So here's my take on this. We have several hundred systems with GL anti freeze out there. Are we draining them? No not practical before NFPA gives its resolution in Sept. Additionally we will see freezing temps before then. So what to do?
First we'll wait on NFPA. Second if 50/50 is found OK, we'll simply test at the next inspection. Third, as Forest mentions, there is no definitive test for mixed GL with PG or NFPA forbid EG. But there are test strips available for testing the presence of GL. We got old ones from Noble lab guy, as for their test purposes they have to replace them every year, and we got the Hermetically sealed left over's from last year, free. They work just fine for our purposes. For those systems where 50/50 won't cut it, and the AHJ is requiring a change NOW! I'd ask him for a letter explaining to owner their options and a compliance time frame. Because this is going to cost $$$. I would also have him issue his requirements IF NFPA doesn't get their final decision out until after freezing weather in your area. Yes there is a risk in waiting as between 22 and 32,000 fires annually occur in the kitchen. Yes I know "Even one is too many!" But everyone must remember the premise that NFPA 13D and 13R are both life safety systems of limited value in stopping fires from spreading, and only intended to INCREASE the chance of survival, not eliminate the risk. Our own success has been one of the first things that make this a serious threat. Until having people die in a sprinklered building is accepted as a limited cost of saving the other 300,000, every time we have an issue, the knee jerk reaction will be, "Sprinklers don't work" Instead of assuming we can protect everyone and everything using sprinklers, we need to be up front about our limitations. With unlimited funds and unlimited time we can find a solution to every fire hazard, unfortunately that's not the world we live in. Finally, as Ken noted previously, the test data suggests that distance is a key factor in the Flare/flash of the mixed systems, and it is just possible that NFPA may revise the distance from stove tops. I believe that something like 5' was suggested to replace the std. 18" or (9") for intermediate temp. from the range top or stove. This seems a far simpler solution than just "Drain all antifreeze systems now!" approach. This in the long run would be far more affordable for the owners. Thom _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.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)
