Chris, while I am sure you know about the requirement for a sprinkler system to 
be maintained at 40F.  With the temp noted below of 33F, this requirement 
probably cannot be met. There are several system options like heat tracing, dry 
system or anti-freeze systems.  If these are not an option,  you could also 
calculate the heat loss, sign and seal and call it a day if you are comfortable 
with it.  We've taken this approach with some customers that were opposed to 
the maintenance of dry systems and anti-freeze systems etc...  pay an engineer 
to calculate the heat loss, sign seal and submit it to the EOR.

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] 
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Chris Born
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 8:12 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: California question about freezing

We are working on a project at Camp Pendleton, and a question has come up about 
running some piping exposed.  We have a loading dock and originally indicated 
dry sidewall sprinklers to protect this area.  However, due to some 
coordination issues with a soffit and structural steel, the contractor has 
proposed running a 2" branch line exposed with sidewall heads straight off of 
the branch line.

I know that it is very common for large piping such as risers, backflow 
preventers, etc., to be run exposed in this area.  However, I'm not as 
comfortable with a branch line.  We've researched the Air Force Climactic 
Center data and that shows a 99.6% dry bulb temperature of 33F, which would 
suggest there would be very little to no chance of this line freezing.  

In the opinion of some of the esteemed West Coast members of this forum, should 
I be concerned about freezing?

Christopher Born, P.E.
Director, Fire Protection Engineering
Clark Nexsen, P.E.
Norfolk, VA

Sent from my iPad
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