Reed,
Rhetorically, what is the definition of ‘close’ in this instance?  I think you 
are fine to put that valve where appropriate in the configuration anywhere 
between the tee of the suction piping to within 4 ft along the pipe measured 
upstream of the exterior wall in an accessible location with appropriate 
automatic air release vents to remove trapped air at commissioning and 
appropriate auxiliary drains to remove trapped water during maintenance.

While both Figures A.6.3.1(a) and (b) show this valve immediately downstream of 
the pump discharge tee, these are in the annex and may not be enforceable.  
Section 4.20.1.4 indicates that the test header is to be installed “…on an 
exterior wall or in another location outside the pump room…”

Since this valve must be a listed indicating valve per Section 4.20.3.3.1, I 
believe the intent is similar to that of the pump controller location in 
relation to the pump drivers per Sections 10.2.1 and 12.2.1 in that the test 
header valve’s position is to be visible from the vantage point of the fire 
pump.

If your configuration achieves this, I would call it ‘close in line to the pump 
served’.

Hope this helps,

Ryan L. Hinson, PE*, SET**  \  Burns & McDonnell
Senior Fire Protection Engineer
O 952-656-3662 \  M 320-250-5404  \  F 952-229-2923
[email protected]  \  burnsmcd.com<http://www.burnsmcd.com/>
8201 Norman Center Drive, Suite 300  \  Bloomington, MN 55437
*Registered in: MN, PA, & TX
**NICET IV - Water-Based Systems Layout

From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On 
Behalf Of Reed A. Roisum, SET
Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2017 5:46 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fire Pump Test Header Valve Location

I have a pump room where an esteemed colleague suggested I locate the fire pump 
test header control valve near the test header on the vertical pipe to limit 
the amount of “dry” pipe.  Since the valve would be located near the top of 
vertical pipe the dry portion of the pipe would drain well and wouldn’t have 
corrosion issues.  However, NFPA 20 says that the valve “shall be at a point in 
the line close to the pump.”  (NFPA 20, 2013 ed. 4.20.3.3.3).  I know the valve 
needs to be at least 4’ from the exterior wall along the pipe for freeze 
issues, but does anyone know the reason 20 requires that valve be close to the 
pump?

Thanks.

Reed Roisum


Reed A. Roisum, SET | Karges-Faulconbridge, Inc. | Senior Fire Protection 
Designer | Fargo, ND | direct: 701.552.9903 | mobile: 701.388.1352 | 
KFIengineers.com<http://www.kfiengineers.com>

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