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----------------- TECHNICAL UPDATE May 13, 2010 ----------------- Both NFPA 13 and 24 use the following text to address backflow preventers: “Shall be listed for fire protection services.” The AHJ is taking the position that this is a special UL listing and UL listed is not adequate. This wording does differ from other “listed” references in NFPA 24 and 13 where similar terminology exists. Is it the intent that cross connection control devices must have a listing specifically for fire protection service or is the sole intent that the equipment be “UL Listed”?” We have reviewed the 2010 Editions of NFPA 13 and NFPA 24 as the applicable standards. Our informal interpretation is that these devices are listed in the UL 2008 Fire Protection Equipment Directory. The backflow devices are listed in the directory but are “Classified as to friction loss and strength of body ONLY” as, indicated in the general guide information for the Backflow Special Check Valve Devices category. The 2002 and 2010 Editions of the Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook clarified this issue. The commentary to A.3.2.3 states, “At least one agency uses the designation classified to indicate that a specific product meets its testing and evaluation requirements. Materials with this designation meet the intent of the term listed”. Thus, the UL Fire Protection Equipment Directory does list backflow preventers and meets the intent of the NFPA 13 standard. ----------------- 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 © 2010, 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://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklernotes
