American Fire Sprinkler Association 12750 Merit Dr., Suite 350 * Dallas TX 75251 Ph: (214) 349-5965 Fax: (214) 276-0908
______________________ TECHNICAL UPDATE June 17, 2009 ______________________ ”I am currently working on a project with 14 dry pipe systems in a manufacturing facility. Due the large size of the building and a future phase II, we cannot get to an exterior wall on several systems to install a test connection as per NFPA 13:8.17.4.3.3 which states: “The trip test connection shall be located on the end of the most distant sprinkler pipe in the upper story and shall be equipped with a readily accessible shutoff valve and plug not less than 1 inch.” The commentary in the handbook also indicates that this requirement is so the approximate time from opening of the most distant sprinkler in the system until water flows from that sprinkler can be measured. All of these systems have a capacity of less than 750 gallons. Since NFPA 13:7.2.3.4 does not require you to meet any water delivery time due to the system size; is it necessary to locate the test connection as per 8.17.4.3.3?” We have reviewed NFPA 13, 2007 Edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is yes, because as part of the acceptance testing required by Section 24.2.3.2 you have to establish a baseline number for comparison by future inspections required by NFPA 25. Note though that 8.17.4.3 doesn't say it has to discharge outside. The guidance for wet pipe in 8.17.4.2.3 is reasonable to follow. If you do run a long pipe to the exterior, discuss with the AHJ that the time will be increased. Despite having no restrictions, you wouldn't want the AHJ going off on a larger than expected number. ----------------- 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
