American Fire Sprinkler Association 12750 Merit Dr., Suite 350 * Dallas TX 75251
Ph: (214) 349-5965 Fax: (214) 276-0908 ----------------- TECHNICAL UPDATE May 21, 2009 ----------------- I have a double interlock preaction system that is approximately 20 gallons and potentially another system that will be approximately 600 gal. Is it the intent of NFPA 13, Section 7.3.2.3.1.1 and 7.3.2.3.1.3 to install a traditional inspectors test connection arrangement at the most remote branch line and at the highest elevation, or a test manifold regardless of the system size? Section 8.17.4.4.3 & 8.17.4.4.4 seem to suggest that the traditional inspectors test connection arrangement would only be required if the system was over 750 gallons. So would a system that was 15 gallons or 749 gallons still require the traditional inspectors test connection arrangement if 7.3.2.3.1.2 is not met? We have reviewed NFPA 13, 2007 Edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is that an inspectors test connection at the most remote branch line at the highest elevation will be required. Section 8.17.4.4.1 calls for a test connection for a preaction system only when it utilizes supervisory air. But, Sections 8.17.4.4.3 and 8.17.4.4 indicates that trip test connections are required for double interlock preaction systems in excess of 750 gallons. These sections may have been an oversight from the committee when the changes were made for Section 7.3.2.3 for water delivery requirements in the 2007 Edition. Sections 8.17.4.4.3 and 8.17.4.4 were changed during the A2009 Report on Proposals (ROP) in 13-237. The substantiation states, "These revisions are needed in recognition of the current allowances in 7.3.2.3.1.1 and 7.3.2.3.1.3 to size double interlock preaction systems that will discharge within 60 seconds or from a manifold in accordance with the parameters of Table 7.2.3.6.1. As with all dry pipe systems, all double interlock preaction systems should have a trip test connection." Also related to this subject, Section 7.3.2.3 was further modified during the June 2009 Report on Comments (ROC) meeting where a new section 7.3.2.3.1.1 was added that will state, "A system size for double interlock preaction systems of not more than 500 gal shall be permitted and shall not be required to meet any specific water delivery requirement to the trip test connection." The existing sections will remain and renumbered accordingly. Although the use of the material from the A2009 ROP and ROC is premature, a challenge during the vote at the annual NFPA meeting in June 2009 is not expected. ----------------- 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 ⌐ 2009, 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
