American Fire Sprinkler Association
12750 Merit Dr., Suite 350 Dallas TX 75251
Ph: (214) 349-5965 Fax: (214) 276-0908
-------------------------------
TECHNICAL UPDATE
NOVEMBER 5, 2008
-------------------------------
"The AHJ will not accept Class 150 - C900 in their jurisdiction with
working water pressures of 70 to 100 psi. The AHJ claims that UL
listed Class 150 pipe has a maximum pressure of 150 psi. The AHJ is
now requiring us to install Class 200 - C900 throughout their
jurisdiction. The pipe is tested at 200 psi per NFPA 13 and once it
passes the 150 psi pressure, the AHJ claims the pipe is void of UL its
listings. Is this correct?"
We have reviewed NFPA 13, 2007 Edition as the applicable standard. Our
informal interpretation is that a hydrostatic test with pressures
beyond the working pressure of the component does not void a
component's listing or approval.
A hydrostatic test at 200 psi on the 150 psi rated components is
required to be performed in accordance with section 13:10.10.2.2. The
above ground piping is no different in that the components have a
rating of 175 psi and the required hydrostatic test is 200 psi
according to 13:24.2.1.1. A hydrostatic test with pressures beyond the
working pressure of the component does not void a component's listing
or approval. NFPA 13 clarified this issue in 13:6.1.3, "System
components shall be rated for the maximum system working pressures to
which they are exposed but shall not be rated at less than 175 psi for
components installed aboveground and 150 psi for components installed
underground." The explanatory text further explains the 150-psi
pressure rating is based on historical performance and reflects the
pressure ratings of the components typically used in underground, such
as piping, valves, and fittings. So, if the AHJ is requiring a
minimum of Class 200 underground pipe (rated for 200 psi), there
should be a documented amendment reflecting this requirement that was
approved and voted on by elected officials in that jurisdiction.
Another case where Class 200 pipe would be required is where fire
pumps supply underground private mains with pressures exceeding 150
psi. Also, note that Class 150 pipe does not have to be UL listed
according to 13:10.1.1 since the Class 150 - C900 pipe is listed in
Table 10.1.1. Section 13:10.1.1 was printed in error and caused some
confusion. NFPA issued an Errata No. 13-07-01 for 13:10.1.1 where the
"and" was changed to "or" to read, "Piping shall be listed for fire
protection service or shall comply with the standards in Table
10.1.1." So, unless there is a documented approved amendment to use
Class 200 pipe, Class 150 - C900 pipe for the underground is
acceptable according to NFPA 13.
-----------------
Technical Update is prepared by the Technical Services Dept. of the
AFSA: Vice President of Engineering and Technical Services Roland
Huggins, a PE registered in fire protection engineering; Phill Brown,
a NICET IV certified automatic sprinkler technician and NFPA Certified
Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) and Tom Wellen, a degreed fire
protection engineering technologist. This is provided with the
understanding that the AFSA assumes no liability for this opinion or
actions taken on it and they are not to be considered the official
position of the NFPA or its technical committees.
Copyright (c) 2008, American Fire Sprinkler Association. All Rights
Reserved
--------------------------
If you'd rather not receive future faxes from AFSA, fax your removal
request to Amy Sweeney at Efax (214) 242-3155 or call toll free (888)
839-4830 or send e-mail request @ [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please
include your company name and the specific fax numbers(s) at which you
do not wish to receive faxes from us. Our failure to comply with your
request may be unlawful.
_______________________________________________
Sprinklernotes mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklernotes
