to handle the flow required for the hazard, none. If the location is critical then shouldn't the connection size and number of inlets be critical? A 3000 gpm pump requires a 10" test header with 12 2.5" outlets but only one 4" FDC with 2 2.5" inlets. How is that going to work? We hear about sprinkler saves all the time. Ever hear of a save because the water supply into the building was impaired and the arriving fire dept. used the FDC as the secondary supply? Just my 2 cents. Ron Fletcher Aero Automatic Sprinkler Phoenix, AZ 85024 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John Drucker Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 2:18 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: 100ft from FDC to hydrant? While we are speaking of codes take another look at 2006 IBC 508.5.1 "Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 400 feet (122 m) from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and mains shall be provided where required by the fire code official." What if the hydrant is 401 feet away ?. The fire code official cites 508.5.1 with the following directive; "provide a hydrant 100 Feet from the FDC". The fire code official relies on; "fire hydrants and mains shall be provided WHERE REQUIRED BY THE FIRE CODE OFFICIAL". The fire code official is clearly within the scope of the code section. Oh intent you say, the intent of 508.5.1 is to minimize the hose stretch required of the fire department. It goes without saying that a 100 ft hydrant stretch is less work then a 400 ft stretch. John Drucker Fire Protection Subcode Official New Jersey PS, Hi David. Quick question. Based on Vancouver 508.5.8 what if a property owner installs a fire sprinkler system voluntarily. I will assume that as we do in NJ it must then be provided with an FDC where 20 or more sprinklers are installed since the system albeit voluntary must still be installed in accordance with the standard. Does that make the FDC required and thus require the installation of a hydrant within 150 feet as well ? Thanks John -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Smith, David (VFD) Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 12:43 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: 100ft from FDC to hydrant? I would always recommend asking for the reference when you receive comments and aren't sure where they are coming from. You'll want to make sure that you know what they are referencing and even that they have the ability to enforce it. For instance, portions of Chapter 5 of the 2006 IFC pertaining to fire department access weren't adopted at the state level and isn't enforceable in WA unless the local jurisdictions adopt it through local ordinance or have their own requirement. Other agencies may modify the model code with something more specific or restrictive. Our reference here in Vancouver would be: Vancouver Municipal Code 16.04.160, Amendment to IFC Section 508 508.5.8 Fire Department connections. A fire hydrant shall be located within 150 feet of all required and approved fire department connections. Regards, David M. Smith, Deputy Fire Marshal Vancouver Fire Department, Fire Marshal's Office 7110 NE 63rd Street Vancouver, WA 98661 360-487-7240 Phone/Fax ________________________________ From: [email protected] on behalf of John Drucker Sent: Wed 4/8/2009 3:46 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: 100ft from FDC to hydrant? Members, Perhaps this will help; 2006 IFC Section 508 Fire Protection Water Supplies 508.5.1 Where required. Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 400 feet (122 m) from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and mains shall be provided where required by the fire code official. Exceptions: 1. For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m). 2. For buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 (NFPA-13) or 903.3.1.2, (NFPA-13R) the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m). Don't forget about 2006 IFC Appendix B and C if adopted in your jurisdiction. Sincerely John Drucker Fire Protection Subcode Official _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
