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Introduction
Right now, at this very moment, at a facility located in some city or town, an employee or
contractor has just shut off a fire protection or explosion protection system - they have purposely
created an impairment. They have deliberately increased the hazard to the building. In fact, every
year, in business and industry, tens of thousands of impairments occur to protection systems -
even to the systems where you work.
People impair protection systems for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the protection system requires
maintenance. Maybe renovations must occur at a facility, a new construction project is under
way. At another facility, a protection system has suffered equipment failure. Vandalism or
malicious mischief also causes impairments. No matter what the reason, while the protection
system is shut off, the facility runs the risk of increased damage from a fire or explosion that starts
in the area where protection has been impaired.
This course will help you to apply good judgment and implement useful practices so you may
safely shut down and reactivate a sprinkler system when maintenance must be performed. The
lessons you learn can be applied to other types of impairments.
Plant destroyed, hundreds in jeopardy of losing jobs A warm sunny day greeted the
weekend in the quiet western Pennsylvania town of Monaca on Saturday, July 15, 1978. At the
Phoenix Glass Company Plant, an outside contractor began to replace two obsolete dry pipe
sprinkler valves as part of an upgrade to the facility's fire protection system.
To begin the work, the contractor shut off two of the plant's fifteen sprinkler systems. Other plant
repairs required that workers shut off a third sprinkler system. As the morning wore on, the
contractor had difficulty replacing the obsolete valves and shut off the main incoming water
supply to the plant. Seemingly, no one considered that this would impair all of the automatic fire
protection for the facility. At lunchtime, everyone who knew of the impairment left the plant. No
one remained on fire watch.
Work resumed after lunch. Just as the sprinkler contractor finished installing the new dry pipe
valves a cry of "FIRE" rang out. One employee ran to call the fire department while others tried to
fight the fire with portable extinguishers. The plant engineer and sprinkler contractor ran to open
the main water supply valve in an attempt to restore the impaired sprinkler systems.
By the time it took to reach and open the valve, the fire burned out of control.
Even with the main water supply valve reopened, three system control valves remained off. The
available water supply could not adequately supply all of the heads that had fused in the systems
that were openable. A fierce fire burned through areas of the plant. Structural damage and
collapse broke sprinkler piping further reducing the available water supply.
At this particular loss, there were numerous problems linked to fire protection equipment
impairments.
Protection impairment occurs when someone takes out of service a fire or explosion protection
systems. These systems may include automatic sprinklers, water spray, carbon dioxide, clean
agent systems, fire alarm systems, or explosion suppression systems. With systems shut off,
protection is impaired. With protection impaired, the risk of damage by fire significantly rises. Yet
shut downs are often required for maintenance, renovation, new construction, or when equipment
fails.
Many large losses would have been small if protection systems had not been impaired. Whoever
shuts off a protection system must make every effort to provide temporary protection, reduce
hazards, and ensure prompt restoration; otherwise a false sense of security will prevail.
All sprinkler systems have to be maintained, it is inevitable and required. Maintenance must be
performed to ensure that the system will function properly when needed. While the system is
down, the hazard to the accompaniments and building are greatly increased.
Emergency: when there is an unexpected failure that partially or totally impairs the
effectiveness of a sprinkler system
Hidden: An impairment that is not known to exist, and is therefore the most dangerous type
Planned Examples:
scheduled maintenance on or scheduled repair to any sprinkler system components;
additions to systems; any revisions to system piping; component replacements.
Emergency Examples:
broken head or piping, bent or stressed piping, damaged control valve. Usually an
emergency impairment is due to component failure or to someone or something inflicting
damage.
Hidden Examples:
any sprinkler system shut down where the system inadvertently remains out of service.
An applied inspection program often reveals Hidden Impairments, thus reducing the risk
and allowing restoration of the system without delay.
In conducting a planned impairment, the major goal is to keep the sprinkler system downtime to
an absolute minimum. You can do this by using the following practices:
Do
Don't
Don't allow staff or contractors to vacate the area for any reason.
Don't use unprepared personnel or untrained staff/contractors.
Don't shutdown the system, then determine what will be needed.
Don't create additional risk by not putting necessary personnel on fire watch.
Don't delay system restoration.
Don't forget to double check that the system is fully restored and in-service
before providing notification of job completion.
Don't assume contractors will safeguard the plant and people-they can't do this
without management's participation.
HELPFUL HINT
Management should never allow any outside contractors to initiate an impairment to protection
equipment without overall supervision by plant personnel. Contractors usually have no clear
responsibility for safeguarding facility operations. Nor do they have vested interest in keeping the
duration of the impairment as short as possible, or in expediting the progress of the work. Outside
contractors do not have the authority to initiate extra precautions. Facility personnel absolutely
must supervise outside contractors and any required impairments to the protection systems.
When you plan an impairment, you must address three key issues. It is recommended that you
proceed through the sections in the following order by simply clicking on the next button.
However, you can also click on any topic and go straight to that section.
The planning steps should include a job evaluation and the creation of a "bill of materials" to
insure all needed materials are readily available and procured before starting any work.
Job Evaluation:
When someone decides that a sprinkler system must be worked on, the person who will
do the work must determine the exact nature of that work. What is the final objective? Is
it to add a sprinkler head to a newly constructed office in the middle of the factory floor?
Or maybe a new conveyor system requires the relocation of several sprinkler system
branch lines. Once the final objective is determined, you must next decide what tools do
you need to finish the job or task. What parts? What assistance will you need? How
much time will it take? The job evaluation becomes a key part of the planning that must
take place before the actual work begins.
Bill of Materials:
The bill of materials lists every part you need to complete the work; every piece of pipe,
every coupling, every hanger, every bolt, every nut, every sprinkler head and every
piece of Teflon tape. In short, every single part gets listed on the bill of materials.
Once the job has been evaluated and all needed materials have been gathered, measurements
should be completed, materials prepared or modified, and necessary tools and resources put
into place for easy use. This is when the job evaluation and the bill of materials are used.
Necessary Tools:
Any tool you need to do the job. This may include mechanical cutting equipment,
threading tools, pipe wrenches, lights, couplings, equipment being replaced, ladders,
scaffolding, and high lifts.
Resources:
Any resource you need to do the job. This may include extra personnel, extinguishers,
and fire-watch staff.
Do not shut down the system until all preparatory work has been completed. Do not leave any
part of the job undone that you can complete with the sprinkler system still in service. For
example, if you are adding sprinklers, connect as many pieces of pipe as possible before you
make the final connection. Then, and only then, shut the system off and make the final
connection to the new piping. Do this as quickly and efficiently as possible. Then promptly restore
the system to full service.
What follows is a case study for you to evaluate. There are three (3) questions that you will
respond to that are related to this case. Your responses are not recorded.
The finishing department has placed three new paint spray booths. This requires a complete
rearrangement of the paint shop. As a result, the sprinkler heads located behind the filters and in
the exhaust stacks of the older booths are disconnected. Several sprinkler system branch lines
need to be relocated to accommodate the profile of the new spray booths.
You are a pipe fitter assigned to the job. You have consulted the master sprinkler system diagram
and determined that the sprinkler system in the paint shop is served by Riser No. 22. The plant-
engineering department supplied you with a drawing showing the additional sprinklers. This
drawing has been reviewed by the plant protection department and approved as drawn. You have
also taken careful measurements at the job site and compared them to the drawing. As a result,
you determine that you will need the following:
Bill of Materials
Resources
2 8-foot ladders
1 Pipefitters master tool box with all wrenches and other tools
1 Helper
2 Pair of safety glasses
2 Pair of gloves
1 Hydrostatic test pump
1 Contractors Materials and Test Certificate
1 Impairment permit for Riser No. 22
1 Impairment Tag
1. Upon arrival at the job site with your Materials and Resources, your first
task will be to:
A. Shut off the main sprinkler control valve for Riser No. 22.
B. Make certain that all hazardous operations are shut down.
D. Make the cut-in for the feed to the new piping and heads.
A: Incorrect.
While in most pipefitting or plumbing work you begin by shutting off the water, when you
work on a sprinkler system, you complete every part of the job you can first and then
shut off the system to make the final cut in. This keeps the sprinkler impairment
downtime as short as possible.
B: Incorrect.
Its important to shut down all hazardous operations before you shut off the sprinkler
system. But you dont want to take that step yet. And, if you shut down the hazardous
operations too early, you may unnecessarily limit production. Keep the overall
interruption to operations to a minimum.
C: Correct.
To keep the sprinkler system shut down time to a minimum, complete ALL work that you
can BEFORE you impair the sprinkler system.
D: Incorrect.
Youre going to get wet! You cant make the cut in until you shut the water off. And you
dont want to shut the water off until you have done every bit of the job possible first. To
keep the sprinkler system shut down time to a minimum, complete every bit of the work
that you can BEFORE you impair the sprinkler system.
D. Make the cut-in for the feed to the new piping and heads.
A: Incorrect.
You dont want to shut off the sprinkler system until you make certain that all of the
hazardous operations are shut down. The safety of those operations depends on the
protection that the sprinkler system provides.
B: Correct.
Its important to shut down all hazardous operations before you shut off the sprinkler
system.
C: Incorrect.
Youre falling behind. To keep the sprinkler system shut down time to a minimum, you
should have already completed work that you can BEFORE you impair the sprinkler
system.
D: Incorrect.
Youre soaked! You cant make the cut in until you shut the water off. And you dont want
to shut the water off until you make certain that all of the hazardous operations are shut
down. The safety of those operations depends on the protection that the sprinkler
system provides.
3. Your third task at the job site will be to:
A. Shut off the main sprinkler control valve for Riser No. 22.
D. Make the cut-in for the feed to the new piping and heads.
A: Correct.
First you completed all of the work you could to keep the actual sprinkler system
shutdown time to a minimum. Secondly, you made certain that all of the hazardous
operations are shut down. Now you can shut off the sprinkler system and as quickly and
efficiently as possible make the final cut in. Remember to promptly restore the sprinkler
system to service.
B: Incorrect.
You should have already shut down hazardous operations.
C: Incorrect.
This was the first task you should have completed. To keep the sprinkler system shut
down time to a minimum, you should have already completed every bit of the work that
you can BEFORE you impair the sprinkler system.
D: Incorrect.
You cant make the cut in until you shut the water off.
Notification
Facilities have various requirements for notification before anyone shuts down a sprinkler system.
Generally these requirements will make certain that key personnel know when and where
sprinkler protection has been impaired. Typical notification requirements may include notifying
any or all of the following. Place your cursor over a term to learn why.
Facility manager
Fire brigade
Security department
Switchboard operator
Department heads over people who are working in the area
Fire department
Insurance company
Alarm providers
Facility Manager:
As the person who has ultimate responsibility for the safety and security of the facility,
the facility manager should know whenever protection has been compromised by a shut
sprinkler valve. Even when the manager designates others to control the impairments,
he or she should still be aware of the increase in hazard that such impairments create.
Fire Brigade:
In order to effectively operate during an emergency at the facility, the private fire brigade
must always know the status of built-in fire protection equipment. When a sprinkler
system must be impaired, the fire brigade must be aware of this impairment so they can
alter their response plan accordingly.
Security Department:
Increase in the hazard because the sprinkler system is shut off can also have an impact
on overall facility security. Thus, the security department must be made aware of shut
sprinkler valves. Sometimes, security may be asked to make additional tours through
affected areas. In any case, their plan of operation must be altered accordingly
whenever fire protection is compromised.
Switchboard Operator:
Many people report fires by calling the switchboard operator. It is important that the
operator be made aware of any change that might affect overall safety at the facility.
Thus, always report any sprinkler valve shut off and restoration to normal to the
switchboard operator.
Department heads over people who are working in the area:
Department heads must coordinate fire protection for their areas of responsibility. When
a sprinkler system is shut off, the department head may need to curtain hazardous
operations or make certain that workers heed special safety requirements. Thus, the
department heads are notified whenever it is necessary to shut off a sprinkler system.
Fire Department:
Like the fire brigade, the fire department will need to alter its emergency response plan if
sprinklers are shut off in an area of the facility. It is important that they know whenever
the built-in fire protection system for a building is shut off.
Insurance Company:
Many property insurance companies require policyholders to notify them whenever a
sprinkler system must be shut off. The hazards at a facility are definitely increased
whenever a sprinkler system is impaired. Notification allows the insurance company
representatives to participate in the impairment management process if he or she wishes
to do so. Notification of restoration lets them know that protection has been restored.
Alarm Service Provider:
Many alarm systems receive input from sprinkler systems. When a sprinkler system is
shut off, it may also impair the alarm system. Thus, the alarm system provider should
know whenever a sprinkler system is impaired.
As a part of the notification procedures some facilities require the person planning to shut off a
sprinkler system to first obtain a signed permit.
What is a permit?
What happens if you shut a sprinkler valve and do not obtain or use a permit?
What is a permit?
A permit is a written document that grants the bearer permission to shut off a specific
sprinkler system control valve. Often the permit will contain statements to remind the
bearer of precautions that he or she should take before shutting the valve. It will often
also state the notification procedures that must be followed and the procedures to follow
when the valve is reopened. The permit has a place where the person responsible for
supervising the integrity of the fire protection system must sign. The permit helps enforce
a set of checks and balances to make absolutely certain that a sprinkler system will only
be shut off when it is absolutely necessary to do so. It also helps make certain that all
precautions are followed. A permit can help minimize the length of the impairment. It can
help make certain that the sprinkler system will remain impaired only for the exact
amount of time it takes to do the work and not one minute longer. A permit may also be
part of an impairment tag system, which will be discussed later.
EXAMPLE
When is a permit required?
A permit is required whenever a piece of fire protection equipment must be impaired.
What happens if you shut a sprinkler valve and do not obtain or use a permit?
A person who shuts off a sprinkler valve and who has not obtained a permit to do so will
likely be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including possible dismissal.
Most companies have a planned impairment policy or procedure that defines who must be
notified and when. Most frequently a site manager is designated. This person must be notified
before work begins, and before this person signs the permit. The procedure your company uses
must be followed. Print
Whenever it is necessary to shut off a sprinkler system valve in order to do maintenance or repair
work, the person who will shut the valve must first obtain a permit from the Main Security Office.
Fill out the top portion of the permit. Answer all of the questions on the permit using this check
sheet to help ensure complete planning:
Impairment Tags:
Two-part impairment tags help keep track of shut sprinkler valves and also serve to
remind other personnel that a sprinkler valve is shut. The red-colored portion of the tag
must hand on the shut valve until it is reopened. The yellow-colored portion of the tag
must hang in a prominent designated location in the impairment managers office until
the red-colored portion has been returned, indicating that the valve has been reopened.
The tag also has a place on the red-colored portion to record the results of the 2-inch
main drain test when the sprinkler valve is reopened.
Standard 2-inch main drain test:
This test helps confirm that a sprinkler valve has not been left shut. Once a valve has
been fully reopened, conduct a 2-inch main drain test at the sprinkler riser served by the
valve (or at one of the sprinkler risers served by a divisional valve). Open the 2-inch
main drain until it is fully opened. Once the pressure stabilizes, read the flowing pressure
on the gauge connected to the water supply side of the sprinkler riser. Close the 2-inch
main drain and once the pressure stabilizes, record the static pressure. Write both
pressures in the space provided on the red-colored portion of the impairment tag.
What follows is a case study for you to evaluate. There are four (4) questions that you will
respond to that are related to this case. Your responses are not recorded.
As previously discussed, the finishing department has placed three new paint spray booths. This
has required a complete rearrangement of the paint shop. As a result, the sprinkler heads located
behind the filters and in the exhaust stacks of the older booths have been disconnected. Several
sprinkler system branch lines will need to be relocated to accommodate the profile of the new
spray booths. As the pipe fitter assigned to the job, you have consulted the master sprinkler
system diagram and determined that the sprinkler system in the paint shop is served by Riser No.
22. The plant-engineering department supplied you with a drawing showing the additional
sprinklers. This drawing has been reviewed by the plant protection department and approved as
drawn. You have also taken careful measurements at the job site and compared them to the
drawing. You have drawn up a bill of materials and list of resources. You have also reviewed the
facilitys impairment handling procedures.
A: Incorrect.
You must first make notifications, obtain the impairment managers signature before you
shut the valve.
B: Correct.
You must notify the specified people before you obtain the impairment managers
signature and before you shut the valve.
C: Incorrect.
Did you make the required notifications? You must notify the specified people before you
obtain the impairment managers signature.
D: Incorrect.
You shouldnt hang the tags until you've shut the valve. You shouldnt shut the valve until
you have a signed permit. You shouldnt get a signature until youve made the proper
notifications.
2. Your second task will be:
A. Shut off the main sprinkler control valve for Riser No. 22.
A: Incorrect.
You must first obtain the impairment managers signature before you shut the valve.
B: Incorrect.
You should have already made these notifications first.
C: Correct.
You must obtain the impairment managers signature before you shut the valve.
D: Incorrect.
You shouldnt hang the tags until youve shut the valve. You shouldnt shut the valve
until you have a signed permit.
A: Correct.
Youve made the proper notifications and obtained the impairment managers signature,
now you may shut the valve.
B: Incorrect.
You should have already made these notifications.
C: Incorrect.
You should have already obtained the impairment managers signature.
D: Incorrect.
You shouldnt hang the tags until youve shut the valve.
4. Your fourth task will be:
A. Shut off the main sprinkler control valve for Riser No. 22.
A: Incorrect.
You should have already shut the valve.
B: Incorrect.
You should have already made these notifications.
C: Incorrect.
You should have already obtained the impairment managers signature.
D: Correct.
Now you hang the red-colored tag on the valve and the yellow-colored tag on the
prominent designated location in the impairment managers office.
Reactivation
Reactivation steps --
Once the work is complete, fully re-open the valve. Then conduct a standard 2-inch main drain
test to verify that the valve has not been left shut.
HELPFUL HINT
Count the number of turns when you shut the valve and recount the turns when you reopened it
to help ensure that the valve is fully opened.
Verify that the valve is open and reactivate the monitoring system.
The standard 2-inch main drain test helps verify that the valve has not been left shut. By counting
the number of turns when you shut the valve and counting them again as you reopen the valve,
you also help verify that the valve has been operated the same number of turns. If the valve was
electronically supervised by the fire alarm system, make certain that the fire alarm system
supervisory restoration to normal signal has been received. If the signal transmits off premises to
an alarm service provider, make certain the provider has received the restoration to normal
signal. If the valve was locked or sealed in the open position, restore the lock or seal accordingly.
HELPFUL HINT
Never seal or lock a closed valve.
Make certain that you notify everyone who was originally notified that
you were shutting off a sprinkler valve. These may include:
Remove the red-colored tag from the now opened valve and take it to the office of the impairment
manager where it should be matched with the prominently posted yellow-colored tag. These tags
should be stapled together and filed for future reference. The next time a property insurance
company representative visits the facility, he or she may ask to review the impairment tags.
What follows is a case study for you to evaluate. There are four (4) questions that you will
respond to that are related to this case. Your responses are not recorded.
As previously discussed, the finishing department has placed three new paint spray booths. This
has required a complete rearrangement of the paint shop. As a result, the sprinkler heads located
behind the filters and in the exhaust stacks of the older booths have been disconnected. Several
sprinkler system branch lines will need to be relocated to accommodate the profile of the new
spray booths. As the pipe fitter assigned to the job, you have just finished relocating these heads.
Now you must restore the previously shut sprinkler valve.
B. Make the required notification to the persons you previously notified of the shut down.
Conduct a standard 2-inch main drain test to help verify the valve has not remained
C. shut and reseal the valve.
Remove the red-colored tag on the valve and match it to the yellow-colored tag posted
D. at the prominent designated location in the impairment managers office.
A: Correct.
Open the valve first to get the system back into service as quickly as possible.
B: Incorrect.
You havent opened the valve yet, what are you going to tell them?
C: Incorrect.
Opening the drain at this point wont accomplish anything. You havent opened the valve
yet.
D: Incorrect.
That tag stays on the valve until you reopen it, verify that it is open, and notify everyone
that it is open!
B. Make the required notification to the persons you previously notified of the shut down.
Conduct a standard 2-inch main drain test to help verify the valve has not remained
C. shut and reseal the valve.
Remove the red-colored tag on the valve and match it to the yellow-colored tag posted
D. at the prominent designated location in the impairment managers office.
A: Incorrect.
You should have already opened the valve.
B: Incorrect.
You havent verified that the valve is opened yet.
C: Correct.
You must verify that the valve is reopened.
D: Incorrect.
Did you verify that the valve is open yet? Keep that tag on the valve until you verify it is
open and notify everyone it is open.
B. Make the required notification to the persons you previously notified of the shut down.
Conduct a standard 2-inch main drain test to help verify the valve has not remained
C. shut and reseal the valve.
Remove the red-colored tag on the valve and match it to the yellow-colored tag posted
D. at the prominent designated location in the impairment managers office.
A: Incorrect.
You should have already opened the valve.
B: Correct.
You must notify everyone that you originally notified of the shut down.
C: Incorrect.
You should have already verified that the valve is reopened.
D: Incorrect.
Keep that tag on the valve until you notify everyone the valve is open.
4. Your fourth and final task will be:
A. Reopen the main sprinkler control valve for Riser No. 22.
B. Make the required notification to the persons you previously notified of the shut down.
Conduct a standard 2-inch main drain test to help verify the valve has not remained
C. shut and reseal the valve.
Remove the red-colored tag on the valve and match it to the yellow-colored tag posted
D. at the prominent designated location in the impairment managers office.
A: Incorrect.
You should have already opened the valve.
B: Incorrect.
You should have already notified everyone that you originally notified of the shut down.
C: Incorrect.
You should have already verified that the valve is reopened.
D: Correct.
Now you can match the tags and file them for future reference.
Summary
People impair protection system for a variety of reasons. This course has taught you how to
exercise proper judgement so you may safely shut down and reactivate a sprinkler system.
In conducting a planned impairment, the major goal is to keep the sprinkler system downtime to
an absolute minimum. You can do this by:
Facilities have various requirements for notification before anyone shuts down a sprinkler system.
Generally these requirements will make certain that key personnel know when and where
sprinkler protection has been impaired. As a part of the notification procedures some facilities
require the person planning to shut off a sprinkler system to first obtain a signed permit.
Once the work is complete, you must reopen the valve to reactivate the system. Reactivation
steps include:
Emergency impairment
Hidden impairment
Necessary impairment
Two
Three
Five
Not shut the sprinkler system off until the hazardous operations cease
6. Before you begin work on a sprinkler system, make certain you have
Complete plans of the system
Obtain whatever tools and parts are needed to work on a sprinkler system
Hangs in the work area while maintenance workers have left the
immediate area
9. The two-part sprinkler impairment tag has two colored parts, red and
yellow. The yellow-colored tag
Hangs in a prominent designated location in the impairment manager?s
office
Hangs in the work area while maintenance workers have left the immediate
area
10. After you reopen a shut sprinkler control valve you should
Pick up all tools and otherwise clear the area of unused materials
Walk through the work area looking for evidence that none of the heads
have inadvertently operated
Perform a standard 2-inch main drain test to help verify that the valve has
not been left shut
Introduction to Automatic Sprinklers
Introduction
First shift operations were just winding down at the Amalgamated Plastics
company when a hydraulic line on one of the injection molding machines ruptured creating a
cloud of combustible hydraulic oil. The oil mist ignited when it contacted the hot dies of an
adjacent machine. Heat from the fire fused six automatic sprinkler heads over the burning
machinery. Water discharged from the sprinklers and quickly controlled the fire. Damage was
limited to the machine involved in the fire, and minor damage to an adjacent machine. Without
the automatic sprinklers the fire could have caused extensive damage as the fire progressed
from one machine to another.
An employee, denied a promotion because of poor performance, quietly slipped into the main
office supply room and set a fire for revenge. The heat from the fire fused a single sprinkler
head at the ceiling. Water from the operating sprinkler head quickly controlled the fire,
actuated the building fire alarm system, and automatically notified the public fire department.
Damage was limited to a few boxes of paper supplies and mopping up the water from the
sprinklers. Without the sprinklers the fire would likely have burned out the supply room and
caused extensive damage to surrounding areas.
The electrical room looked like a convenient storage area for the extra office furniture and
Christmas decorations. There was plenty of room and hardly anybody ever went in there.
Over a weekend the fluorescent lights in the room were left turned on. A ballast overheated
and caught fire. Sparks ignited the storage in the room. As the fire grew it fused three
automatic sprinklers. The sprinklers controlled the fire and actuated the building fire alarm
system. When water entered the switchgear cabinets the overcurrent protection operated, de-
energizing the switchgear. The sprinkers limited the fire to the stored office furniture and
saved the switchgear from serious damage. Fortunately, production operations in the plant
were not affected.
Overview
Henry Parmalee's automatic sprinkler was made up of a rotating turbine type nozzle
covered by a metal cap. The cap was soldered into place over the nozzle to form a
water tight seal. The heat from a fire melted the solder and allowed the cap to fall
away. Water was then allowed to discharge from the sprinkler head.
Automatic sprinkler systems have suppressed fires in building for more than 100 years. For
many years the National Fire Protection Association tracked the performance of automatic
sprinkler systems. Using information provided voluntarily by fire departments, they determined
that automatic sprinkler systems controlled or extinguished about 96 percent of the fires
experienced in buildings with automatic sprinkler protection. These statistics are probably
skewed on the low side because there are many fires in industrial and institutional facilities
that are controlled or extinguished by the automatic sprinkler systems. Many of these
"success stories" are not reflected in the statistics because they are handled by the facility
without notifying the public fire department. Australia has much more comprehensive sprinkler
performance statistics because each sprinkler system reports to the public fire department.
The Australian experience shows that the 99.7 percent of all fires in sprinklered buildings are
controlled or extinguished by the sprinkler systems. The United States Department of Energy
has published similar experience with automatic sprinkler systems. According to the
Department of Energy statistics, 99.4 percent of all the fires they experienced in sprinklered
buildings were extinguished or controlled by the sprinklers. More importantly, 90 percent of all
fires were controlled or extinguished by less than 3 automatic sprinklers.
Even with the exceptional performance of automatic sprinkler systems, they do sometimes fail.
When they do fail to control a fire it is usually attributable to human error. By understanding
why sprinkler systems sometimes fail, we can be alert to spot these situations and do
something to correct the problem before a fire occurs.
The main reasons for failure of an automatic sprinkler system to control a fire are:
Impairments
Incomplete coverage
Improper system design
Impairments:
Automatic sprinkler systems cannot do their job if they are not in service at the time
of the fire.
Incomplete coverage:
Automatic sprinklers cannot control a fire if they are not installed in all areas where a
fire could occur.
Improper system design:
They must be specifically engineered to match the hazards they are expected to
protect.
System Impairments
Planned Impairments
Case History:
A large manufacturing facility had two obsolete dry-pipe sprinkler valves to replace. They
planned the work for a Saturday morning when the plant was shutdown. Unfortunately, they
failed to properly plan for impairment of the fire protection systems.
A sprinkler contractor was contacted to complete the work. On arrival at the plant, the
contractor shutdown both sprinkler systems. He then requested, and was given, an oxy-
acetylene cutting torch. Plant personnel then watched as he cut away rusted bolts inside the
combustible dry-pipe valve closet, inside a building were the sprinklers were shutoff.
Fortunately, this gross violation of fire safety procedures did not start a fire.
Later the contractor became concerned that a compression type fitting might separate due to
water pressure in the system. He requested that the entire fire protection water supply for the
facility be shutdown. Plant maintenance personnel complied without hesitation. Around noon
workers broke for lunch. Everyone who knew of the impaired fire protection water supply left
the facility.
After lunch the work continued. Before the work could be completed, a fire was reported in
another part of the facility. Employees tried to use hose lines to fight the fire, but the entire
water supply for the plant was still shut off. The plant engineer and the sprinkler contractor ran
to open the main water supply control valve. In the meantime the fire continued to grow.
By the time the water supply could be turned on the fire had grown so large, and had fused so
many sprinkler heads, the available water supply could not feed all of them. As a result, flow
from the sprinklers was ineffective in controlling the fire.
The fire continued to spread through the facility until the entire plant was in flames. Collapse
of the roof broke the sprinkler piping and reduced the water pressure so low that there was
insufficient water pressure or volume for fire department hose lines. The entire facility was lost.
Property damage was over $30 million.
The lessons learned include:
1. Very careful planning is required prior to the shutting down of a sprinkler system for
repair or alterations.
2. Before the work begins, have available any tools, parts, or materials that might
possibly be needed to complete the work.
3. Only one sprinkler system should be shut down at any time. Never impair more area
than is required to complete the work.
4. Work should be continuous until the system can be restored. In this case, if work had
continued through lunch, the sprinkler systems could have been restored to service
before the fire.
5. When a sprinkler system is shut down, special precautions are required including
prohibition of smoking and hot work, providing fire patrols in the affected area, and
moving extra fire extinguishers or other methods of fighting a fire into the area where
the sprinklers are shut down.
Emergency Impairments
Case History:
It was near quitting time when a lift truck operator pushed a pallet load of stock into a rack too
far and struck an in-rack sprinkler head. The head immediately began flowing water and
actuated the building fire alarm system. The plant fire brigade responded to the warehouse,
found the damaged sprinkler head, and dispatched a member to shut the system control
valve outside the building. The stock wet by the flowing sprinkler head was removed from the
racks and placed on the loading dock to dry. The fire brigade members returned to work, with
the shift fire brigade chief simply asking that he be notified when the sprinkler system was
restored to service.
Instead of immediately replacing the damaged sprinkler head and restoring the sprinkler
system to service, the warehouse manager decided to take the opportunity to replace the
shelving in the rack since all the stock was already removed. Warehouse workers removed
several solid shelves from the rack and replaced them with wire mesh shelves. In the rush to
get the work completed, no one remembered the sprinkler system was still shut down. When
the shift ended, everyone who knew of the impaired sprinkler system left the plant. The next
day work continued replacing the shelving, but no one seemed to remember that the
sprinklers were still impaired.
Stock was placed in the rack and operations in the warehouse continued as normal, except
that the automatic sprinkler system was still out-of-service. Three months later a lift truck in
warehouse caught fire. The driver abandoned the lift truck in an aisle and escaped the
building. The plant fire brigade and public fire department were called. When they arrived the
fire had spread to one of the racks and flames were licking on the roof of the building. A
number of sprinkler heads in the rack and at the roof of the building fused, but no water was
discharged because the control valve was still closed.
Fortunately, the public fire department was able to use multiple, large diameter hose lines to
stop the fire, but not before it did serious damage to the building and the stock in the
warehouse. The facility was very lucky that the entire building was not lost.
Anytime automatic sprinklers must be shut down for emergency repairs the situation must be
treated as an emergency. Nothing should delay the restoration of the automatic sprinkler
systems. Every facility needs an impairment coordinator who is responsible for tracking all
sprinkler system impairments and following up to assure the systems are restored to service
as soon as possible.
Hidden Impairments
Case History:
The photo shows a hidden impairment that was discovered during a test of a dry-pipe
sprinkler system. At one time lead was used to seal the joints of underground piping. Molten
lead was poured into a mold fitted around the piping to form the seal. In this case, someone
did a poor job of preparing the piping because molten lead was allowed to enter the piping
where it solidified into the bundle you see in the photo. Since this method of connecting piping
has not been used for many years, this chunk of lead apparently moved around in the
underground mains for a long time before it showed in the dry-pipe valve during a test. If this
system had tripped during a fire, the system would have been obstructed and would not have
been able to control the fire. This type of problem points out the need for regular testing of all
fire protection systems to discover such problems before they cause a system failure during a
fire.
Impairment Handling Procedures
Every facility needs a comprehensive plan to handle impairments to fire protection systems,
including automatic sprinkler systems. The program must address the procedures to be
followed during both planned and emergency impairments.
Whenever an automatic sprinkler system must be shut down the precautions taken should
include the following:
1. Notify the plant fire brigade chief, public fire department and workers in the area that
the system is to be shut down.
2. Notify the impairment coordinator of the impairment so he or she can follow-up to
assure all precautions are taken and that the work is completed on schedule.
3. Shut down only one system at a time.
4. Limit the extent and duration of the shutdown. Where possible provide temporary
measures such as back feeding from hydrants still in service, or cross connection
with sprinkler systems still in service, to maintain as much protection in service as
possible.
5. Work continuously on the impaired system until it is restored to service.
6. Eliminate possible ignition sources by shutting down or stopping all hazardous
operations in the affected area. This includes welding, flame cutting and other hot
work operations, as well as operations that use flammable or combustible liquids.
7. Provide fire patrols or a fire watch in the areas where the automatic sprinklers are
impaired. Remember that in most facilities the automatic sprinkler system is also part
of the fire detection and alarm system. When the sprinklers are shutdown, the alarms
may also be out of service.
8. Provide additional portable fire extinguishers and hose lines in the affected area.
Hose lines will have to be fed from areas where the sprinklers are still in service.
9. Expedite all work and work continuously until the impaired system(s) can be restored.
10. After completion of the work, verify restoration of the system by conducting
appropriate tests on the system. For automatic sprinkler systems this should include
a main drain test and an alarm test.
The following questions will help reinforce the concepts you have just learned. These
questions cover impairments to automatic sprinkler systems. Your responses are not
recorded.
Henry Parmalee developed the first automatic sprinkler that used a fusible element to
individually operate each sprinkler head in _________ .
A. 1689
B. 1818
C. 1874
D. 1923
Incorrect:
Sorry, this was long before automatic sprinklers were developed.
Incorrect:
Sorry, there was experimentation with perforated pipe in this time period, but
individually operated automatic sprinklers were not yet developed.
Correct:
New Haven, Connecticut, piano wire manufacturer, Henry Parmalee developed the
first automatic sprinkler with a fusible element in 1874.
Incorrect:
Sorry, by 1923 automatic sprinklers had been around for nearly 50 years.
The success rate of automatic sprinkler systems in controlling fire is closest to:
A. 50%
B. 75%
C. 90%
D. 99%
Incorrect:
No, it's much higher than 50 percent.
Incorrect:
No, it's much higher than 75%.
Incorrect:
No, it's more than 90%.
Correct:
Automatic sprinklers are between 96% and 99.7% effective in controlling fires
depending on which statistics are considered.
Which of the following is NOT a major reason for the failure of automatic sprinkler
systems to control a fire?
A. System impairments
B. Delayed alarm
C. Incomplete coverage
D. Improper design
Incorrect:
System impairments are a major reason for system failure.
Correct:
Delay in reporting a fire will not affect the operation of the automatic sprinkler
systems.
Incorrect:
Incomplete coverage is a leading cause of sprinkler system failure.
Incorrect:
Improper design of automatic sprinkler systems is a major reason for failure of
sprinkler systems.
Incomplete Coverage
HELPFUL HINT
Many people do not realize the serious fire potential that most modern buildings represent.
Even occupancies such as office buildings now contain significant fire loading and are subject
to a serious fire as evidenced by the example in this module. The decision to install automatic
sprinklers in an area must be made based on a site specific hazard analysis that looks at the
fuel load, potential fire scenarios, and the importance the occupancy. Do not fall into the trap
of making a decision based simply on what has been done in the past. The hazards have
likely increased greatly from what used to be present.
Small, unsprinklered areas within an otherwise fully sprinklered building are like the Achilles
heel of a facility. A fire originating in a storage area beneath stairs, below a mezzanine, or in
an small room can cause a great deal of damage. When a building is provided with automatic
sprinkler protection, sprinklers should be installed in all areas of the facility, including attics,
loading docks, below mezzanines, and other similar areas.
HELPFUL HINT
Does NFPA 13 tell me where I need automatic sprinklers?
No it does not. To meet the statutory requirements for where automatic sprinklers must be
provided you must consult the local building code or other enabling legislation. If automatic
sprinklers are required by the building code then it usually refers you to NFPA 13, Standard
for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, for how the systems are to be designed and installed.
Do not go to the NFPA 13 with the hope that it will tell you where to install automatic
sprinklers. It only tells you how they are to be designed and installed when required by other
codes and standards.
Case History:
Rapidly expanding business operations necessitated additional office space. Portable offices
fabricated from metal panels were purchased and installed in an open area of the
manufacturing building. The plant engineering staff and maintenance supervisor were moved
into the portable offices. The offices were filled with typical office furnishings; desks, tables,
chairs, files, bookcases, and all the drawings, specifications, and manuals for equipment
installed in the facility. Unfortunately, automatic sprinklers were not extended to the 20 ft. x 40
ft. office area. When a fire broke out in the portable office area it spread quickly. The windows
broke and allowed huge quantities of heat, smoke and flame to exit the offices. Heat from the
fire quickly opened automatic sprinkler heads at the roof of the manufacturing building.
Unfortunately, none of the water discharged from the operating sprinklers could reach the fire
because of the roof on the portable offices. By the time the fire finally burned through the roof
allowing sprinkler water to reach the fire, 34 automatic sprinkler heads had fused resulting in
water damage to surrounding equipment and operations. Total property damage exceeded
$350,000. If the sprinkler system in the manufacturing building had been extended into the
portable offices, the fire would likely have been controlled by one or two sprinklers with no
damage to the surrounding operations.
Automatic sprinklers may be mandated in specific areas by building codes, fire codes,
insurance company requirements, or an organization's policies and procedures. While
following these requirements may meet specific regulations, they do not necessarily meet the
site-specific needs of the facility.
The best method of determining where automatic sprinklers are needed is to survey the
facility. During the survey note any areas which have combustible construction or a
combustible occupancy. Then install automatic sprinklers in all areas with combustible
construction or a combustible occupancy. Following this common sense guideline will usually
meet all codes, standards, and insurance company requirements.
A. 200
B. 500
C. 1000
D. None of the above
Incorrect:
Any unsprinklered areas within an otherwise sprinklered building have the potential to
cause extensive damage regardless of the size of the area.
Incorrect:
Any unsprinklered areas within an otherwise sprinklered building have the potential to
cause extensive damage regardless of the size of the area.
Incorrect:
Any unsprinklered areas within an otherwise sprinklered building have the potential to
cause extensive damage regardless of the size of the area.
Correct:
ANY unsprinklered areas within an otherwise sprinklered building has the potential to
cause significant damage.
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, explains where automatic
sprinklers must be installed.
A. True
B. False
Incorrect:
NFPA 13 explains how sprinkler systems are to be installed, but it does not explain
where they are required. This information is found in the local building code or other
enabling legislation.
Correct:
NFPA 13 does not explain where sprinkler systems must be installed, only how to
install the systems when required by some other code or standard, such as the local
building code.
The most prudent way of protecting a facility with automatic sprinklers is to provide
properly designed automatic sprinklers in all areas __________________ .
Correct:
Following this simple rule will usually meet all building code, insurance company, and
other requirements.
Incorrect:
Code waivers may be granted for reasons other than sound fire protection.
Incorrect:
While this may allow you to meet the minimum requirements of the local building
code, it may leave areas in your facility that are important to you, unprotected.
Incorrect:
While you may have to install sprinklers in certain areas to comply with insurance
company requirement, the insurance company is typically trying to protect their own
best interests, not yours.
Improper System Design
Managing Change
Case History:
A major department store chain operated a 1.2 million square foot distribution warehouse
outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was a single story building that measured 1085 feet
by 1180 feet. The warehouse was protected throughout by automatic sprinkler systems
designed to protect normal department store commodities. Over time, what seemed like small
quantities of higher hazard materials were introduced into the warehouse. This included some
rubber tires, flammable aerosols, and plastic materials. A fire broke out in the warehouse
when a box of flammable aerosol carburetor cleaner fell from a stack and broke open. A lift
truck ignited the material. The fire grew quickly and spread. The automatic sprinklers were
unable to control the growing fire. Soon the entire warehouse was involved. Within a few
hours the warehouse had burned to the ground causing property damage that exceeded $110
million. After the fire an analysis was made of the inventory in the warehouse. It revealed that
massive amounts of high hazard material had been stored throughout the warehouse. This
included: - 580,000 can of petroleum-base aerosols - 480,000 cans of alcohol-base aerosols -
47,000 gallons of flammable liquids in non-pressurized containers - 101,700 gallons of
combustible liquids in non-pressurized containers - 19,000 cans of butane lighter fluid -
109,000 disposable butane lighters - 12,000 propane cylinders - and thousands of rubber
auto and bicycle tires Because these materials were scattered throughout the warehouse and
were not concentrated in any one area, it was not apparent to the building owners how much
of this higher hazard material was in the warehouse. Unfortunately, the automatic sprinklers in
the building were not designed to control a fire involving this higher hazard storage. When the
fire started, the sprinklers failed because they were not designed to control this type of fire.
The entire warehouse was lost because higher hazard commodities were introduced into a
warehouse where the automatic sprinklers were not matched to the hazard.
Choosing Proper Design Criteria
fire hazard:
The best measure of the fire hazard of a material is the rate-of-heat release when it
burns. The greater the rate-of-heat release the more intense the fire and the more
water required to control the fire.
HELPFUL HINT
The design criteria for a sprinkler system should be chosen carefully. A sprinkler system may
serve a building for 50 or more years. Selecting a design based only on the current hazards
can result in costly changes when the hazard increases in the future. Since much of the cost
of a sprinkler system is the labor to install the piping, increasing the pipe size to provide a
more robust design initially may be much less expensive than paying to revamp the system in
the future.
Hazard Comparison:
How could a company allow the hazards within a building to increase to the point that the
sprinklers are no longer capable of controlling a fire? It's not as hard as it might seem.
Look at the chart detailing the rate of heat release for various fire test commodities. Now
imagine that a company built a warehouse that was originally designed for the storage of
metal parts in cardboard cartons. Over a period of years the company very gradually shifts its
production and packaging methods toward plastic parts that are packaged in expanded
polystyrene cocoons.
A quick look at the table shows that plastic parts or parts packaged in plastic packing
materials could easily burn with four to eight times the intensity of a metal part in a cardboard
carton. If the design of the automatic sprinkler system is not modified to keep up with the
increasing fire hazard, the sprinklers are unlikely to control a fire.
The requirements for design of automatic sprinkler systems are found in various codes and
standards. Most of these are standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association.
Others have been developed by insurance companies and similar authorities having
jurisdiction. The requirements of various organizations are described below:
Insurance Companies:
Some insurance companies publish specific sprinkler system design criteria to be
used in risks they insure.
The following questions will help reinforce the concepts you have just learned. These
questions cover improper automatic sprinkler system design. Your responses are not
recorded.
Assuring that the hazards in a facility do not change and compromise the ability of the
automatic sprinkler systems to control a fire is an example of what management
function?
A. managing change
B. hazard evaluation
C. fire inspection
D. pre-emergency planning
Correct:
The management of a facility is responsible for making sure that any changes in the
facility are accompanied by a hazard analysis to evaluate the effect on the ability of
the sprinklers to control a fire.
Incorrect:
You are partially correct. Hazard evaluation is one component of managing change.
Incorrect:
You are partially correct. A fire inspection program may incorporate procedures to
report changes in the facility so that a hazard evaluation can be conducted. All of this
is part of managing change in the facility.
Incorrect:
Pre-emergency planning is an important function, but it is more oriented toward
developing and implementing a plan of emergency action when a fire occurs.
Which of the following would likely pose the greatest fire hazard, and would be the
most difficult fire to control?
Incorrect:
There are other materials with higher rates of heat release.
Incorrect:
There are other materials with higher rates of heat release.
Correct:
This type of storage poses a very high challenge to the automatic sprinkler systems.
The organization that develops and publishes most of the codes and standards related
to automatic sprinkler systems is:
Incorrect:
Sorry, there is no such organization.
Correct:
The NFPA develops and publishes NFPA 13, Standard for Installation of Sprinkler
Systems, plus many other codes and standards that impact the design, installation,
testing and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems.
Incorrect:
Sorry, the ASME does not develop standards that deal with automatic sprinkler
systems.
Incorrect:
Sorry, the NFSA is a trade organization established to promote the use of automatic
sprinkler systems, but it does not develop any codes or standards.
Improper System Design
Henry Parmalee developed the first automatic sprinkler in 1874. Parmalee's sprinkler was the
first to use a fusible element that melted to release water.
Statistics on the performance of automatic sprinkler systems show that the success of
automatic sprinklers in the control of fires is close to 100 percent.
It is important to understand the reasons that automatic sprinklers sometimes fail to control a
fire. When these situations are recognized, action can be taken to correct the problem before
a fire occurs.
The major reasons for the failure of automatic sprinkler systems to control a fire are:
Impairments
Incomplete coverage
Improper system design
Every facility must have a program to safely handle impairments to the automatic sprinkler
and other types of fire protection systems. A responsible individual should be designated as
the impairment coordinator to assure impairments are handled properly.
Incomplete coverage is another major reason for automatic sprinkler system failure.
Automatic sprinklers cannot effectively control a fire if they are not provided in all areas. In
general, automatic sprinklers should be provided in all areas with combustible construction
and in all areas with a combustible occupancy.
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, is the basic reference for HOW
automatic sprinkler systems should be designed and installed. Building codes and other
enabling legislation explain WHERE automatic sprinklers system must be installed.
Improper sprinkler system design can also lead to failure of the system to control a fire.
Improper design can result from:
Failure to manage change within the facility so that the hazard increases beyond the
capabilities of the automatic sprinklers.
Improper initial design
1. Development of the first automatic sprinkler head in 1874 is credited
to:
John Carey
Henry Parmalee
Ambrose Godfrey
Crosby Fiske
10
20
partial coverage
improper design
change in occupancy
4. Shutting down a sprinkler system to add new piping and sprinkler
heads is an example of a(an):
hidden impairment
planned impairment
emergency impairment
undiscovered impairment
planned impairment
emergency impairment
undiscovered impairment
plant engineer
8. To look out for the best interests of your facility, you should install
automatic sprinklers in all areas
______________________________________________.
required by the building code
NFPA 20
NFPA 33
NFPA 72
10. The best measure of the fire hazard of a material is the material's:
heat of combustion
ignition energy
specific heat
Sprinkler System Components
Introduction
The supervisor in the fire department plan review section was training a new employee. She
carefully pointed out the riser, cross-main, and end test connection. Then she pointed out the
type, model, and location of the sprinkler heads to be used in the new installation. She
reinforced the importance of learning and using the proper terminology for the various
components of an automatic sprinkler system, such as cross-main, sprinkler head, and end
test connection. She explained, "Understanding and using the correct terminology to identify
automatic sprinkler system components eliminates a lot of confusion and misunderstanding. It
ultimately saves everyone a lot of time, money, and frustration."
The plant engineer looked at the broken sprinkler
lead-in at the bottom of the mud filled ditch. The area
of the building served by the sprinkler system was far
too important to leave unprotected while repairs were
made. He directed that hose lines be connected to a
nearby hydrant still in service and run to the main
drain of the sprinkler system. By opening both the
hydrant and the main drain he could put water above
the alarm check valve and maintain the sprinkler
system in service while repairs were made to the
lead-in piping.
The main drain, alarm check valve, and sprinkler
lead-in are all components of the automatic sprinkler
system.
Overview
HELPFUL HINT
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, defines each of the major
components of an automatic sprinkler system. NFPA 13 also contains the requirements for
the design and installation of sprinkler system.
Wet-Pipe
Dry-Pipe
Deluge
Preaction
Wet-Pipe:
A wet-pipe sprinkler system is the most common type of system. It has water in the
sprinkler piping at all times. As soon as an automatic sprinkler head fuses, water is
discharged from the system. The only disadvantage of a wet-pipe sprinkler system is
that it must be located in a heated area or an area that is not subject to freezing.
Dry-Pipe:
A dry-pipe sprinkler system is designed for installation in areas that are unheated or
otherwise subject to freezing temperatures. The system piping is charged with
compressed air. The compressed air holds a dry-pipe valve in the system riser
closed. The dry-pipe valve holds back the water from the water supply. When a fire
fuses an automatic sprinkler head, the compressed air in the piping is released,
water pressure forces open the dry-pipe valve, and the sprinkler piping is filled with
water. Once the system is tripped and filled with water it functions the same as a wet-
pipe system.
Deluge:
A deluge sprinkler system has all open sprinkler heads. A supplemental fire detection
system detects a fire in the area and opens the deluge valve. When the deluge valve
opens, water fills the system piping and is discharged from all the open sprinkler
heads simultaneously. Deluge system are normally used for high hazard areas, such
as those using flammable or combustible liquids.
Preaction:
A preaction sprinkler system is a deluge system with closed sprinkler heads. It is
designed to require two actions before water is discharged. First, a supplemental fire
detection system must be actuated. This opens the preaction valve and allows water
into the sprinkler piping. Second, a fire must fuse a sprinkler head before water is
actually discharged from the system.
HELPFUL HINT
Most automatic sprinkler systems are wet-pipe systems. Wet-pipe sprinkler systems are the
simplest and least expensive type of system to design, install, test, and maintain. Dry-pipe,
deluge, and preaction sprinkler systems are more complex, cost more to install, and have a
higher life cycle cost. They are used only where a wet-pipe system cannot be used or is not
appropriate for the hazard.
Water Supplies
Exterior Components
Interior Components
Water Supplies:
Water supplies may include public water supplies, private water supplies, or a
combination of both types.
Exterior Components:
Some components of automatic sprinkler systems are visible from outside the
building. These include the main control valve, fire department connection, water
motor alarm, and drain lines.
Interior Components:
The interior components include the piping, fittings, and automatic sprinkler heads.
The photo shows the operation of a single automatic sprinkler head in a test room.
Water Supplies
General
Case History:
The fire's head start as a result of the impaired sprinkler system, coupled with the marginal
water supply, doomed the facility to destruction. Total property damage was over $35 million.
There was an accompanying loss of $21 million dollars in lost sales. The loss of sales caused
failure of the company within 18 months. Over 250 workers lost their jobs.
Public Water Supplies
Pressure:
Pressure is the force pushing the water through a pipe or opening. The greater the
pressure, the farther and faster water can be pushed.
large facilities:
Automotive assembly plants, paper mills, distribution warehouses, and similar large
industrial, commercial, or institutional facilities often have fire protection water supply
requirements that exceed the supply capabilities of the public water system.
This vertical turbine fire pump sits above a lake located adjacent to an industrial
facility. The pump draws raw water from the lake for use in the fire protection
systems.
HELPFUL HINT
Building codes do not generally require provision of a private water supply if the public water
supply can meet the demands of the automatic sprinkler system. The requirement to provide
a private water supply is usually driven by insurance and risk management concerns.
Potential property damage and business interruption losses often dictate the provision of
multiple water supplies to obtain favorable insurance rates.
Combination Water Supplies
In some cases the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems comes from a combination of
both public and private water supplies. A facility may have its own private supplies, but use
the public water supply to refill storage tanks or to serve as a backup to the primary private
water supply.
This facility uses a combination of public and private fire protection water supplies.
These two fire protection water supply reservoirs are the primary water supply. The
public water system provides a backup to the private supply and is used to fill the
reservoirs.
The following questions will help reinforce the concepts you have just learned. They will test
your understanding of sprinkler water supplies. Your answers are not recorded.
The water supply for an automatic sprinkler system must be:
Incorrect:
An unpressurized water source cannot "push" water through the sprinkler piping, so
this answer may be partially correct, but this is not the best answer.
Correct:
You are correct. The water supply for an automatic sprinkler system must be
engineered to match both the pressure and volume requirements of the sprinkler
system.
Incorrect:
Sorry, treated water supplies are preferred over raw water sources, but it is not a
requirement to use treated water.
Incorrect:
Sorry, while gravity fed system are very reliable, it is not a requirement that sprinkler
water supplies be gravity fed.
A fire protection water supply that uses both a connection to the public water system
and a private fire protection reservoir is a:
Correct:
You are correct. The fire protection water supply uses water from a combination of
the public and private water supplies.
Incorrect:
Sorry, a municipal water supply is the public water supply.
Incorrect:
Sorry, this is not the best answer. While the water from the public water system is
undoubtedly treated, the water in the private fire protection reservoir may or may not
be treated water.
Incorrect:
Sorry, the public water supply is undoubtedly treated water. The water used to fill the
private fire protection reservoir may or may not be raw water from a lake, river,
stream, or well.
A fire protection water supply that is not controlled by the public water utility is a:
A. tank or reservoir.
B. pressurized water supply.
C. municipal water supply.
D. private water supply.
Incorrect:
Sorry, while the water supply may be contained in a tank or reservoir, this is not a
complete answer.
Incorrect:
Sorry, while the water supply is most likely pressurized, this does not completely
answer the question.
Incorrect:
Sorry, you are incorrect. A municipal water supply is controlled by the public water
utility.
Correct:
You are correct. A private fire protection water supply is not controlled by the public
water utility.
Exterior Components
General
The exterior features of an automatic sprinkler system include the lead-in, the sprinkler control
valve, the fire department connection, and the water motor alarm. There is no hard and fast
rule about the location of some automatic sprinkler system components. The photo shows
sprinkler systems installed outside the protected building. While this is possible in tropical
climates, in most locales the sprinkler risers are normally located inside the building.
Sprinkler Lead-in
The piping that connects to the sprinkler water supply and brings water into the building for
the sprinkler system is the sprinkler lead-in. The sprinkler lead-in is normally a large diameter
pipe buried in the ground. A single sprinkler lead-in may feed multiple sprinkler systems
inside the building.
multiple sprinkler systems:
A common lead-in can be used to supply multiple sprinkler systems, but this
increases the potential for a large area of the facility to be affected by a break in the
lead-in piping. Providing individual lead-ins is more expensive, but limits the potential
for a widespread system impairment.
Every automatic sprinkler system is required to have a valve to isolate the water supply to the
sprinkler system. The valve is normally located outside the building to allow access to the
valve during a fire.
valve:
outside:
The preferred location for a sprinkler shutoff valve is outside the building as close to
the connection to the water supply as possible. This location permits access to the
valve during a fire, and allows the valve to be used to isolate any breaks in the lead-
in piping.
Fire Department Connection
The effectiveness of the sprinkler system increases when the fire department boosts the
water pressure available to the sprinkler system. The fire department connection provides a
convenient location for a fire department engine company to connect to the sprinkler system
during a fire. The size and arrangement of the fire department connection varies from one
system to another.
fire department:
A firefighter connects hose to a fire department connection. A fire department engine
company pumps into the sprinkler system to boost the pressure available to the
operating sprinklers.
fire department connection:
All of these are fire department connections. Some jurisdictions require a specific
location and arrangement for the fire department connection.
Case History:
The use of the fire department connection during a fire can mean the difference between
successful control of a fire and loss of the building. The photo shows a fire department engine
company connected to the fire department connection on a hotel building under construction.
In this particular case, the building was under construction when the fire occurred. The
automatic sprinkler system had been installed, but was not yet in service. On arrival at the
early morning fire, the first due engine company connected to and pumped into the fire
department connection, by-passing a shut sprinkler control valve. Water supplied by the fire
department fed a number of automatic sprinklers on the top floor that had been fused by the
fire. The fire was controlled and the building was saved because the fire department
supported the sprinkler system during the fire.
Print
Water Motor Alarm
water powered:
A water motor alarm operates independently of the building fire alarm system and
any other power source. When water begins to flow in the sprinkler system a small
portion of the water is diverted to the water motor alarm. A small, water powered
turbine inside the water motor alarm spins a clapper and causes the bell to ring.
electric bell:
An electric bell can be used to provide a local waterflow alarm instead of a water
motor alarm. The disadvantage of an electric bell is that is depends on a power
source for operation.
The following questions will help reinforce the concepts you have just learned. They will test
your understanding of the external components of automatic sprinkler systems. Your answers
are not recorded.
The sprinkler piping that connects to the water supply and brings water into the
building is called the:
A. sprinkler riser.
B. lead-in.
C. bulk main.
D. feed main.
Incorrect:
Sorry, the sprinkler riser is the vertical piping that carries water up from the lead-in
piping.
Correct:
Correct. The sprinkler lead in connects the water supply with the sprinkler system
riser.
Incorrect:
Sorry, a bulk main is installed inside the building and distributes water to smaller
sprinkler piping.
Incorrect:
Sorry, a feed main is installed within the building to distribute water to smaller
sprinkler piping.
Correct:
You are correct. A water motor alarm requires only the energy produced by water
flowing in the sprinkler system.
Incorrect:
Sorry, and electric bell requires an outside source of electric power.
Incorrect:
Sorry, a strobe light requires an outside source of electric power.
Incorrect:
Sorry, a battery powered horn requires a battery as a power source.
Interior Components
Sprinkler Riser
The vertical supply pipes in an automatic sprinkler system are called risers. The piping that
rises from the sprinkler lead-in up through the floor to supply the overhead sprinkler piping is
referred to as the main riser or simply the system riser.
risers:
Technically, any vertical pipe in a sprinkler system is called a riser.
system riser:
The system riser is where an alarm check valve, dry-pipe valve, deluge valve, or
preaction valve is installed. The valve used depends on the type of system. The
photo shows a typical sprinkler riser with an alarm check valve installed. The smaller
diameter vertical piping on the left goes to the water motor alarm mounted outside
the building.
Cross Mains & Feed Mains
At the top of the system riser, a cross main supplies water to the sprinkler branch lines. A
given system may have multiple cross mains at various locations depending on the piping
layout. A feed main, sometimes called a bulk main, supplies the cross mains.
See a photo:
Here a feed main from the sprinkler riser intersects with a cross main. A cross main normally
runs perpendicular to the direction of the feed main.
Branch Lines
Branch lines are the pipes on which the sprinkler heads are installed.
Branch lines:
The piping layout shown in the diagram shows a very small "tree" system. The
branch lines may also be laid out in a looped or gridded piping network.
Riser Nipples
appropriate elevation:
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, requires that sprinkler
heads be located within a specific distance from the ceiling or roof deck. Where
sprinkler branch lines must be located below building structural members, riser
nipples are used to raise the sprinkler head to the proper elevation.
Sprinkler Heads
The sprinkler heads are the nozzles of the system. The three most commonly used types of
sprinkler heads are upright, pendent, and sidewall. There are also a number of special
sprinkler heads that can be used for various purposes.
upright:
An upright sprinkler head is designed to sit "upright" on top of the branch line or riser
nipple.
pendent:
A pendent sprinkler head is designed to hang down from a sprinkler branch line or
riser nipple.
sidewall:
A sidewall sprinkler head is designed to be installed near a wall and discharge all
water outward away from the wall.
Each automatic sprinkler system should have a test connection that allows testing of the
water flow alarm without actuating the sprinkler system. In a wet-pipe sprinkler system the
test connection is arranged to flow water past the water flow switch so it actuates the same as
it would if a single sprinkler head operates. The orifice of the test connection is the same size
as the smallest sprinkler head installed in the system.
test connection:
Ideally the test connection is located at the most hydraulically remote point in the
system. This means that water must flow through the most pipe to get to the test
connection. If the alarms are actuated when flowing water from this hydraulically
remote point, they should work from any other point in the system. In some cases,
however, it is not practical to install the test connection at the most remote point.
The following questions will help reinforce the concepts you have just learned. They will test
your understanding of the interior components of an automatic sprinkler system. Your
answers are not recorded.
The automatic sprinkler system component that would contain the alarm check valve,
dry-pipe valve, or other special valve, depending on the type of sprinkler system, is
the:
A. sprinkler lead-in.
B. sprinkler riser.
C. feed main.
D. cross main.
Incorrect:
Sorry, the sprinkler lead-in carries water from the water supply into the building.
Correct:
The alarm check valve or dry-pipe valve is found in the sprinkler riser.
Incorrect:
Sorry, the feed main is normally found at the top of the sprinkler riser and distributes
water to other piping in the system.
Incorrect:
Sorry, a cross-main is found at the ceiling and distributes water to other sprinkler
piping.
The piping used to connect a branch line to the cross main or to raise an automatic
sprinkler head up from a branch line to the ceiling or roof deck is a(an):
A. upright head.
B. cross-main.
C. riser nipple.
D. drain line.
Incorrect:
Sorry, an upright head is a sprinkler head that sits on top of the piping.
Incorrect:
Sorry, a cross-main is piping that distributes water to other sprinkler piping, not to
individual sprinkler heads.
Correct:
A riser nipple "raises" an automatic sprinkler head up to the appropriate height.
Incorrect:
Sorry, a drain line is used to drain sprinkler piping.
An automatic sprinkler head designed to hang down from sprinkler piping is a(an):
A. upright sprinkler head.
B. pendent sprinkler head.
C. sidewall sprinkler head.
D. special sprinkler head.
Incorrect:
Sorry, an upright head is designed to sit upright on the sprinkler piping.
Correct:
A pendent head hangs down from the sprinkler piping.
Incorrect:
Sorry, a sidewall sprinkle head is designed to be installed close to a wall and
discharge all water in one direction.
Incorrect:
Sorry, only some special sprinklers may hang down from the sprinkler piping. Others
are upright sprinkler heads.
Summary
There are four common types of automatic sprinkler systems:
Wet-pipe systems
Dry-pipe systems
Deluge systems
Preaction systems
The design of fire protection water supplies must be matched to the needs of the automatic
sprinkler system.
Many facilities have their own private water supplies because their fire protection water supply
demands are greater than can be met by many public water supplies.
A combination water supply uses both the public water supply, as well as one or more private
fire protection water supplies.
The major sprinkler system components found on the exterior of the building include the:
Lead-in
Sprinkler control valve
Fire department connection
Water motor alarm
The major sprinkler system components found on the interior of the building include the:
Sprinkler riser
Cross-mains and feed mains
Branch lines
Riser nipples
Sprinkler heads
Test connection
1. An automatic sprinkler system which has piping charged with
compressed air that holds a valve closed until a sprinkler head fuses
and releases the air pressure is a:
wet-pipe system.
dry-pipe system.
deluge system.
preaction system.
quantity
pressure
velocity
capacity
3. The piping that connects the fire protection water supply to the
sprinkler riser is the:
bulk main.
cross main.
system riser.
lead-in.
4. Which of the following shutoff valves has a completely unobstructed
waterway through the valve when it is fully open?
globe valve
butterfly valve
check valve
gate valve
cross main.
bulk main.
riser.
branch line.
branch lines.
cross mains.
feed mains.
lead-ins.
7. A sprinkler pipe that connects a branch line to a cross main or raises
a sprinkler head up from a branch line is a(an):
branch connection.
system riser.
riser nipple.
bulk main.
1/2-inch.
17/32-inch.
3/4-inch.
1-inch.
Wet-Pipe Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Introduction
HELPFUL HINT
The requirements for the design and installation of
automatic sprinkler systems are contained in NFPA
13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Most local
building codes and fire codes reference NFPA 13
when automatic sprinkler systems must be installed.
The document is developed and published by the
National Fire Protection Association.
Wet-pipe sprinkler systems account for most of the automatic sprinkler systems installed.
Depending on local climatic conditions, about 85-90% of all the sprinkler systems installed are
wet-pipe systems. This is mostly because of the advantages offered by wet-pipe sprinkler
systems, including:
HELPFUL HINT
Wet-pipe automatic sprinkler systems are so economical and so effective that they should be
used in all sprinkler applications unless there is some compelling reason to use another type
of system.
As well as wet-pipe automatic sprinkler system perform; they do have some specific
limitations. These include:
System Components
The diagram shows the basic components of a wet-pipe automatic sprinkler system.
shutdown:
Anytime a sprinkler system is shutdown the fire safety of the facility is seriously
impaired. Every facility must have an impairment handling program to handle any fire
protection system shutdowns. The procedures should include special precautions
that must be followed to minimize the potential for a fire..
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
An automatic sprinkler system that has water in the piping at all times and discharges
water immediately on actuation of a sprinkler head is a:
A. wet-pipe system
B. dry-pipe system
C. preaction system
D. deluge system
Correct:
A wet-pipe automatic sprinkler system is the only system that has water in the piping
at all times.
Incorrect:
The piping in a dry-pipe sprinkler system normally contains compressed air or
nitrogen. Only after a sprinkler head fuses and the compressed gas is released is
water admitted into the sprinkler piping.
Incorrect:
A preaction sprinkler system does not have water in the piping until actuation of a
supplemental fire detection system.
Incorrect:
A deluge sprinkler system does not have water in the piping until actuation of a
supplemental fire detection system.
Incorrect:
All sprinkler systems use a fire department connection to permit the fire department
to pump into the automatic sprinkler system.
Incorrect:
All automatic sprinkler systems must be provided with a system control valve to
isolate the sprinkler system from the water supply.
Correct:
Only wet-pipe automatic sprinkler systems use an alarm check valve.
Incorrect:
All types of sprinkler systems use automatic sprinkler heads.
The component of an alarm check valve designed to eliminate unwanted alarms due to
water pressure surges is the:
A. pressure switch
B. alarm by-pass line
C. main drain
D. retard chamber
Incorrect:
The pressure switch is used to actuate either a local waterflow alarm or the building
fire alarm system.
Incorrect:
The alarm by-pass line is designed to permit testing of the pressure switch and water
motor alarm.
Incorrect:
The main drain is designed to drain the water from the system after the main system
control valve is closed.
Correct:
The retard chamber serves as a surge tank to eliminate unwanted alarms due to
water pressure surges.
System Requirements
Pressure Gauges
Relief Valves
Gridded:
The term "gridded" refers to the piping layout. The diagram shows a typical gridded
sprinkler piping layout. While a gridded system is very efficient from a hydraulic
standpoint, one drawback is that when the system is charged with water, there is
very little, if any air trapped in the system. A large volume of trapped air is not usually
desirable in a wet-pipe sprinkler system, but a small volume of trapped air is
necessary to act as a cushion as the water expands and contracts due to
temperature changes.
relief valve:
NFPA 13 requires the relief valve to be set to relieve at 175 psi or 10 psi above the
maximum water pressure. The relief valve must be at least 0.25 inch in size.
Discharge from the relief valve should be directed to a location where it will not cause
damage.
Solar heating:
This problem is a particular concern in southern climates where wet-pipe sprinkler
systems are installed beneath uninsulated metal deck roofs. Heating cool water from
the underground mains can cause pressure increases sufficient to rupture sprinkler
fittings and components.
200 psi:
Most sprinkler fittings are listed for a maximum working pressure of 175 psi. Fittings
with a higher pressure rating are available, but cost more than typical sprinkler fittings.
Auxiliary Systems
dry-pipe:
A dry-pipe sprinkler system uses compressed air or nitrogen in the piping to hold a
dry-pipe valve closed. When a sprinkler head fuses the compressed gas is released,
the dry-pipe valve opens and admits water into the system piping. A dry-pipe
sprinkler system is used in areas where the piping is subject to freezing, such as a
loading dock, unheated warehouses, and cold storage areas.
preaction:
A preaction sprinkler system uses a supplemental fire detection system to open a
valve and admit water into the system piping. Water is not actually discharged from
the system until a fire fuses one or more automatic sprinkler heads. Preaction
sprinkler systems may be used where the operating delay of a dry-pipe sprinkler
system is not acceptable, or where there is concern that damaged sprinkler piping or
sprinkler heads could cause unwanted water damage.
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
If the maximum water pressure is 175 PSI, the pressure relief valve on a wet-pipe
sprinkler system with a gridded piping layout should be set at:
A. 175 psi
B. 180 psi
C. 185 psi
D. 190 psi
Incorrect:
This is too low.
Incorrect:
This is too low.
Correct:
NFPA 13 requires the relief valve be set at 175 psi or 10 psi above the highest water
system pressure, whichever is greater.
Incorrect:
This is too high.
Which of the following types of sprinkler system can be fed from a wet-pipe sprinkler
system?
A. dry-pipe system
B. preaction system
C. deluge system
D. all of the above
Incorrect:
You are partially correct. An auxiliary dry-pipe sprinkler system can be fed from a
wet-pipe system, but it is not the only type of system permitted to be fed from a wet-
pipe system.
Incorrect:
You are partially correct. An auxiliary preaction sprinkler system can be fed from a
wet-pipe system, but it is not the only type of system permitted to be fed from a wet-
pipe system.
Incorrect:
You are partially correct. An auxiliary deluge sprinkler system can be fed from a wet-
pipe system, but it is not the only type of system permitted to be fed from a wet-pipe
system.
Correct:
Any type of sprinkler system may be fed from a wet-pipe system as long as the water
supply is capable of supporting both systems, and each system is provided with its
own waterflow alarm.
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, requires that each wet-
pipe sprinkler system be provided with how many gauges?
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
Incorrect:
NFPA 13, requires at least one gauge be provided.
Correct:
At least one gauge must be provided.
Incorrect:
A minimum of one gauge is required, but when an alarm check valve is installed a
gauge is provided both above and below the check valve.
Incorrect:
A minimum of one gauge is required. In most cases there would be no reason to
provide three gauges.
Inspection & Testing
Control Valve Inspection & Test
Sprinkler systems must be inspected and tested on a regular basis. At a minimum, each
sprinkler control valve must be visually inspected to assure it is fully open. The frequency of
the visual inspections depends on the method of supervising the valve. Acceptable methods
of supervision include:
In addition to the required visual inspections, each sprinkler control valve must be tested on
at least an annual basis. Annual maintenance is also required for each sprinkler control valve.
visually inspected:
A visual inspection is a visual examination of the valve to verify that it appears to be
in proper operational condition. A visual inspection provides an indication of whether
the valve is fully open, whether there is damage to the valve, and detects any other
problems which may interfere with the operation of the valve. A visual inspection can
determine whether an indicating valve is open or closed. For example, a visual
inspection of the OS&Y (outside screw & yoke) valve in the photo shows that valve to
be open because the stem is fully extended from the valve body.
Sealing the valve:
A plastic or wire seal is used to seal the valve in the open position. Closing the valve
breaks the seal and provides a visual indicator of tampering with the valve. Sealed
valves must be visually inspected at least weekly.
Locking the valve:
The valve may be locked in the open position using a combination of locks and
chains. Locked valves must be visually inspected at least monthly.
Electronic supervision:
The valve may be supervised using a valve supervisory initiating device that sends a
signal to the building fire alarm system if the valve is in other than the open position.
Electronically supervised valves must be visually inspected at least monthly.
tested:
Each control valve must be tested by completely closing the valve and then returning
it to its fully open position. After fully opening the valve it should be backed off one
quarter turn from the fully open position. This is to prevent the valve from jamming in
the open position making it difficult to operate. After the valve test is completed a
main drain test must be conducted.
HELPFUL HINT
The inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements
for all types of water based fire extinguishing systems
are found in NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing, and
Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
The document is developed and published by the
National Fire Protection Association.
Main Drain Test
A main drain test is conducted to determine if there are any major blockages in the water
supply for the sprinkler system. A main drain test must be conducted on each wet-pipe
sprinkler system at least annually. A main drain test must also be conducted each time the
system control valve is operated.
major blockages:
A main drain test will provide an indication of a major blockage that approaches 80-
90 percent blockage of the supply piping. Smaller obstructions will not be revealed
through a main drain test.
test connection:
The test connection may be located at the most remote point in the system or at
some point closer to the sprinkler riser. For systems that serve multiple floors in a
building, the waterflow alarm is often combined into one piping assembly along with
the main drain for the floor. The photo shows such an arrangement.
Other Required Inspections / Tests
Other inspections and tests must be conducted on various wet-pipe sprinkler system
components. These include, but are not limited to:
If the caps on the fire department connection are missing the interior of the
connection must be inspected for debris that could plug sprinkler piping. The clapper
inside the connection must also be checked to assure it operates over the full range
of motion.
Check Valves:
Check valves must be internally examined at least once every five years to assure
there are no internal obstructions. The inspection must verify that all internal
components move freely and operate properly. Any debris found inside the check
valve must be removed.
Sprinkler Heads:
Automatic sprinkler heads must be inspected yearly from floor level to determine if
there has been any damage to the head. The visual inspection is also intended to
identify any potential obstructions to sprinkler discharge. When sprinklers are 50
years old, a sample must be submitted to a testing laboratory to test for proper
operation. The testing must be repeated at 10 year intervals. Some special types of
sprinkler heads, such as quick response sprinklers, have more stringent testing
requirements.
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
NFPA 13 does not recognize which of the following methods of supervising a sprinkler
control valve?
Incorrect:
This is an acceptable method according to NFPA 13.
Incorrect:
This is an acceptable method according to NFPA 13.
Incorrect:
This is an acceptable method according to NFPA 13.
Correct:
NFPA 13 does not recognize weekly inspection alone as an acceptable method of
supervising a sprinkler control valve.
The test that must be conducted on a wet-pipe sprinkler system after manipulation of
the sprinkler control valve is:
A. an alarm test.
B. a main drain test.
C. a hydrostatic test.
D. a visual inspection.
Incorrect:
An alarm test is not required after operating a sprinkler system control valve.
Correct:
A main drain test must be conducted anytime a sprinkler control valve is operated.
Incorrect:
A hydrostatic test is required only after new piping is installed.
Incorrect:
A visual inspection is not required, but a main drain test is required.
Automatic sprinkler heads must be visually inspected at least:
A. monthly
B. yearly
C. At 5 year intervals.
D. every 50 years.
Incorrect:
The requirements for visual inspection are less stringent than monthly.
Correct:
All automatic sprinkler heads must be inspected from floor level on a yearly basis.
Incorrect:
All automatic sprinkler heads must be visually inspected from floor level on a yearly
basis.
Incorrect:
You must be thinking about the requirement to test a sample of sprinkler heads 50
years after installation.
Summary
A wet-pipe automatic sprinkler system uses closed automatic sprinkler heads fed by a piping
system containing water under system pressure at all times. Depending on local climatic
conditions, about 85-90% of all the sprinkler systems installed are wet-pipe systems.
NFPA 13 requires the installation of at least one pressure gauge in the riser of each wet-pipe
sprinkler system. When an alarm check valve is installed, pressure gauges must be installed
above and below the check valve.
Gridded wet-pipe sprinkler systems must be provided with a relief valve or an auxiliary air
reservoir to prevent excessive pressure buildup.
An auxiliary dry-pipe, preaction, or deluge sprinkler system may supplied from a wet-pipe
sprinkler system.
Each sprinkler control valve must be visually inspected to assure it is fully open. The
frequency of the visual inspections depends on the method of supervising the valve.
A main drain test is conducted to determine if there are any major blockages in the water
supply for the sprinkler system. A main drain test must be conducted on each wet-pipe
sprinkler system at least annually and each time the system control valve is operated.
dry-pipe
Deluge
Preaction
pilot valve
test connection
4. The wet-pipe sprinkler system component designed to actuate a local
electric bell or the building fire alarm system when the sprinkler system
is actuated is the:
water motor alarm
pressure switch
pilot valve
main drain
pressure switch
pilot valve
NFPA 13A
NFPA 20
NFPA 25
7. A locked sprinkler control valve with no other form of supervision
must be visually inspected at least:
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Quarterly
Quarterly
semi-annually
Annually
hydrostatic test
inspector's test
10. A sprinkler waterflow alarm on a wet-pipe sprinkler system must be
tested at least:
Monthly
Quarterly
semi-annually
Annually
Dry-Pipe Systems
Introduction
The loading dock at a regional medical center often contains pallets of combustible supplies
staged for distribution within the hospital. The loading dock is also home to the facility trash
compactor. Automatic sprinkler protection was required on the loading dock because it was
located beneath other hospital support areas. Freezing temperatures in the winter required
the use of dry-pipe sprinkler protection.
The cost of heating the
public warehouse proved to
be a competitive
disadvantage to the owner of
the building. The building,
built in 1950, was poorly
insulated and the heating
plant was old and inefficient.
Without heat the wet-pipe
sprinkler system would
freeze. Local building and
fire codes, as well as
insurance company
requirements, prohibited
removal of the automatic
sprinkler systems. The
solution was to convert the
wet-pipe sprinkler systems to
dry-pipe systems and
provide heat in only selected
areas of the building.
Overview
A dry-pipe automatic sprinkler system uses automatic
sprinkler heads fed by a piping system that contains
compressed air or nitrogen. The compressed gas
holds a dry-pipe valve closed, which holds back the
water from the water supply. The absence of water in the
piping allows the system to be used in areas subject to
freezing.
HELPFUL HINT
The requirements for the design and installation of
automatic sprinkler systems are contained in NFPA 13,
Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Most local building
codes and fire codes reference NFPA 13 when
automatic sprinkler systems must be installed. The
document is developed and published by the National
Fire Protection Association.
A dry-pipe sprinkler system has
only one advantage over wet-pipe
sprinkler systems. The system
can be installed in areas that are
subject to freezing such as
unheated warehouses, attics,
loading docks, and similar areas.
Once the system actuates and the
piping fills with water, the
operation of the system is the
same as a wet-pipe sprinkler
system. Water is discharged from
only those sprinklers that have
been fused by the fire.
HELPFUL HINT
Dry-pipe sprinkler systems should not be used except in those areas where wet-pipe
automatic sprinkler systems would be subjected to freezing temperatures. In most cases the
disadvantages of dry-pipe systems far out weigh the advantages.
Although they meet the needs of special applications, dry-pipe sprinkler systems have some
very specific disadvantages.
These include:
Slower operation:
When a sprinkler head on a dry-pipe system fuses, the compressed air or nitrogen
must be exhausted before water is admitted into the sprinkler piping. The water must
then fill the piping and flow to the point of the open sprinkler(s) in the system. All of
this takes time. In some cases as many as two or more minutes may pass between
the time a sprinkler head fuses and water reaches the fused head. During this time,
the fire continues to grow. Consequently, the size of fire that must be suppressed by
a dry-pipe sprinkler system can be expected to be larger than a fire in a similar
application with a wet-pipe sprinkler system.
Dry-Pipe Valve:
A dry-pipe valve is provided in the system riser. The dry-pipe valve serves as a check
valve for the system, as well as being designed to maintain the compressed air or
nitrogen in the dry-pipe system piping. The dry-pipe valve is designed with trim piping
that permits the installation of alarm initiating devices.
The diagram shows a typical dry-pipe valve. The valve is designed to act as an interface
between the compressed gas in the system and the water supply, as well as to provide a local
alarm signal when the system actuates. The major components of a dry-pipe valve are:
In a dry-pipe valve with a 5:1 differential, 1 psi of air pressure can hold back 5 psi of water
pressure. If the maximum pressure of the incoming water supply is 100 psi, the dry-pipe valve
needs only 20 psi of air pressure to hold the valve closed. To prevent accidental tripping of
the dry-pipe valve due to water or air pressure fluctuations, a safety factor of 20 psi is added
to the air pressure in the system, so we would normally see an air pressure of 40 psi in a
system that has a maximum water pressure of 100 psi.
To find the appropriate system air pressure for any dry-pipe system follow these steps:
1. Check the manufacturer's documentation and follow the instructions provided. If the
documentation is not available, follow steps 2 through 4 below.
2. Determine the ratio of the dry-pipe valve. If this information is not available, carefully record
the water pressure on the system. Divide the water pressure by the air pressure when the
dry-pipe valve trips during a test. This will provide the water pressure to air pressure ratio of
the valve.
3. Divide the highest normal water pressure by the ratio. (i.e., if the highest water pressure is
125 psi and the dry-pipe valve ratio is 5:1, divide 125 psi by 5.) This yields the "trip" pressure
of the dry-pipe valve.
4. Add 20 psi to the trip pressure as a safety factor. The sum of the trip pressure and the
safety factor is the air pressure that should normally be carried in the system.
Dry-Pipe Valve Actuation
When a fire fuses a sprinkler head in a dry-pipe sprinkler system, the compressed air (or
nitrogen) in the piping is released. As the gas pressure in the piping drops, the water pressure
pushing up on the bottom of the dry-pipe valve clapper overcomes the force of the air
pressure and the valve opens, or "trips." This permits the piping to fill with water that
discharges from any fused sprinkler heads. Water also flows through the alarm line to the
pressure switch (H), actuating the building fire alarm system, and to the water motor alarm (I)
on the exterior of the building. Once the fire is extinguished, the water supply must be
shutoff, and the dry-pipe valve must be opened and manually reset.
The following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
An automatic sprinkler system that uses compressed air in the piping to hold a valve
shut preventing water from entering the system until a sprinkler head fuses is a:
A. wet-pipe system
B. dry-pipe system
C. deluge system
D. preaction system
Incorrect:
In a wet-pipe system the piping is filled with water at all times.
Correct:
A dry-pipe sprinkler system uses compressed air or nitrogen to hold a valve closed
until the compressed gas is released through a fused sprinkler head.
Incorrect:
A deluge has all open sprinkler heads or spray nozzles. The air in the piping is at
atmospheric pressure.
Incorrect:
Some preaction sprinkler systems use a very small amount of air pressure to monitor
the integrity of the sprinkler piping, but this air pressure is not used to hold the
preaction valve closed.
Incorrect:
Dry-pipe systems actually delay discharge of water onto a fire because the air
pressure must be released before the system piping can fill with water.
Correct:
This is the only reason to use a dry-pipe sprinkler system.
Incorrect:
Dry-pipe sprinkler systems cost more to design and install than wet-pipe sprinkler
systems.
Incorrect:
The inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for a dry-pipe system are
much more intensive than for a wet-pipe sprinkler system.
A dry-pipe valve is designed with a water to air pressure ratio of 5:1. If the maximum
water pressure experienced is 90 psi, what air pressure should be maintained in the
dry-pipe system?
A. 18 psi
B. 38 psi
C. 90 psi
D. 110 psi
Incorrect:
Sorry, it looks like you divided the maximum water pressure by the ratio of 5 to get 18
psi. This is the trip pressure of the valve, but we need to add a safety factor to
prevent unwanted actuations.
Correct:
The normal system air pressure is determined by dividing the maximum water (90
psi) pressure by the ratio of 5. This gives us a trip pressure of 18 psi. Adding a 20 psi
safety factor gives us a normal system pressure of 38 psi.
Incorrect:
Keep in mind that a valve with a 5:1 ratio can hold back 5 psi of water pressure with 1
psi of air. A system air pressure of 90 psi could hold back 450 psi of water pressure.
Putting too much air pressure in the system increases the time required to release
the air when a sprinkler head fuses. This in turn, increases the time before the
system begins to apply water to a fire.
Incorrect:
It looks like you added 20 psi to the maximum water pressure. You might want to go
back and review the section on "How much air pressure is needed?"
Dry-Pipe Operation
The built-in delay delivering water to the fire caused by the need to exhaust the compressed
air from the system before water can fill the piping provides more time for a fire to grow before
fire suppression begins. To limit this delay, the volume of a dry-pipe system may not exceed
750 gallons.
built-in delay:
In some large dry-pipe systems, the time between opening the end test connection
and delivery of a sustained flow of water at the end of the system may be as much a
2-minutes or more. Considering that a developing fire may double in size and
intensity each minute, the long delay is usually unacceptable.
exhaust:
To speed the operation of a dry-pipe system, a quick opening device may be used to
trip the dry-pipe valve more quickly.
750 gallons:
This 750 gallon limit may be exceeded if through the design of the system, or through
the use of quick opening devices, the system can deliver water to the end test
connection in the time required by NFPA 13. The maximum water delivery time is 60
seconds, but may be less for specific systems.
Dry-Pipe Quick Opening Devices
When a dry-pipe sprinkler system cannot deliver water to the end of the system within the
time required by NFPA 13, a quick opening device may be used to speed the operation of
the dry-pipe valve. Quick opening devices are called accelerators or exhausters depending
on where the air from the device is piped. Quick opening devices are required on all systems
where the volume exceeds 500 gallons unless the time to deliver water to the end of the
system meets the requirements of NFPA 13.
exhausters:
An exhauster is a quick opening device designed to detect a small change in the dry-
pipe valve air pressure. A drop in system pressure of as little as 1 psi/min causes the
exhauster to trip. When this occurs, the exhauster discharges air to the atmosphere
through a large diameter orifice. This very quickly reduces the pressure in the system
and causes the dry-pipe valve to open more quickly than if the air pressure in the
system had to bleed down to the trip point through an open sprinkler head. When the
system fills with water the exhauster closes to prevent the discharge of water through
the exhauster.
HELPFUL HINT
While the use of a quick opening device (QOD), either an accelerator or an exhauster, can
speed the operation of a large dry-pipe system, there is a life cycle cost penalty. The addition
of a QOD adds significant inspection, testing, and maintenance costs. Small orifices inside
the QOD, combined with ideal conditions for rust and corrosion within a dry-pipe system,
result in a high rate of failure. Often when the device fails, it causes the dry-pipe valve to trip.
Disassembling the dry-pipe valve and the QOD to reset the devices takes time and labor. In
some cases, it may be more cost effective in the long run, to limit the size of any dry-pipe
sprinkler systems so that the installation of a QOD is not required.
Upright sprinklers
Listed dry sprinklers
Pendent Sprinklers installed on return
bends
Sidewall sprinklers installed on return
bends
Upright sprinklers:
An upright sprinkler head is marked on the deflector as "Upright" or "SSU" for
standard spray upright. Upright sprinklers are generally used in dry-pipe sprinkler
systems because a pendent sprinkler head may become plugged or obstructed by
the rust, scale or other debris that commonly forms in the humid environment inside
dry-pipe sprinkler piping. The photo on this page shows a typical upright sprinkler
head.
The following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
To limit the delay between fusing a sprinkler head and discharging water from a dry-
pipe sprinkler system, the system volume may not exceed:
A. 500 gallons
B. 750 gallons
C. 1000 gallons
D. 1250 gallons
Incorrect:
This is the volume that triggers the need for a quick opening device, not a limit on
system volume.
Correct:
This is the maximum permitted volume of a dry-pipe sprinkler system.
Incorrect:
The maximum internal volume of a dry-pipe sprinkler system may not exceed 750
gallons, unless the required water delivery times can be met.
Incorrect:
The maximum internal volume of a dry-pipe sprinkler system may not exceed 750
gallons, unless the required water delivery times can be met.
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, requires that a dry-pipe
sprinkler system be designed to deliver water to the end test connection in no more
than:
A. 30 seconds
B. 40 seconds
C. 50 seconds
D. 60 seconds
Incorrect:
This is too low.
Incorrect:
This is the maximum time permitted for high piled storage areas, but not the
maximum for all occupancies.
Incorrect:
This is the maximum time permitted for Ordinary Hazard (Group I) and Ordinary
Hazard (Group II) areas, but not the maximum overall time for all occupancies.
Correct:
This is the maximum time permitted to deliver water to the test connection in a light
hazard occupancy. Other occupancies require faster delivery.
Which of the following types of automatic sprinkler heads are not permitted in a dry-
pipe sprinkler system?
Incorrect:
Upright sprinklers are permitted in dry-pipe systems.
Incorrect:
Listed dry sprinklers are permitted in dry-pipe sprinkler systems.
Incorrect:
Pendent sprinklers may be used only where they are installed on return bends.
Correct:
Pendent sprinkler heads are permitted only when they are installed on a return bend.
Inspection & Testing
Sprinkler systems must be inspected and tested on a regular basis. At a minimum, each
sprinkler control valve must be visually inspected to assure it is fully open. The frequency of
the visual inspections depends on the method of supervising the valve. Acceptable methods
of supervision include:
In addition to the required visual inspections, each sprinkler control valve must be tested on
at least an annual basis. Annual maintenance is also required for each sprinkler control
valve.
visually inspected:
A visual inspection is a visual examination of the valve to verify that it appears to be
in proper operational condition. A visual inspection provides an indication of whether
the valve is fully open, whether there is damage to the valve, and detects any other
problems which may interfere with the operation of the valve. A visual inspection can
determine whether an indicating valve is open or closed.
Sealing the valve:
A plastic or wire seal is used to seal the valve in the open position. Closing the valve
breaks the seal and provides a visual indicator of tampering with the valve. Sealed
valves must be visually inspected at least weekly.
Locking the valve:
The valve may be locked in the open position using a combination of locks and
chains. Locked valves must be visually inspected at least monthly.
Electronic supervision:
The valve may be supervised using a valve supervisory initiating device that sends a
supervisory signal to the building fire alarm system if the valve is in other than the
open position. Electronically supervised valves must be visually inspected at least
monthly.
tested:
Each control valve must be tested by completely closing the valve and then returning
it to its fully open position. After fully opening the valve it should be backed off one
quarter turn from the fully open position. This is to prevent the valve from jamming in
the open position making it difficult to operate. After the valve test is completed a
main drain test must be conducted.
maintenance:
The stem of outside screw & yoke (OS&Y) valves must be lubricated at least
annually. Each valve must be fully closed and then reopened at least once each
year.
HELPFUL HINT
The inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for
all types of water based fire extinguishing systems are
found in NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of
Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. The document is
developed and published by the National Fire Protection
Association.
tested quarterly:
When quick opening devices are tested independently of the dry-pipe valve, follow
the instructions provided by the device manufacturer. In general, the following
procedure is used to test a quick opening device:
1. The main system control valve is closed to prevent accidental tripping of the
dry-pipe valve. Proper impairment handling procedures must be followed
anytime a fire protection system is shut down.
2. Open the main drain on the dry-pipe valve and leave it open. This releases
any water pressure on the underside of the dry-pipe valve.
3. Be sure that the control valve on the quick opening device is open.
4. Open the end test connection. As soon as the air pressure in the system
begins to drop the quick opening device should trip. A brief discharge of air
from the quick opening device indicates the device has tripped.
5. Close the control valve on the quick opening device.
6. Reset the quick opening device in accordance with the instructions provided
by the manufacturer.
7. Restore the dry-pipe system and quick opening device to service.
Main Drain Test
A main drain test is conducted to determine if there are any major blockages in the water
supply for the sprinkler system. A main drain test must be conducted on each dry-pipe
sprinkler system at least annually. A main drain test must also be conducted each time the
system control valve is operated.
major blockages:
A main drain test will provide an indication of a major blockage that approaches 80-
90 percent blockage of the supply piping. Smaller obstructions will not be revealed
through a main drain test.
HELPFUL HINT
In a perfect world, a main drain test on a dry-pipe sprinkler system will not cause the valve to
trip. However, few dry-pipe valves are in perfect condition. Rust, scale, and other
accumulations inside the dry-pipe valve, water supply, and trim piping, can cause problems.
Make certain you always open the main drain valve very slowly and observe the discharge
from the intermediate chamber ball drip valve. If water begins to flow, this means that the
clapper has started to lift. You should close the main drain valve immediately to prevent the
dry pipe valve from tripping.
Waterflow Alarm Test
The alarm bypass line allows water to flow around the dry-pipe valve to the waterflow alarm without
tripping the dry-pipe valve.
When conducting an alarm test using the alarm test bypass valve on a dry-pipe sprinkler system, it is
good practice to first tap the check valve on the alarm line leading from the dry-pipe valve to the
pressure switch. If the check valve is being held open by rust or scale, this light tapping may allow the
valve to seat properly. The alarm test bypass valve should then be opened very slowly. At the same
time, hold the plunger in on the ball drip valve. If water begins to flow from the ball drip valve, it means
that water is flowing back through the alarm line check valve and is accumulating in the intermediate
chamber beneath the clapper valve. This can cause the valve to trip. Quickly close the alarm test
bypass valve and allow the water to drain from the ball drip valve. Again try to reseat the check valve in
the alarm line by tapping on it and repeat the procedure outlined above until you are able to open the
alarm test bypass valve without any water flowing from the ball drip valve. You may then fully open the
alarm test bypass valve to test the alarm.
Other Required Inspections/Tests
Other inspections and tests must be conducted on various dry-pipe sprinkler system
components. These include, but are not limited to:
If the caps on the fire department connection are missing the interior of the
connection must be inspected for debris that could plug sprinkler piping. The clapper
inside the connection must also be checked to assure it operates over the full range
of motion.
Check Valves:
Check valves must be internally examined at least once every five years to assure
there are no internal obstructions. The inspection must verify that all internal
components move freely and operate properly. Any debris found inside the check
valve must be removed.
Sprinkler Heads:
Automatic sprinkler heads must be inspected yearly from floor level to determine if
there has been any damage to the head. The visible inspection is also intended to
identify any potential obstructions to sprinkler discharge. When sprinklers are 50
years old a sample must be submitted to a testing laboratory to test for proper
operation. The testing must be repeated at 10 year intervals. Some special types of
sprinkler heads, such as quick response sprinklers, have more stringent testing
requirements.
The following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
A. weekly
B. monthly
C. quarterly
D. annually
Incorrect:
A weekly visual inspection would be good, but the standards permit a longer period
between visual inspections.
Correct:
At a minimum, every locked sprinkler control valve must be inspected monthly to
assure it is not damaged and is in the open position.
Incorrect:
The maximum visual inspection frequency for any type of sprinkler control valve is
monthly.
Incorrect:
The maximum visual inspection frequency for any type of sprinkler control valve is
monthly.
A dry-pipe sprinkler valve must be full flow trip tested at least:
A. quarterly
B. annually
C. every 3 years
D. every 5 years
Incorrect:
This is much more often than required.
Incorrect:
Every dry-pipe valve must be trip tested annually, but a full flow trip test is required
only once every 3 years.
Correct:
While a trip test is required every year, a full flow trip test is required only once every
3 years.
Incorrect:
A full flow trip test is required at least once every 3 years.
A. monthly
B. quarterly
C. semi-annually
D. annually
Incorrect:
Although monthly drain tests are a good practice, current standards require only
annual tests.
Incorrect:
Although quarterly drain tests are a good practice, current standards require only
annual tests.
Incorrect:
Although semi-annual drain tests are a good practice, current standards require only
annual tests.
Correct:
NFPA 25, requires that a main drain test be conducted on each sprinkler system at
least annually
Summary
A dry-pipe automatic sprinkler system uses closed automatic sprinkler heads fed by a piping
system containing compressed air or nitrogen to hold the dry-pipe valve closed until a fire
fuses a sprinkler head. When the compressed gas is released, the dry-pipe valve opens
allowing water into the sprinkler piping.
Depending on local climatic conditions, about 10-15% of all the sprinkler systems installed are
dry-pipe systems.
When a fire fuses a sprinkler head, the compressed air or nitrogen in the piping is released.
This allows the dry-pipe valve to trip, filling the piping with water which discharges from any
open sprinkler heads.
A dry-pipe valve must be trip tested every year, and full flow trip tested once every three
years.
Each sprinkler control valve must be visually inspected to assure it is fully open. The
frequency of the visual inspections depends on the method of supervising the valve.
Each sprinkler control valve must be tested and maintained on at least an annual basis.
A main drain test is conducted to determine if there are any major blockages in the water
supply for the sprinkler system. A main drain test must be conducted on each wet-pipe
sprinkler system at least annually and each time the system control valve is operated.
dry-pipe
preaction
deluge
2. The dry-pipe sprinkler system component that allows the public fire
department to increase the pressure in the system by pumping water
into the system is the:
dry-pipe valve
shutoff valve
test connection
3. The component of a dry-pipe valve that allows water to drain from the
intermediate chamber is the:
drip valve
check valve
4. When a dry-pipe valve trips, the component designed to actuate and
sound the building fire alarm system is the:
alarm by-pass line
pressure switch
5. Unless a dry-pipe sprinkler system can deliver water to the end test
connection in 60 seconds or less, the volume of the system is limited to
a maximum of:
500 gals.
750 gals.
1000 gals.
1250 gals.
6. A quick opening device that dumps air pressure into the dry-pipe
valve intermediate chamber so the valve will trip faster is a(an):
primer
exhauster
accelerator
pressure regulator
7. A sprinkler control valve provided with electronic supervision must be
visually inspected at least:
weekly
monthly
quarterly
annually
500
750
1000
annually
every 3 years
every 5 years
10. The most important result to be recorded during a main drain test on
an automatic sprinkler system is the:
Static water pressure
The building was used for long-term storage of old medical records for a large health care
organization. Heating the building is enormously expensive. Automatic sprinklers were
needed to protect the records from a fire, but a wet-pipe sprinkler system requires the building
to be heated. The inherent delay in the operation of a dry-pipe sprinkler system would result
in an unacceptable level of damage. The solution was the installation of a preaction sprinkler
system.
Overview
A deluge system uses open sprinkler heads connected to a piping system that is not charged
with water until a supplemental fire detection system actuates. When the system actuates,
water is discharged from all the open sprinkler heads simultaneously.
A preaction sprinkler is simply a deluge sprinkler system with closed sprinkler heads.
Actuation of a preaction sprinkler system fills the piping with water, but water is not
discharged until a fire fuses the individual sprinkler heads.
water is not discharged until a fire fuses the individual sprinkler heads:
A preaction sprinkler system is sometimes called a double-action sprinkler system
because it requires two different actions to discharge water from the system. First, a
fire must actuate the supplemental fire detection system, which, in turn, must open
the deluge (preaction) valve and fill the piping with water. Second, a fire must fuse an
automatic sprinkler head. Only then is water actually discharged from the system
onto the fire.
HELPFUL HINT
The requirements for the design and installation of
deluge and preaction sprinkler systems are found in
NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems. This
document is referenced by most state and local
building codes. The document is published by the
National Fire Protection Association.
Deluge sprinkler systems are used where very fast developing fires are expected. The most
common application is for areas storing, using, or processing flammable or combustible
liquids. Like any other fire protection system, a deluge system has both advantages and
disadvantages.
advantages:
The advantages of a deluge system include:
Rapid operation: The fire detectors used to actuate a deluge system are
often more sensitive than a typical sprinkler head. Additionally, when the
system actuates, water is discharged from all the open sprinklers
simultaneously. There is no delay while each individual sprinkler head opens
from the heat of a fire.
Effective for High Hazard Areas: The rapid operation of a deluge sprinkler
system makes it a good choice for a high hazard area where a fire could
spread faster than normal automatic sprinkler heads could open.
disadvantages:
The disadvantages of a deluge system include:
HELPFUL HINT
Water Spray Systems
Not all systems that use a deluge sprinkler valve are deluge systems. In
some cases, special water spray nozzles are used in place of open
sprinkler heads. These water spray nozzles are designed to provide a
specific pattern of water spray over a given area or surface. Systems
that use water spray nozzles are called "Water Spray Systems" instead
of deluge systems, although the function and operation of the systems
are the same.
Preaction System Applications
Preaction sprinkler systems are used where there is a concern of accidental sprinkler
discharge that could cause significant damage. The most common application is in freezers
where the preaction system is used in combination with a dry-pipe valve to limit the
potential of accidental trips that cause water to quickly freeze in the piping. Like any other fire
protection system, a preaction system has both advantages and disadvantages.
significant damage:
The use of preaction sprinkler systems in computer rooms and similar occupancies is
often based on the misplaced fear that an automatic sprinkler head will just "pop off"
and wet the computer equipment. Statistically, the occasion for premature operation
of a sprinkler head is one in several milllion. So, in most cases, the initial design
costs and the ongoing life-cycle costs of a preaction sprinkler system are not justified
for these applications.
1. A fire must actuate a fire detector for the preaction sprinkler system. This
releases the deluge valve controlling the preaction sprinkler system and
allows water up the underside of the dry-pipe valve.
2. A fire must then fuse an automatic sprinkler head. This released the
compressed air or nitrogen from the dry-pipe system.
3. When the compressed gas is exhausted from the system, the dry-pipe valve
opens and water floods the system piping. Only now is water discharged from
any fused sprinkler heads.
advantages:
The primary advantages of a preaction sprinkler system include:
disadvantages:
The disadvantages of a preaction sprinkler system include:
The diagram shows a typical latched clapper deluge valve. The valve is designed to hold back
the water supply until the valve is opened by a supplemental fire detection system. The major
components of a deluge valve are:
When the fire detection system for a deluge sprinkler system actuates, the solenoid valve (I)
opens permitting the water pressure in the plunger chamber (G) to be released. With the
pressure released, the force on the latch holding the deluge valve clapper (B) closed is
released. Water pressure opens the deluge valve clapper filling the system piping with water
and discharging water from all the open sprinkler heads. Water also pressurizes the pressure
switch actuating any local alarms or the building fire alarm system. The system may also be
actuated manually by operating the manual release (H). This opens a valve that also drains
the water pressure from the plunger chamber (G). To reset the valve, the water supply must
be shutoff. The system must then be drained, the deluge valve opened, and the clapper
manually reset.
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
The only significant difference between a deluge sprinkler system and a preaction
sprinkler system is:
Incorrect:
Sorry, both deluge and preaction sprinkler systems use the same type of valve.
Incorrect:
Any type of fire detector may be used to actuate a deluge or preaction sprinkler
system. Either system should use the type of fire detector that is most appropriate for
the situation.
Incorrect:
It is impossible to maintain air pressure in the piping of a deluge sprinkler system
because the system has open sprinkler heads. Some preaction systems maintain a
very small amount of air or nitrogen pressure in the piping to monitor the integrity of
the piping, but this supervisory pressure does not affect the operation of the system.
Correct:
This is the only substantial difference between deluge and preaction sprinkler
systems.
Correct:
Deluge sprinkler valves are mechanically latched closed.
Incorrect:
An electric solenoid valve is often used to release the pressure on a mechanical
latch, but the solenoid is not used to actually hold the deluge valve closed.
Incorrect:
A by-pass line is used to supply water pressure to a mechanical latch, but the by-
pass does not actually hold the clapper in the valve closed.
Incorrect:
A deluge valve does not have an intermediate chamber. An intermediate chamber is
a feature found in dry-pipe sprinkler valves.
The best type of fire detector to actuate a deluge sprinkler system is:
A. a smoke detector.
B. a heat detector.
C. a flame detector.
D. any type of fire detector.
Incorrect:
Smoke detectors may be used, but the best type of detector depends on the type of
fire expected, and the particular application.
Incorrect:
Heat detectors may be used, but the best type of detector depends on the type of fire
expected, and the particular application.
Incorrect:
Flame detectors may be used, but the best type of detector depends on the type of
fire expected, and the particular application.
Correct:
The best type of detector depends on the type of fire expected, and the particular
application. There is no single type of detector that is best. It depends on the
application specific conditions.
Preaction Operation
System Components
When the fire detection system for a preaction sprinkler system actuates, the solenoid valve
(I) opens draining the pressure from the plunger chamber (G). System water pressure then
opens the deluge valve and the system piping fills with water. At this point, the system
functions the same as a wet-pipe sprinkler system. No water is discharged until the fire grows
to a size capable of fusing a sprinkler head. The system may also be actuated manually by
operating the manual release (H). Opening this valve also drains the water pressure from the
plunger chamber. The valve is reset by shutting off the water supply, draining the water
from the piping, opening the valve, and manually resetting the clapper.
deluge valve:
Remember, there is no such thing as a "preaction" valve. A preaction valve is simply
a deluge sprinkler valve installed in a system with all closed or sealed sprinkler
heads, and usually with a very small supervisory air or nitrogen pressure to monitor
the integrity of the piping.
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
Water is discharged from a preaction sprinkler system only after:
Incorrect:
This is one step in getting discharge from a preaction system, but not the only step.
Incorrect:
This is one action required for discharge from a preaction system, but not the only
action.
Incorrect:
A preaction sprinkler system does not contain compressed air, other than some
systems which have a small amount of air or nitrogen pressure to monitor the
integrity of the sprinkler piping. However, this supervisory pressure does not affect
the operation of the system.
Correct:
Both of these actions are required to discharge water from a preaction sprinkler
system.
A. manually
B. automatically
C. either manually or automatically
D. only by a sprinkler head
Incorrect:
Preaction sprinkler systems can be actuated manually, but must also have automatic
fire detectors to actuate the system automatically.
Incorrect:
Preaction sprinkler systems have a fire detection system to actuate the system
automatically, but they can also be actuated manually by operating a pull station or
opening a valve.
Correct:
Preaction sprinkler systems have fire detectors to actuate the system automatically,
and manual pull stations or valves to actuate the systems manually.
Incorrect:
Fusing a sprinkler head is required for any water to discharge from a preaction
sprinkler system, but the preaction (deluge) valve must be opened by a manual
actuator, or through the operation of an automatic fire detector.
Incorrect:
The control panel may be mounted in nearby any location.
Correct:
Most modern preaction or deluge valve control panels are fire alarm control panels
that are designed for and specifically listed for release of fire suppression systems.
Incorrect:
The control panel and the preaction (deluge) valve may be from the same
manufacturer, but this is not necessarily the case. The control panel may be any fire
alarm control panel that is specifically listed for releasing service.
Incorrect:
While this arrangement is permitted, many control panels for preaction sprinkler
systems serve only the preaction system.
Inspection and Testing
Control Valve Inspection and Testing
Electronic supervision
visually inspected:
A visual inspection is a visual examination of the valve to verify that it appears to be
in proper operational condition. A visual inspection provides an indication of whether
the valve is fully open, whether there is damage to the valve, and detects any other
problems which may interfere with the operation of the valve. A visual inspection can
determine whether an indicating valve is open or closed. For example, a visual
inspection of the OS&Y (outside screw & yoke) valve in the photo shows that valve to
be open, because the stem is fully extended above the valve body.
Sealing the valve:
A plastic or wire seal is used to seal the valve in the open position. Closing the valve
breaks the seal and provides a visual indicator of tampering with the valve. Sealed
valves must be visually inspected at least weekly.
Locking the valve:
The valve may be locked in the open position using a combination of locks and
chains. Locked valves must be visually inspected at least monthly.
Electronic supervision:
The valve may be supervised using a valve supervisory initiating device that sends a
signal to the building fire alarm system if the valve is in any position other than the
open position. Electronically supervised valves must be visually inspected at least
monthly.
tested:
Each control valve must be tested by completely closing the valve and then returning
it to its fully open position. After fully opening the valve it should be backed off one
quarter turn from the fully open position. This is to prevent the valve from jamming in
the open position making it difficult to operate. After the valve test is completed a
main drain test must be conducted.
maintenance:
The stem of each outside screw & yoke (OS&Y) valve must be lubricated at least
annually. Each valve must be fully closed and then reopened at least once each
year.
HELPFUL HINT
The inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for
all types of water based fire extinguishing systems are
found in NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of
Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. The document is
developed and published by the National Fire Protection
Association.
Deluge Valve Trip Tests
Each deluge valve (or preaction valve) must be full flow trip tested annually. This generally
requires that the deluge valve be disassembled and reset manually after the test. The
priming water level and any air pressure supervisory switches must be tested quarterly.
major blockages:
A main drain test will provide an indication of a major blockage that approaches 80-
90 percent blockage of the supply piping. Smaller obstructions will not be revealed
through a main drain test.
All waterflow alarms must be tested at least quarterly. For a deluge or preaction sprinkler
system, the waterflow alarm is tested by opening the alarm bypass line and allowing water
to flow to the pressure switch and the water motor alarm. This should actuate both the local
waterflow alarms (electric bell and/or water motor alarm) and the building fire alarm system.
Other inspections and tests must be conducted on various dry-pipe sprinkler system
components. These include, but are not limited to:
If the caps on the fire department connection are missing the interior of the
connection must be inspected for debris that could plug sprinkler piping. The clapper
inside the connection must also be checked to assure it operates over the full range
of motion.
Check Valves:
Check valves must be internally examined at least once every five years to assure
there are no internal obstructions. The inspection must verify that all internal
components move freely and operate properly. Any debris found inside the check
valve must be removed.
Sprinkler Heads:
Automatic sprinkler heads must be inspected yearly from floor level to determine if
there has been any damage to the head. The visible inspection is also intended to
identify any potential obstructions to sprinkler discharge. When closed sprinkler
heads are 50 years old a sample must be submitted to a testing laboratory to test for
proper operation. The testing must be repeated at 10 year intervals. Some special
types of sprinkler heads, such as quick response sprinklers, have more stringent
testing requirements.
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
The sprinkler control valve on a deluge sprinkler system must be tested at least:
A. monthly.
B. quarterly.
C. semi-annually.
D. annually.
Incorrect:
While monthly tests may be warranted in some cases, the minimum testing
frequency required by NFPA 25 is annual.
Incorrect:
While quarterly tests may be warranted in some cases, the minimum testing
frequency required by NFPA 25 is annual.
Incorrect:
While semi-annual tests may be warranted in some cases, the minimum testing
frequency required by NFPA 25 is annual.
Correct:
This is the minimum testing frequency required by NFPA 25, although in some
situations more frequent testing may be warranted.
Each preaction sprinkler system must undergo a full flow trip test at least:
A. quarterly.
B. annually.
C. every 3 years.
D. every 5 years.
Incorrect:
While quarterly testing may be warranted in some cases, the minimum testing
frequency required by NFPA 25 is annual.
Correct:
This is the minimum frequency for a fullflow trip test required by NFPA 25, although
the standard does permit the test frequency to be extended to a maximum of three
years where conditions do not permit annual testing.
Incorrect:
NFPA 25 specifies more frequent testing than once every 3 years.
Incorrect:
NFPA 25 specifies more frequent testing than once every 5 years.
The routine test used to look for the presence of a major obstruction in the water
supply for a deluge or preaction sprinkler system is the:
Incorrect:
A test of the waterflow alarm does not flow a sufficient volume of water to detect a
problem with the water supply for a deluge or preaction sprinkler system.
Incorrect:
Although this test could detect the presence of an obstruction in the water supply, it is
not a routine test performed on a deluge or preaction sprinkler system.
Incorrect:
Although an internal inspection of a backflow prevention assembly would reveal any
obstructions in the backflow preventer, it would not show obstructions that may be in
other parts of the system.
Correct:
The main drain test, conducted at least annually and every time the system control
valve is operated, will provide an indication of major water supply obstructions.
Summary
Deluge Sprinkler System
When the fire detection system for a deluge sprinkler system actuates, the solenoid valve
opens permitting the water pressure in the plunger chamber to be released. With the pressure
released, the force on the latch holding the deluge valve clapper closed is released. Water
pressure opens the deluge valve clapper filling the system piping with water and discharging
water from all the open sprinkler heads. Water also pressurizes the pressure switch actuating
any local alarms or the building fire alarm system. The system may also be actuated manually
by operating the manual release. This opens a valve that also drains the water pressure from
the plunger chamber. To reset the valve, the water supply must be shutoff. The system must
then be drained, the deluge valve opened, and the clapper manually reset.
The components of a preaction sprinkler system are the same as for a deluge sprinkler
system.
When the fire detection system for a preaction sprinkler system actuates, the solenoid valve
opens draining the pressure from the plunger chamber . System water pressure then opens
the deluge valve and the system piping fills with water. At this point, the system functions the
same as a wet-pipe sprinkler system. No water is discharged until the fire grows to a size
capable of fusing a sprinkler head. The system may also be actuated manually by operating
the manual release. Opening this valve also drains the water pressure from the plunger
chamber. The valve is reset by shutting off the water supply, draining the water from the
piping, opening the valve, and manually resetting the clapper.
At a minimum, each sprinkler control valve must be visually inspected to assure it is fully
open. The frequency of the visual inspections depends on the method of supervising the
valve. Acceptable methods of supervision include:
In addition to the required visual inspections, each sprinkler control valve must be tested on at
least an annual basis. Annual maintenance is also required for each sprinkler control valve.
Each deluge valve (or preaction valve) must be full flow trip tested annually.
A main drain test must be conducted on each deluge and preaction sprinkler system at least
annually. A main drain test must also be conducted each time the system control valve is
operated.
All waterflow alarms must be tested at least quarterly. For a deluge or preaction sprinkler
system, the waterflow alarm is tested by opening the alarm bypass line and allowing water to
flow to the pressure switch and the water motor alarm.
1. A preaction sprinkler system uses:
open sprinkler heads.
compressed air.
compressed nitrogen.
deluge
dry-pipe
anti-freeze
5. A preaction sprinkler system uses a latched clapper deluge valve as
shown in the diagram. Under normal conditions the pressure in the
plunger chamber (G) is:
only manually
automatically or manually.
main drain
bypass line
8. A deluge system protecting an aircraft hangar must be full flow trip
tested:
monthly
quarterly
yearly
monthly
quarterly
yearly
monthly
quarterly
annually
Sprinkler Design
Introduction
This course addresses the configuration of piping systems for automatic sprinkler systems,
including pipe schedule systems and hydraulically designed systems.
An analysis of the automatic sprinkler protection in the warehouse revealed that the hazard
posed by the storage exceeded the fire control capabilities of the automatic sprinkler systems.
The question now is how to reinforce the sprinkler systems in the warehouse at a reasonable
cost. What design criteria should be used?
A recent fire inspection found two new offices constructed without the installation of automatic
sprinkler protection. Automatic sprinklers protect the entire area around each office, so it will
be easy to supply the new sprinklers. The only question is what size piping must be used?
Conceptual plans for the new facility are complete. It is obvious that automatic sprinklers will
be installed throughout the new building, but there is disagreement about the design of the
systems, and the design methodology that should be used.
Overview
Piping Configurations
The piping for an automatic sprinkler system can be designed and arranged in a number of
different configurations. The exact size and layout of the piping depends on the site-
specific needs and objectives of the system.
different configurations:
The piping configuration for a sprinkler system may be described as any of the
following:
Pipe Schedule
Hydraulically designed
Tree piping layout
Looped piping layout
Gridded piping layout
Dating back to the first automatic sprinkler standard in 1896, pipe schedules have been used
to layout and size sprinkler piping. While use of a pipe schedule can be an easy, economical
method of sprinkler system layout, the exact performance of the system under fire conditions
is not as readily determined as for other sprinkler system design methods.
pipe schedule:
A pipe schedule is a recipe for sprinkler system installation based on the occupancy
and the number of sprinklers fed by a particular sprinkler pipe. For a given occupancy
hazard, a pipe schedule provides the size of each sprinkler pipe based on the
number of sprinklers fed by the pipe.
Hydraulically Designed Systems
Most new sprinkler systems installed today are hydraulically designed. The design of the
system is based on the need to discharge a minimum volume of water over each square foot
or square meter of floor space. The sizing of the piping is calculated based on the flow
requirements for the sprinkler system and the capabilities of the water supply.
hydraulically designed:
A hydraulically designed sprinkler system is a system in which the sizing of each
piece of sprinkler piping is based on the flow and pressure requirements needed to
provide a minimum water density (gpm/sq.ft. or liters/sq.meter) over a specified area.
Piping Configurations
Tree Piping Layout
A tree-piping configuration is always used for a pipe schedule system, and it may be used for
a hydraulically designed system. In a tree-piping configuration, a bulk feed main usually runs
through the middle of the system much like the trunk of a tree. Smaller branch lines are fed
from the bulk main. This piping configuration has several advantages.
advantages:
The advantages of a tree piping configuration include:
Simplicity of layout
Hydraulic calculation easy to complete
Economic design for small systems
Easily modified
Looped Piping Layout
A looped piping configuration provides more efficient water distribution than a tree-piping
configuration. The looped distribution main provides two paths for water delivery to the
individual branch lines. Splitting the flow in the system reduces the pressure loss in each
piece of piping.
The most efficient piping configuration for water distribution is a gridded configuration. The
grid provides multiple paths through which water can flow to each sprinkler head. Multiple
paths mean that each piece of piping can be smaller. Gridded piping configurations have
some specific advantages and disadvantages.
advantages:
The advantages of a gridded piping configuration include:
More economical pipe sizing
Multiple flow paths allow smaller piping
Capabilities of the system are known
disadvantages:
The disadvantages of a gridded piping configuration include:
Less flexibility to accommodate changes
All systems must be hydraulically calculated
Calculations must be completed by computer
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
A. tree
B. looped
C. gridded
D. bushing
Incorrect:
A "tree" piping configuration is commonly used in pipe schedule sprinkler systems.
Incorrect:
A "looped" piping arrangement is common in many sprinkler systems.
Incorrect:
A "gridded" piping configuration is commonly used in hydraulically designed sprinkler
systems.
Correct:
A bushing is a pipe fitting, but it is not a piping configuration commonly used in
automatic sprinkler systems.
Which of the following piping configurations has the advantage of providing multiple
paths of travel for water flowing in the system?
A. tree configuration
B. looped
C. gridded
D. hydraulically designed
Incorrect:
A tree piping configuration has a single path of travel for water moving to a flowing
sprinkler head.
Incorrect:
Your are partially correct. A looped piping configuration has two paths for the water to
move through the system, but a gridded piping configuration has many different
paths of travel.
Correct:
A gridded piping configuration has many different paths though which water can
travel to operating sprinkler heads.
Incorrect:
Hydraulic design is a method of sizing sprinkler piping. It may be used to size the
piping used in any piping configuration.
The diagram shown is an example of which type of sprinkler piping configuration?
A. tree
B. looped
C. gridded
D. hydraulically designed
Correct:
This is the typical tree piping configuration for a pipe schedule system, but it may
also be used in a hydraulically designed system.
Incorrect:
A looped system has piping that forms a loop in the system.
Incorrect:
A gridded piping configuration has multiple loops of piping in the system.
Incorrect:
The piping could be sized using hydraulic calculations, but the piping could just as
easily be sized using a pipe schedule. Looking at the configuration shown it would be
impossible to determine whether it was hydraulically designed.
Pipe Schedule Systems
What is a pipe schedule?
A pipe schedule sprinkler system is a system in which the size of each pipe in the system is
determined by the number of sprinkler heads fed by the pipe. Pipe schedules have been used
to size sprinkler piping since the first consensus automatic sprinkler standard. There are
different pipe schedules for different occupancies.
The first consensus automatic sprinkler standard was developed during a meeting of
property insurance companies in 1896. The cooperation fostered during the
development of a standard for the installation of sprinkler systems led to the
formation, by these same insurance companies, of the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA). The NFPA has continued to publish the sprinkler standard, now
known as NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, for over 100 years.
Light Hazard Pipe Schedule
The table shows the light hazard pipe schedule from NFPA 13. Light hazard pipe schedules
may be used only in light hazard occupancies.
HELPFUL HINT
Occupancy Hazard Classifications: Great care must be exercised when assigning an
occupancy class for sprinkler system design. Codes and standards may provide examples of
hazard classification for various occupancies and operations, but the actual hazard
classification should be assigned based on a site-specific survey or hazard analysis. For
example, many codes and standards list hospitals as "light hazard occupancies." However,
there are many areas of a medical center that are much more than light hazard. The central
stores areas is essentially a "plastics warehouse." There may also be maintenance shops,
laboratories storing and using flammable liquids, and industrial laundry areas. In most cases
there is not an accurate single hazard classification for an entire facility.
Using the schedule:
Additional sprinklers are to be installed in a building as shown in the diagram above. The
sprinklers are to be installed on a light hazard pipe schedule using steel pipe. Using the pipe
schedule provided, determine the size of pipe segments A, B, C, D, E, and F.
Pipe segment C feeds a total of three sprinkler heads so it must be - 1.25 inches
Pipe segment D also feeds a three sprinkler heads so it must be - 1.25 inches
Pipe segment E feeds 3 heads from Branch Line #1 and 3 heads on Branch Line #2. A pipe
feeding 6 heads must be 2 inch.
This same method of sizing pipes can be used for ordinary hazard or extra hazard systems by
using the pipe schedules established for those hazard classifications.
Ordinary Hazard Pipe Schedule
An Ordinary Hazard , Group 1 occupancy is one where the combustibility is low and fires with
a "moderate" rate of heat release are expected. Any storage or stockpiles are limited to a 8-
feet high. Typical examples might include:
Automobile Showrooms
Canning Facilities
Bakeries
Laundries
Restaurant Service Areas
Ordinary Hazard, Group 2 occupancies are those with moderate to high combustible loading,
where fires with moderate to high rates of heat release are anticipated. Typical examples
might include:
Distilleries
Dry Cleaners
Machine shops
Metal working operations
Textile manufacturing
Using the schedule:
Additional sprinklers are to be installed in a building as shown in the diagram above. The
sprinklers are to be installed on an ordinary hazard pipe schedule using steel pipe. Using the
pipe schedule provided, determine the size of pipe segments A, B, C, D, E, and F.
Pipe segment C feeds a total of three sprinkler heads so it must be - 1.25 inches
Pipe segment D also feeds a three sprinkler heads so it must be - 1.25 inches
Pipe segment E feeds 3 heads from Branch Line #1 and 3 heads on Branch Line #2. A pipe
feeding 6 heads must be 2 inch.
At one time, there was also a pipe schedule for extra hazard sprinkler systems. All new
sprinkler systems for extra hazard occupancies must be hydraulically designed. Existing
systems installed using the "old" extra hazard pipe schedule may be modified using this
schedule, but the schedule cannot be used for new installations.
What is an extra hazard occupancy? - Extra hazard occupancies are divided are divided into
two groups, Group 1 and Group 2, and are defined as areas where the quantity and
combustibility of the contents is "moderate to high."
An Extra Hazard, Group 1 occupancy is an extra hazard occupancy where there is dust, lint,
or other materials pose the threat of a rapidly developing fire with a high rate of heat release.
Some examples might include:
An Extra Hazard, Group 2 occupancy is an extra hazard occupancy where there are
flammable or combustible liquids, or where the shielding of combustible is extensive. Some
examples might include:
A. 1896
B. 1921
C. 1953
D. 1972
Correct:
Pipe schedules have been used since the first consensus sprinkler standard was
developed in 1896.
Incorrect:
By 1921 pipe schedules had been in use for 25 years.
Incorrect:
By 1953 pipe schedules had been in use for nearly 60 years.
Incorrect:
By 1972 pipe schedules had been in use for over 75 years.
For a sprinkler system installed on an ordinary hazard-piping schedule, what size pipe
must be used for a pipe that supplies 14 sprinkler heads?
A. 1.25 - inch
B. 1.50 - inch
C. 2.00 - inch
D. 2.50 - inch
Incorrect:
A 1.25-inch pipe can supply only 3 sprinklers
Incorrect:
A 1.50 inch pipe can feed only 5 sprinklers
Incorrect:
A 2-inch pipe can feed only 10 sprinklers
Correct:
A 2.5-inch pipe may be used to supply up to 20 sprinklers.
A church protected by a wet-pipe sprinkler system installed in a pipe schedule would
most likely use:
Correct:
Most churches would meet the definition of a light hazard occupancy and could be
protected by a sprinklers installed on a light hazard pipe schedule.
Incorrect:
Some churches might be classified as an Ordinary Hazard, Group 1, but most would
be considered light hazard occupancies. There is no such thing as an Ordinary
Hazard, Group 1 pipe schedule. There is simply an Ordinary Hazard Pipe Schedule.
Incorrect:
Some areas of some churches might be classified as an Ordinary Hazard, Group 2,
but most would be considered light hazard occupancies. There is no such thing as an
Ordinary Hazard, Group 2 pipe schedule. There is simply an Ordinary Hazard Pipe
Schedule.
Incorrect:
Extra hazard occupancies are those which use flammable or combustible liquids,
and/or have a heavy loading of combustibles. A church would not generally meet this
definition. Extra hazard pipe schedules are no longer used, except to modify existing
extra hazard pipe schedule systems.
Hydraulic Design
What is hydraulically designed?
Hydraulically designed sprinkler systems are designed to apply a specific minimum density
over a designated area of application. The density and area of application are chosen based
on codes, standards, organizational guidelines, or engineering judgment.
This hydraulic design placard is for a sprinkler system that is hydraulically designed
to provide a minimum density of 0.30 gpm/sq.ft. over an operating area of 4,000 sq.ft.
The total volume of water required to provide this density over the most hydraulically
remote 4,000 sq.ft. is 1376 gallons per minute at a minimum pressure of about 61 or
62 psi.
density:
The density delivered by a sprinkler system is expressed in gallons per minute per
square foot. A density of 0.20 gpm/sq.ft. means that the sprinkler system is designed
to discharge a minimum of 0.20 gpm over every square foot of floor space in design
area. In the metric system sprinkler density is expressed in terms of mm of water per
minute in much the same manner as rainfall is measured.
area of application:
The area of application, also referred to as the area of operation or operating area, is
the total floor area over which automatic sprinklers are expected to operate during a
fire. For example, a sprinkler system designed with an area of application of 3,000
sq.ft. is designed with piping sized to deliver the specified density over any, including
the most hydraulically remote 3,000 sq.ft. of floor area. "Hydraulically remote" means
the area in the hydraulic calculations that is calculated to be the most remote from
the source or supply of water.
codes, standards:
NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, is the most widely accepted standard that
specifies sprinkler densities and areas of application for various hazards. Other
codes and standards, such as building codes, may also specify a sprinkler density
and area of application for specific occupancies or hazards.
organizational guidelines:
Companies, institutions, and government agencies may establish their own
guidelines for choosing sprinkler densities and areas of application. For example, a
company may establish minimum sprinkler design criteria and publish them in a fire
protection bulletin or corporate fire protection standard. Some federal agencies do
this, as well.
engineering judgment:
In those cases where there are no codes or standards available that provide a
required sprinkler density and area of application, an appropriate design must be
selected based on a careful engineering analysis of the hazards and site specific fire
protection goals. A fire protection engineer may use fire test information, actual fire
tests, or similar information to determine appropriate sprinkler design criteria.
HELPFUL HINT
The calculation methods used to hydraulically design a sprinkler system incorporate
simplification and approximations. These simplification and approximations make the
calculations more economical and more slightly more user friendly. For example, the Hazen-
Williams formula, the friction loss calculation for all modern hydraulic calculations, is derived
from experimental data. It is not an exact calculation. Even though hydraulic calculations
provide a high degree of precision in estimating the performance of a sprinkler system, do not
be fooled by the expression of precision in hydraulic calculation results. Calculations that
indicate a sprinkler demand of 1027.8621 gallons/min. at a pressure of 79.6127 psi should be
looked at as a demand of about 1027 gpm at a pressure of about 80 psi.
Sprinkler Densities
A sprinkler density is expressed as gallons per minute per square foot (gpm/sq.ft.). The
discharge from each sprinkler head is determined by calculating the spacing of each sprinkler
head and multiplying it by the required density.
Show me an example:
Assume for our example that a sprinkler system has a required density of 0.20
gpm/sq.ft. If the spacing between sprinkler heads on a branch line is "S," and the
spacing between branch lines is "L," the area of each sprinkler head, "A" is
determined by multiplying S x L.
If: S = 10 ft.
L = 12 ft.
In a sprinkler design with an area of application of 4,000 sq.ft. (279 m2) it is assumed that all
the sprinklers in the most hydraulically remote 4,000 sq.ft.(279 m2) operate in a fire. The
operating area is the maximum area of sprinkler operation anticipated by the design. Sprinkler
designs may have operating areas that vary from 1,500 sq.ft. (139 m2) to 5,000 sq.ft. (465
m2). The area of operation selected for a particular design depends on the locally applied
codes and standards, site-specific fire protection objectives, the water supply, and other
engineering factors.
Keep in mind that while the hydraulic design method provides a method of sizing
piping that is very efficient from economic standpoint, there is one major drawback. If
a fire opens more sprinkler heads than anticipated by the sprinkler design, the piping
will not be able to deliver sufficient water at an adequate pressure to maintain the
required discharge density.
HELPFUL HINT
Sprinkler Design Criteria
The design of an automatic sprinkler system is much more complex than simply selecting a
sprinkler density and area of operation from a chart in NFPA 13. Failure to account for the
site-specific fire protection needs and conditions at the facility can result in a sprinkler system
that does not meet the overall fire safety objectives for the facility. Selecting inappropriate
sprinkler design criteria can also cost a great deal of money. Installing a sprinkler system that
only meets the needs of the facility for today may require costly changes when the operations
and conditions within the facility change. The design criteria for a sprinkler system should be
selected only after an exhaustive fire protection engineering analysis of a facility, its hazards,
and future needs.
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
A sprinkler system in which the calculations are used to select piping sizes based on
pressure loss and flow characteristics required to provide a minimum flow or pressure
at each operating sprinkler head is a:
Correct:
The piping for a hydraulically designed system is selected based on the hydraulic
calculations.
Incorrect:
Piping sizes for gridded sprinkler systems are selected based on hydraulic
calculations, but the overall sprinkler system is referred to as a hydraulically designed
system.
Incorrect:
Calculations may be performed on a pipe schedule system to determine its
performance capabilities, but the piping sizes are not selected based on hydraulic
calculations.
Incorrect:
Wet-pipe systems may be laid out using hydraulic calculations, but not all wet-pipe
systems are hydraulically designed.
The minimum discharge over a given area, expressed in GPM/sq.ft., is called the:
A. sprinkler density.
B. area of application.
C. area of operation.
D. pipe schedule.
Correct:
This is one of two basic design criteria for all hydraulically designed sprinkler
systems.
Incorrect:
The area of application is one of two design criteria for a hydraulically designed
sprinkler system, but it is not expressed in terms of gpm/sq.ft.
Incorrect:
This term may be used interchangeably with "area of application." The area of
application is one of two design criteria for a hydraulically designed sprinkler system,
but it is not expressed in terms of gpm/sq.ft.
Incorrect:
A pipe schedule is express in terms of the number of sprinkler heads supplied and
the diameter of the pipe.
The area in which a sprinkler design anticipates all the sprinklers will operate is the:
A. sprinkler density.
B. design criteria.
C. area of operation.
D. maximum area of the system.
Incorrect:
The density is the required water delivery rate expressed in terms of GPM/sq.ft.
Incorrect:
It is true that this is one of the design criteria for a hydraulically designed sprinkler
system, but we are looking for the correct term that describes this criteria.
Correct:
The area of operation is the area in which the sprinkler design anticipates all the
sprinklers open during a fire.
Incorrect:
The operating area, or area of operation, is normally a small fraction of the total area
protected by the automatic sprinkler systems. While operating areas range from
1,500 sq.ft. to 5,000 sq.ft., the area protected by a typical sprinkler system may be up
to 52,000 sq.ft.
Summary
Piping Configurations
A tree-piping configuration is always used for a pipe schedule system, and it may be used
for a hydraulically designed system. In a tree-piping configuration, a bulk feed main runs
usually runs through the middle of the system much like the trunk of a tree. Smaller branch
lines are fed from the bulk main. This piping configuration has several advantages.
A looped piping configuration provides more efficient water distribution than a tree-piping
configuration. The looped distribution main provides two paths for water delivery to the
individual branch lines. Splitting the flow in the system reduces the pressure loss in each
piece of piping.
The most efficient piping configuration for water distribution a gridded configuration. The
grid provides multiple paths through which water can flow to each sprinkler head. Multiple
paths mean that each piece of piping can be smaller. Gridded piping configurations have
some specific advantages and disadvantages.
Pipe Schedules
A pipe schedule sprinkler system is a system in which the size of each pipe in the system is
determined by the number of sprinkler heads fed by the pipe. Pipe schedules have been used
to size sprinkler piping since the first automatic sprinkler standard. There are different pipe
schedules for different occupancies.
The table shows the light hazard pipe schedule from NFPA 13. Light hazard pipe schedules
may be used only in light hazard occupancies.
At one time, there was also a pipe schedule for extra hazard sprinkler systems. All new
sprinkler systems for extra hazard occupancies must be hydraulically designed. Existing
systems installed using the "old" extra hazard pipe schedule may be modified using this
schedule, but the schedule cannot be used for new installations.
Hydraulic Design
Hydraulically designed sprinkler systems are designed to apply a specific minimum density
over a designated area of application. The density and area of application are chosen based
on codes, standards, organizational guidelines, or engineering judgment.
A sprinkler density is expressed as gallons per minute per square foot (gpm/sq.ft.). The
discharge from each sprinkler head is determined by calculating the spacing of each sprinkler
head and multiplying it by the required density.
In a sprinkler design with an area of application of 4,000 sq.ft., (279 m2) it is assumed that all
the sprinklers in the most hydraulically remote 4,000 sq.ft.(279 m2) operate in a fire. The
operating area is the maximum area of sprinkler operation anticipated by the design. Sprinkler
designs may have operating areas that vary from 1,500 sq.ft. (139 m2) to 5,000 sq.ft. (465
m2). The area of operation selected for a particular design depends on the locally applied
codes and standards, site-specific fire protection objectives, the water supply, and other
engineering factors.
1. In addition to the minimum requirements of the applicable codes and
standards, the design of a sprinkler system must address:
the local labor and economic conditions.
1916
1936
1956
NFPA 13
NFPA 20
NFPA 25
extra hazard
7. In a sprinkler system installed on a light hazard pipe schedule, a pipe
that supplies 24 sprinkler heads would have to have a minimum
diameter of:
2.0 inches
2.5 inches
3.0 inches
3.5 inches
900 sq.ft.
3,000 sq.ft.
10,000 sq.ft.
20 GPM
25 GPM
30 GPM
Special Sprinkler Systems
Introduction
This course addresses sprinkler heads and sprinkler systems that may be used for unusual or
special applications.
Acme Real Estate Investments is constructing a new warehouse. The building will be leased
to one of their best clients, Challenge Plastics Corporation. Challenge will occupy the building
with storage of various types of plastics in any number of storage configurations. What type of
sprinkler heads can be used to protect the varying configurations of plastic storage?
A routine inspection of the sprinkler system inside a cooling tower revealed severe corrosion
of the sprinkler heads. Several of the heads were tested and found to be so corroded that
their operation in a fire would be delayed. This could cause loss of the cooling tower and a
complete shutdown of production operations. What kind of sprinkler heads could be used to
replace the corroded heads?
The loading dock of a large office building often has storage sitting on the dock and trucks
backed up to unload. A fire involving a truck or the materials on the dock could cause
significant damage, not only from the fire, but also from smoke entering the building. Freezing
temperatures prevent the installation of a wet-pipe sprinkler system. A dry-pipe system won't
freeze, but is costly to install, test, and maintain for such a small area. What other options are
available?
Overview
General Information
Ordinary sprinkler systems using conventional sprinkler heads can be used to protect most
situations. However, there are applications where special sprinkler systems, or systems using
special types of sprinkler heads, provide more effective, or more economical protection.
.
HELPFUL HINT
There are sprinkler systems and sprinkler heads available for nearly any application. A
particular hazard may require the use of a special sprinkler system, special sprinkler heads,
or special techniques, but nearly anything can be protected by automatic sprinklers. For
example, the photo shows the USS Constitution, also know as "Old Ironsides." It is the oldest
commissioned warship in the world. Launched in 1797 the ship is constructed entirely or
wood. The historical nature of the ship resulted in the decision to install automatic sprinklers
throughout the area below decks.
Important Definitions
Some of the special sprinkler heads available are used in sprinkler system designs for high
challenge fires in warehouses and similar occupancies. The design of a sprinkler system and
the sprinkler heads used in the system depend on the desired performance of the system. In
general, sprinkler systems are designed for either:
Fire Control, or
Fire Suppression
Fire Control:
A system designed for "fire control" limits the size of a fire by distributing water so as
to decrease the rate-of-heat release. Another important aspect of "fire control" is for
sprinkler heads to open ahead of the fire and pre-wet combustible fuel. As the fire
spreads it encounters wet fuel which does not easily ignite and burn, and which
yields a lower rate-of-heat-release. Ceiling temperatures must also be controlled to
prevent possible structural failure during a fire. The sprinkler system controls ceiling
temperatures through a combination of heat absorption by the fine water spray and a
reduction of the heat released.
Fire Suppression:
A system designed for "fire suppression" operates early in a fire and discharges a
large volume of water through the fire plume and onto the burning material to sharply
reduce the rate-of-heat-release, and prevent the fire from growing. Rapid
suppression reduces the temperature at the ceiling and minimizes the volume of
combustibles involved in the fire.
System Types
Special sprinkler systems, such as systems for exposure protection, anti-freeze systems, and
limited area sprinkler systems, are generally modified versions of a traditional wet-pipe, dry-
pipe, or deluge sprinkler system. The only difference is that there are specific design and
installation requirements to meet the special purpose of the system.
wet-pipe:
A wet-pipe sprinkler system has water in the piping at all times. It is the most
common type of sprinkler system, but it must be installed in an area that is not
subject to freezing temperatures.
dry-pipe:
A dry-pipe sprinkler systems uses compressed air or nitrogen in the piping to hold a
valve closed. When a sprinkler head fuses the compressed gas is released, the valve
opens, and the sprinkler piping fills with water. Dry-pipe systems are intended for
installation in areas subject to freezing.
As little as 25 years ago our choice of sprinkler heads was limited to upright, pendent, and
sidewall heads. "Special" sprinkler heads were limited to variations of standard sprinklers,
such as wax-coated heads. Today there is a multitude of sprinkler heads for different
applications. These new sprinkler heads undergo extensive fire testing to determine the
proper application for the heads.
This fire test of large drop sprinkler heads over unbanded, roll paper shows the major
challenge posed by such fires. Actual fire testing has shown that sprinkler designs
and sprinkler heads adequate to control a fire in one configuration, may not control
the fire when there is a small change in the protection or the storage. Full scale fire
tests, such as the one shown, are one of the few methods of assuring a particular
sprinkler system design is appropriate for a particular hazard. Note the peeling off of
successive layers of paper, or exfoliation, that exposes more fuel the fire and
increases the intensity of the fire.
fire testing:
Sprinkler heads are not "one size fits all." Some sprinkler heads control a fire very
effectively under one set of conditions, but fail to control the same fire under a
different set of conditions. As new sprinkler technologies are developed they must be
subjected to extensive testing to determine the "rules" for their application. This
includes criteria such as spacing, distance from the ceiling, distance to the top of the
stock, temperature ratings, and other criteria required for system design.
proper application:
The criteria for proper application of special sprinkler heads and special sprinkler
systems is found in NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
Most building codes reference this standard when they specify the installation of
automatic sprinkler systems.
Special Sprinkler Heads
In early 1983, Factory Mutual introduced the concept of early suppression fast response
sprinkler technology. Development and testing of the concept continued for several years until
the first Early Suppression Fast Response Sprinklers (ESFR) were listed in 1988. The 1989
edition of NFPA 13 contained the first rules for the installation and use of ESFR sprinklers.
ESFR technology has continued to evolve. NFPA 13 now details the rules for application of
ESFR sprinklers in a variety of situations.
Factory Mutual:
The name Factory Mutual refers to FM Global Research. The FM Global System is
an organization made up of an insurance company (Affiliated Factory Mutual
Insurance Company), an approvals group, and a research group. FM Global
Research conducts basic and applied fire protection research. They operate a large
scale fire test center where new sprinkler technologies can be tested under real world
conditions. For many years the company was known simply as Factory Mutual.
Today the proper name is FM Global.
What is ESFR?:
The concept of ESFR combines a fast acting sprinkler link with a large orifice sprinkler. The
fast acting fusible element of the sprinkler operates several times faster than a conventional
sprinkler head. A conventional sprinkler head controls a fire by opening many sprinklers that
gradually cool the fire and pre-wet the fuel ahead of the fire. By operating much earlier in a
fire and discharging a large volume of water, an ESFR sprinkler head inundates the fire with
water during the early stages and suppresses it quickly. This results in a smaller fire, less
material involved in the fire, and less overall damage.
You might ask, if ESFR sprinklers are so effective, why not use them form every application?
The answer is that there are special requirements for the use of ESFR sprinkler heads. Some
of these restrictions include:
Conventional sprinkler heads are not effective in controlling some high challenge fires, such
as those involving storage of some types of plastics. Research into the problem showed that
fine water spray from a conventional sprinkler head could not penetrate the high velocity fire
plumes produced by the fire. The solution was to develop a sprinkler head that produced
larger droplets of water with sufficient mass to penetrate the fire plume and reach the burning
material. Like the ESFR sprinklers, there are special rules for the application of large drop
sprinkler heads.
special rules:
NFPA 13, Chapter 12, "Storage," contains specific rules for the application of large
drop sprinkler heads in warehousing and storage occupancies. Large drop sprinklers
are permitted to be used on either wet-pipe or dry-pipe sprinkler systems, although
there are restrictions on their use on dry-pipe systems. When used for the protection
of storage, a large drop sprinkler system must be designed for the operation of a
specific number of sprinklers at a minimum pressure. For example, a large drop
sprinkler system for the protection of cartoned, unexpanded plastics in solid piles
requires a wet-pipe sprinkler system designed for the operation of 15 large drop
heads operating at a minimum of 50 psi. The high pressure requirements preclude
the use of these heads as replacement heads in an existing sprinkler system, without
a hydraulic analysis of the entire sprinkler system.
Quick Response Sprinklers
The development of quick response sprinkler heads was spurred in the 1970's by the need to
install automatic sprinklers in residential occupancies. Testing of conventional sprinkler heads
showed that they were too slow to operate. By the time they opened, it was possible that
lethal temperatures and concentrations of toxic gases could already be present. This led to
the development of quick response fusible elements that operate much sooner in a fire. This
technology has been adapted for use in commercial sprinklers as well as those used in
residential occupancies. Quick response sprinkler heads have a Response Time Index (RTI)
of 50 or less.
residential occupancies
wood joist and wood truss buildings
specific areas of clean rooms
light hazard occupancies
storage areas when the sprinkler head is listed for the application
There are other sprinkler heads designed for special applications. These include:
Sprinklers installed within storage racks may be ordinary sprinkler heads or heads
manufactured specifically for installation within racks. In-rack sprinklers are usually
provided with mechanical guards to prevent damage from storage containers or
material handling equipment. Depending on the configuration of the racks and the
location of the in-rack sprinklers, water shields may be required for each in-rack
sprinkler. The water shield is intended to prevent water from sprinklers above from
wetting the lower level sprinklers and delaying their operation in a fire.
A residential sprinkler head is a quick response type sprinkler that has been tested to
assure it is able to improve the survivability of any occupants who may be in the
room of fire origin. Residential sprinkler heads are specifically listed for use within
dwellings, such as single family homes, apartments, condominiums, and similar
occupancies.
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
A sprinkler system designed to operate early in a fire and discharge a large volume of
water through the fire plume and onto the burning material to sharply reduce the rate-
of-heat-release and prevent the fire from growing is:
Incorrect:
A system designed for "fire control" limits the fire by distributing water to control the
rate-of-heat- release and pre-wet fuel ahead of the fire so that as the fire spreads it
encounters wet fuel.
Correct:
This type of system is designed to control a fire quickly by opening sprinklers early
and discharging a large volume of water directly onto the burning material.
Incorrect:
A preaction sprinkler system uses a separate fire detection system to open a valve
and admit water to the system. The system does not discharge water until the fire
fuses a sprinkler head.
Incorrect:
When special sprinkler heads, such as early suppression fast response, are used in
a wet-pipe sprinkler system to provide this type of performance, the system is said to
be designed for "fire suppression."
The standard that contains the restrictions and requirements for the application of
special sprinkler systems and sprinkler heads is:
A. NFPA 13
B. NFPA 20
C. NFPA 25
D. NFPA 72
Correct:
This standard is the principal standard for all types of automatic sprinkler systems.
Incorrect:
NFPA 20 is the Standard for Installation of Fire Pumps.
Incorrect:
NFPA 25 is the Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-
Based Fire Protection Systems. It is used to determine the minimum requirements for
testing and maintaining special sprinkler systems and sprinkler heads, but it does not
contain any installation requirements.
Incorrect:
NFPA 72 is the National Fire Alarm Code.
Incorrect:
The temperature rating is only one factor in measuring the thermal sensitivity of a
sprinkler head.
Incorrect:
The type and configuration of the fusible element in a sprinkler head influences the
thermal sensitivity, by it is not the best measure of thermal sensitivity.
Incorrect:
The thermal lag, or difference between the temperature rating of the sprinkler and the
temperature of the surrounding air when the head operates, is dependent on the
thermal sensitivity of the sprinkler head, but it is not the best measure.
Correct:
The RTI is the best measure of the thermal sensitivity of a sprinkler head. The lower
the RTI the more sensitive sprinkler head.
Warehouse Systems
General Information
Warehouses and storage occupancies pose some of the greatest fire control and fire
suppression challenges. Effective fire control requires the sprinkler systems in the building to
be carefully engineered to match the hazard. NFPA 13 recognizes this problem and
specifically addresses sprinkler systems for warehouses in a separate chapter of the
standard. NFPA 13, Chapter 12, "Storage," addresses the following types of storage:
challenges:
The large open areas, concentration of combustible material, and limited access for
manual fire fighting operations, creates unique and difficult fire protection problems.
Fire testing and past fire history shows that if a the sprinkler systems are not
designed to control the fire, complete loss of the warehouse is likely.
General Indoor Storage
General indoor storage includes solid pile, palletized, bin box, and shelf storage of
materials.
solid pile:
Loads of material stacked or piled one on top of another without the use of pallets is
termed solid pile storage. Under ideal conditions, the materials in a solid pile are
packed close enough together so that only the outside of the pile is exposed to
burning. This is termed a closed array. If the stacks of material are not tightly packed
together, there are voids in the pile through which fire can spread and oxygen can
reach the inner areas of the pile. This is termed an open array. An open array usually
requires a more robust sprinkler system to control a fire.
palletized:
Materials loaded on wood, plastic, or cardboard pallets and then stacked one pallet
load on top of another is called palletized storage. Palletized storage can pose a
greater fire challenge than solid pile storage because there are horizontal channels
created by the pallets throughout the storage. These channels can be paths of travel
for fire, as well as feed air to a fire developing in the middle of the pile.
bin box:
Materials stored in five-sided boxes supported one on top of another or by some type
of structure such that there is little of no space around the boxes is termed bin box
storage. The boxes may be constructed of wood, metal, or cardboard. This is a
common storage method used for facilities where small parts or components are
picked from the warehouse or storage area.
shelf storage:
Storage on shelves less than 30-inches deep and usually 2-feet apart vertically is
termed shelf storage. The shelves usually separated by aisles that are about 30-
inches wide. Shelf storage is often used for the storage of small boxes, supplies, or
files. The photo shows shelf storage in a records storage facility.
Rack Storage
Rack storage uses permanent or portable racks on which are placed cartons or pallets of
product or material. Storing materials in racks increases the fire challenge because all six
surfaces (front, back, left, right, top, and bottom) are exposed to burning. This results in a
faster developing fire and a higher rate of heat release. NFPA 13 requires that sprinklers
system protecting rack storage be designed to meets specific performance requirements.
This fire test of a rack storage array shows the difficult fire control problems in such
storage. The racks expose all six sides of the storage to burning. The longitudinal
and transverse flue spaces provide a path for fire spread throughout the storage.
Narrow aisle spaces can create literal canyons of fire. Without a sprinkler system
matched to the hazard of the storage, fire control is nearly impossible.
Protection Options:
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, permits various options
for protecting rack storage of materials. In general, the sprinkler system may be
designed to use:
The precise design chosen for a particular warehouse depends on the site specific
fire protection objectives, strength of the water supply, type of storage, flexibility
required, and other factors.
There are special sprinkler system design requirements for a number of materials and
commodities, including the following:
Rubber Tires
Baled Cotton
Roll Paper
Flammable/Combustible Liquids
Plastic Auto Components
Rubber Tires:
Rubber tires are difficult to ignite, but once burning are very difficult to control. The
sprinkler system must be specifically designed for rubber tire storage. The system
generally requires very high sprinkler densities with large water supply demands.
Sprinklers are often required in the web of steel columns to prevent failure during a
rubber tire fire. In some cases, ESFR sprinklers can be used for the protection of
rubber tires. The specific requirements are contained in NFPA 13.
Baled Cotton:
Baled fibers, such as cotton, create a special fire hazard. The many exposed fibers
on the surface of the bale create the ideal conditions for rapid flame spread over the
surface of the bale. The irregular surfaces of the bales also makes it easy for fire to
quickly spread between bales. NFPA 13 contains specific requirements for sprinkler
systems used to protect cotton bales.
Roll Paper:
Roll paper requires a specially designed sprinkler system to control a fire. As the
layers of a vertically stacked roll peel off, or exfoliate, during a fire, the intensity of the
fire continues to increase. NFPA 13 permits the use of sprinkler systems that use
conventional sprinklers, ESFR sprinklers, or large drop sprinklers in areas containing
roll paper. The specific design criteria depends on the properties of the paper, array
of the stacks, storage height, and the type of sprinkler heads.
Flammable/Combustible Liquids:
The storage of flammable and combustible liquids is one of the few hazards not
addressed by NFPA 13. Where this type of storage is encountered, NFPA 30,
Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, must be consulted. This document
contains the specific sprinkler system design requirements for flammable and
combustible liquids storage.
Plastics have always been a fire protection concern. Their ease of ignition and high
rate-of-heat-release create a very challenging fire protection problem. NFPA 13
contains specific requirements for the protection of plastics. It also contains specific
requirements for the protection of plastic auto parts in portable racks without shelves.
The automotive industry commonly uses large wire baskets that, when stacked one
on top of another, create the "portable rack" on which the protection criteria in NFPA
13 is based.
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
Loads of material stacked or piled one on top of another without the use of pallets is:
A. palletized storage
B. open array storage.
C. unitized storage.
D. solid pile storage.
Incorrect:
Pallets must be used for palletized storage.
Incorrect:
An open array is solid pile storage in which the stacks of piles are not tightly packed
together providing spaces for fire spread though the piles.
Incorrect:
Unit loads for unitized storage is a pallet load or module held together by bands,
plastic wrap, or some other method.
Correct:
This is a common method of storing large objects, such as appliances, packaged in
stable cartons.
A. shelf storage.
B. unitized storage.
C. bin box storage.
D. encapsulated storage.
Incorrect:
Shelf storage is storage on shelves less than 30-inches deep and usually 2-feet
apart. The aisles between the shelves are usually about 30-inches wide.
Incorrect:
Unitized storage is generally storage that is held together by bands or some other
method so the entire load an be transported by material handling equipment.
Correct:
This is bin box storage. The boxes may be wood, metal, or cardboard. They are
usually used for the storage of small parts or components.
Incorrect:
Encapsulation is a method of packaging materials by wrapping a plastic sheet around
a pallet load such that all four sides and the top are covered. This increases the fire
challenge because operating sprinklers cannot pre-wet fuel ahead of the fire.
The standard that contains the automatic sprinkler protection requirements for the
storage of flammable and combustible liquids is:
A. NFPA 13
B. NFPA 15
C. NFPA 16
D. NFPA 30
Incorrect:
Flammable and combustible liquids is one of the few hazards not addressed by
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
Incorrect:
NFPA 15, Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection, does not address the
protection of flammable and combustible liquid storage.
Incorrect:
NFPA 16, Deluge Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray System, does not
address the protection of flammable and combustible liquids.
Correct:
NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, addresses the protection of
flammable and combustible liquids with automatic sprinklers.
Special Systems
Non-Freeze or Anti-Freeze Systems
Wet-pipe automatic sprinklers cannot be installed where the piping is subject to freezing. One
alternative to a dry-pipe sprinkler system is an anti-freeze system. An anti-freeze system has
a solution of water and anti-freeze in the piping exposed to freezing temperatures. When the
system operates, the anti-freeze is discharged first, followed by water from the system. This
type of system can be an alternative to a small dry-pipe sprinkler system, although there are
restrictions on the use of anti-freeze systems. The drawing shows a typical "antifreeze loop."
anti-freeze:
The anti-freeze solutions used are glycerin-water or propylene glycol and water.
Some health authorities will not permit the use of anti-freeze systems if they are
connected to a potable water supply. If the system is not connected to a potable
water supply other commercially available anti-freeze solutions are permitted.
restrictions:
In addition to the requirements of NFPA 13, anti-freeze sprinkler systems must
comply with the requirements of local and state health officials. Some authorities
having jurisdiction prohibit the use of anti-freeze systems. Some codes may also limit
the number of sprinklers on an anti-freeze system. It may be more cost effective to
install a small dry-pipe system, or to use dry-pendent sprinkler heads, if the volume
of anti-freeze required exceeds 40 gallons.
Systems for Exposure protection
The photo shows a sprinkler system installed for exposure protection. The open
sprinklers are used to coat the wall and openings with a continuous sheet of water to
absorb heat from a fire on the adjacent lot.
The photo shows a test of an exposure protection sprinkler system that protects a
building from the hazard posed by an adjacent electrical switchgear and transformer
yard. In some cases an exposure sprinkler system is used because the separation
required between buildings by some building codes or other regulations may not be
possible to achieve.
Limited Areas Sprinkler Systems
A limited area system is a partial sprinkler system installed in only specific areas of a building.
For example, NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, and some building codes permit the installation of
limited areas systems. A common application is in the corridors of some types of residential
occupancies. In some cases, the building code may require sprinklers only for the protection
of specific hazards, such as shown in the photo. NFPA 13 requires that any limited area
sprinkler systems meet the requirements of the standard as far as they are applicable. The
photo shows the installation of a limited area system to protect a laundry collection area.
HELPFUL HINT
The use of limited area sprinkler systems is usually for life safety purposes. Installing
sprinklers in a corridor, or above a laundry collection area, is intended to enhance life safety
by limiting fire spread and allowing more time for occupants to evacuate. Limited area
sprinkler systems should not be expected to control a fire originating outside the area
protected by the limited area system. Use of such a system will likely result in increased
property damage when compared with a building fully protected by automatic sprinklers.
restrictions:
Circulating closed-loop systems must comply with all requirements of a sprinkler
system. The temperature of circulating water may not exceed 120 F (49 C). Any
additives to the water must not affect the operation of the sprinkler system.
Additionally, the system waterflow alarm must be arranged to prevent unwanted
alarms due water circulation in the system.
HELPFUL HINT
Internal corrosion of the piping has been a common complaint of facilities that have installed
circulating closed-loop system.
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
A sprinkler system that uses a solution of water and glycerin in the piping to prevent
the piping from freezing is a(an):
A. exposure system.
B. dry-pipe system.
C. anti-freeze system.
D. circulating closed-loop system.
Incorrect:
An exposure protection sprinkler system is an open head system that does not have
water in the piping until the system actuates.
Incorrect:
A dry-pipe sprinkler system has compressed air or nitrogen in the piping.
Correct:
Anti-freeze systems may use a water/glycerin solution or other approved anti-freeze
solutions listed in NFPA 13.
Incorrect:
A circulating closed-loop system is filled with water that is used as a heat transfer
fluid for heating and cooling.
Incorrect:
You are partially correct. The system many be actuated by this method, but other
methods of actuation are permitted as well.
Incorrect:
You are partially correct. The system many be actuated by this method, but other
methods of actuation are permitted as well.
Incorrect:
You are partially correct. The system many be actuated by this method, but other
methods of actuation are permitted as well.
Correct:
Any of these methods may be used. Additionally, any type of fire detector suitable for
the application may be used.
A limited area automatic sprinkler system must comply with the requirements of:
A. NFPA 13
B. NFPA 14
C. NFPA 20
D. NFPA 25
Correct:
A limited area sprinkler system must comply with all applicable requirements of
NFPA 13, Installation of Automatic Sprinkler Systems.
Incorrect:
NFPA 14 is the standard for the design and installation of standpipe systems.
Incorrect:
NFPA 20 is the standard for fire pumps.
Incorrect:
NFPA 25 is the standard for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based
fire suppression systems.
Summary
Special Sprinkler Heads
In early 1983, Factory Mutual introduced the concept of early suppression fast response
sprinkler technology. NFPA 13 now details the rules for application of ESFR sprinklers in a
variety of situations.
A large drop sprinkler head is designed to develop large droplets of water instead of a fine
water spray. Like the ESFR sprinklers, there are special rules for the application of large drop
sprinkler heads.
The development of quick response sprinkler heads was spurred in the 1970's by the need to
install automatic sprinklers in residential occupancies. This technology has been adapted for
use in commercial sprinklers as well as those used in residential occupancies. Quick
response sprinkler heads have a Response Time Index (RTI) of 50 or less.
Other sprinkler heads are designed for special applications. These include:
Warehouses and storage occupancies pose some of the greatest fire control and fire
suppression challenges.
General indoor storage includes solid pile, palletized, bin box, and shelf storage of materials.
Rack storage uses permanent or portable racks on which are placed cartons or pallets of
product or material. NFPA 13 requires that sprinklers system protecting rack storage be
designed to meets specific performance requirements.
These materials have special sprinkler protection requirements detailed in NFPA 13:
Rubber Tires
Baled Cotton
Roll Paper
Flammable/Combustible Liquids
Plastic Auto Components
An anti-freeze system has a solution of water and anti-freeze in the piping exposed to
freezing temperatures. This type of system can be an alternative to a small dry-pipe sprinkler
system, although there are restrictions on the use of anti-freeze systems.
The purpose of an exposure protection sprinkler system is to prevent fire from entering
windows and other openings, and to prevent the ignition of any combustible materials on the
outside of the building. The systems may be actuated automatically or manually.
A limited area system is a partial sprinkler system installed in only specific areas of a building.
For example, NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, and some building codes permit the installation of
limited areas systems. NFPA 13 requires that any limited area sprinkler systems meet the
requirements of the standard as far as they are applicable.
A circulating closed-loop system uses sprinkler system piping to move heating or cooling
water throughout a building. A closed loop system does not use any water from the sprinkler
system, it simply uses the sprinkler piping as a method of circulating hot or cold water to heat
exchangers in the building.
1. An automatic sprinkler system designed to control and limit the
spread of fire by distributing water to decrease the heat release rate and
to open sprinklers ahead of the fire and pre-wet combustible fuel is:
hydraulically designed.
100
150
200
palletized storage
unitized storage
9. A sprinkler system designed to protect the exterior of a building from
a fire involving an adjacent hazard is a(an):
anti-freeze system.
non-freeze system.
This course addresses the inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for automatic
sprinkler systems.
A small fire in a manufacturing building resulted in the operation of three automatic sprinkler
heads. The fire was controlled and nearly extinguished by the sprinklers, but there was an
inordinate amount of water in the facility. The reason was obvious. During installation of a
new ventilation system, new ductwork obstructed the discharge from two sprinklers closest to
the fire. The new ductwork deflected the spray away from the fire. A third sprinkler that fused
was not obstructed and controlled the fire. A routine inspection of the sprinkler system would
have detected the obstructions created by the new ducts.
Improperly controlled hot work started a fire in the warehouse of a manufacturing facility. The
area was protected by a dry-pipe sprinkler system. Unfortunately, the dry-pipe valve failed to
open and fire destroyed the facility. If the system had been properly tested and maintained
over the years, it would likely have operated and controlled the fire.
When a lift truck struck and broke a sprinkler head in a warehouse, a member of the plant
emergency organization was dispatched to close the sprinkler control valve. He was unable to
turn it completely closed. This necessitated the closure of two sectional control valves to
completely shut off the flowing water. Closure of the sectional control valves took four other
sprinkler systems out-of-service. This made the facility very vulnerable to destruction should a
fire occur. If the sprinkler control valve had been properly maintained, the extent and duration
of the impairment would have been greatly reduced.
Overview
NFPA 25
Requirements for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of all types of water-based fire
suppression systems are found in NFPA 25, including the minimum requirements for
inspection, testing, and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems.
The owner of a property is fully responsible for inspecting, testing, and maintaining the
building sprinkler systems. This responsibility includes:
Notifying the authority having jurisdiction, and any alarm receiving facility, before
testing or shutting the system down for maintenance or repairs.
Permitting only qualified individuals to work on the system.
Promptly remedying any deficiencies discovered during inspection, testing, and
maintenance.
Assuring the hazards in the building do not change without an accompanying
evaluation of the ability of the sprinkler systems to protect the new hazard.
Verifying the restoration of all sprinkler systems following any impairment.
fully responsible:
The management of a facility may contract with a sprinkler service company to
perform the required inspections, testing, and maintenance of the sprinkler system.
Even in this case, facility management retains full responsibility for assuring that the
required inspections, tests, and maintenance are completed in accordance with
recognized standards. This means that management must audit the work of the
contractor on a regular basis.
qualified individuals:
The requirements for training and competency vary from one jurisdiction to another.
Many states have specific licensing requirements for companies and individuals that
inspect, test, or maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Check with your local building
or fire official for the requirements in your area.
accompanying evaluation:
Change is a constant at most facilities. As facilities and operations change, the
hazards usually increase. The sprinkler systems may or may not be capable of
providing protection for the increased hazard. Each change in the building or
occupancy requires an accompanying evaluation of the sprinkler system to assure it
can still control the hazard. This evaluation would typically be performed by a fire
protection engineer.
impairment:
Some sprinkler testing and maintenance procedures require that the system be taken
out of service. Anytime a sprinkler system, or other protective system, is out-of-
service, it is termed an impairment. Every facility must have a program in place to
manage an impairment by limiting the time and extent of the impairment, eliminating
ignition sources, providing temporary protection, and taking other measures to
minimize the impact of the impairment.
HELPFUL HINT
Using a Contractor
Many companies contract with a sprinkler service company for sprinkler inspection, testing,
and maintenance. This can be a cost effective method of assuring that automatic sprinkler
systems are maintained. However, remember the old adage, "You get what you pay for." A
contract or statement of work for sprinkler maintenance must specify the exact inspection,
testing, and maintenance required. While most contractors are reputable and provide reliable
service, it is easy for a less scrupulous company to provide a "low ball" price that looks
attractive to an uniformed building owner. Often times, the services provided are less than
complete. Always get multiple bids for a service contract and compare the prices and
services. Proposals that contain few details concerning the specific inspections and testing
provided should be suspect. A fire protection engineering firm can assist in the preparation of
a comprehensive statement of work, and in evaluating contractor proposals to assure you get
what you need.
Definitions
Assuring that a sprinkler system remains operational requires a program instituted by facility
management that includes the following elements:
Inspections
Tests
Maintenance
Management Oversight
This sprinkler control valve froze and broke during cold weather. An effective
inspection program would have detected that the valve was in an area subject to
freezing. An effective maintenance program would have quickly replaced the valve.
Inspections:
Inspections are visual examinations of the system, its components, and the
environmental conditions surrounding the system. The purpose of an inspection is to
verify that the system appears to be in working order, that there is no visible damage,
and that conditions affecting system operation have not changed.
Tests:
A test is a procedure used to determine that a system operates as intended. A test
might be actual operation of a system, or the simulation of system operation. All tests
involve some form of physical check or manipulation of the system.
Maintenance:
Maintenance is work performed to keep a system or equipment operating as
intended. Maintenance procedures might be conducted to repair damage to the
system, or to prevent potential failures, such as replacement of worn parts.
Maintenance must be performed in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's
recommendations.
Management Oversight:
Management involvement and support is critical for the success of any inspection,
testing, and maintenance program. This support must include the following:
HELPFUL HINT
Automatic sprinkler systems have a remarkable performance record. The U.S. Department of
Energy reports that more than 99% of all fires experienced in their sprinklered buildings were
controlled or extinguished by the automatic sprinklers. In 90% of those fires only one or two
sprinkler heads actually fused. When sprinkler systems do fail to control a fire, it can usually
be traced to human error. One of the leading causes is lack of an effective inspection and
testing program to detect problems that may cause failure before a fire occurs. Another
leading reason for sprinkler failure is lack of management support or involvement in the
maintenance program. All too often the inspection and testing program detects and reports a
problem, but management fails to follow-up to assure the deficiency is corrected.
Impairments
system impairments:
Anytime a fire protection system must be removed from service it is an impairment.
Every facility must have a program for managing fire protection system impairments. This
program must be implemented when testing and maintenance procedures require removing a
system from service.
HELPFUL HINT
IMPAIRMENT HANDLING PROCEDURES
Anytime an automatic sprinkler system or other fire protection system must be shut down the
facility is at increased risk for a major fire. The potential for such an incident should be
reduced by taking the following precautions.
Limit the duration of the impairment.
Permit only one impairment at a time.
Work continuously until the system is repaired and restored to service.
Eliminate ignition sources by prohibiting smoking, hot work, and other open flames.
Shutdown hazardous processes.
Provide fire patrols and additional fire extinguishers and hose lines in the affected area.
Provide temporary protection in the area if possible.
Restore the system as quickly as possible and verify proper operation.
Inspections
Sprinkler Valves
Sprinkler valves must be inspected to verify normal water supply pressure, that there is no
physical damage, and that there is no leakage from the valve or trim piping. The extent of the
inspection and the frequency depend on the type of sprinkler valve.
Deluge/Preaction Valves:
Deluge and preaction systems both use deluge valves. The enclosure for a dry-pipe
valve must be inspected daily during cold weather, unless the enclosure is equipped
with a low building temperature supervisory switch. If building temperature
supervision is provided, the enclosure inspection may be conducted weekly. Gauges
on the deluge valve must be inspected weekly to verify proper system pressure. On a
monthly basis the deluge valve must be inspected for physical damage and water
leaks. At the same time any valves in trim piping must be inspected to assure they
are in the proper position. Any electrical components must also be inspected. On a
quarterly basis, the priming water level for the deluge/preaction valve must be
checked. The interior of each deluge valve must be inspected annually during the trip
test. Deluge valves that can be reset without opening the valve must be internally
inspected once every five years.
HELPFUL HINT
The inspection frequencies provided are minimums. Site specific needs and conditions my
dictate more frequent inspections. Part of an effective fire protection equipment inspection
program is an evaluation to determine the required frequencies based on:
Aside from the sprinkler valve, other system components require regular inspection. These
include:
Water motor alarms and other alarm devices must be inspected quarterly to assure
they are free of physical damage.
At least quarterly all fire department connections must be inspected to verify they are
undamaged, couplings rotate smoothly, caps are in place, and that the check valve is
not leaking. The connection should be visible, properly marked, and unobstructed.
The fire department connection in the photo is missing the caps and has debris
inside. It must be disassembled to remove the debris and make sure that none has
fallen into the piping.
Piping:
All sprinkler piping and fittings must be inspected annually. This inspection from the
floor is to verify that there is no physical damage, corrosion, or misalignment. Nothing
should be hung from or connected to the piping unless it is part of the sprinkler
system. Pipe hangers and seismic braces should be tight and undamaged. The pipe
fitting in the photo is not properly aligned, perhaps due to being struck or as the result
of poor installation.
Sprinklers:
All automatic sprinkler heads must be inspected from the floor at least annually. Any
sprinkler heads found to be loaded, painted, corroded, or otherwise damaged must
be replaced with a sprinkler of the same type, orifice size, and temperature rating.
The sprinkler head in the photo is corroded and should be replaced.
Spare sprinklers:
The stock of spare sprinkler must be inspected annually. The appropriate number of
sprinklers must be provided, as well as a wrench for each type of sprinkler.
Buildings:
On an annual basis the entire building must be inspected before freezing weather to
identify areas where sprinkler piping may be subject to freezing, and to verify that
adequate building heat can be maintained in all areas. The inspection should also
note any changes in occupancy, hazard, building features, or other factors that could
affect the operation of the sprinkler systems. The installation of new lights and ceiling
treatments, as shown in the photo, creates and obstruction to the discharge pattern
of the sprinkler heads. An overall sprinkler system inspection would reveal such
problems.
Sprinkler Control Valves
Closed sprinkler control valves are one of the leading causes of sprinkler system failure.
Every sprinkler control valve must be inspected to assure it is in the proper position (usually
open), is properly locked, monitored, or sealed, is free of damage and leaks, is accessible,
and is provided with an appropriate wrench. The required inspection frequency depends on
the method of valve supervision.
Sealed valves
Locked valves
Electronically monitored (supervised) valves
Sealed valves:
Valves sealed with a wire or plastic seal must be inspected weekly.
Locked valves:
Valves locked in the open position must be inspected monthly.
Electronically monitored (supervised) valves:
This sprinkler control valve is provided with a bar code strip to speed recording of
visual inspections of the valve.
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
The NFPA standard that contains the requirements for inspection, testing, and
maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems is:
A. NFPA 13
B. NFPA 13E
C. NFPA 20
D. NFPA 25
Incorrect:
NFPA 13 is the Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
Incorrect:
NFPA 13E is Fire Department Operations in Properties Protected by Sprinkler and
Standpipe Systems.
Incorrect:
NFPA 20 is Installation of Stationary Fire Pumps.
Correct:
NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection
Systems contains the requirements for all types of water-based systems, including
automatic sprinklers systems.
The person with sole and complete responsibility to assure a sprinkler system is
properly inspected, tested, and maintained is the:
A. fire marshal
B. building owner
C. insurance company
D. sprinkler contractor
Incorrect:
The fire marshal is responsible for enforcing local regulations concerning inspection,
testing, and maintenance of sprinkler systems, but is not responsible for assuring
each system is properly maintained.
Correct:
The owner of the system is solely and completely responsible for maintaining the
automatic sprinkler systems. Even when a contractor is hired to do the actual work,
the building owner must follow-up to assure the work is completed properly.
Incorrect:
The insurance company may be very interested in assuring that the sprinkler system
is properly inspected, tested, and maintained, but is not responsible for assuring the
work is completed.
Incorrect:
A sprinkler contractor may provide inspection, testing, and maintenance service, but
a contractor only acts as a tool of the building owner in assuring the system is
properly maintained.
A. inspection
B. test
C. maintenance
D. management oversight
Correct:
An inspection is a visual examination of a system or component.
Incorrect:
A test is a procedure used to assure a system or component is operable. All test
involve some sort of physical manipulation of the system or component.
Incorrect:
Maintenance is work performed to repair damage or to prevent potential failures.
Incorrect:
Management must take an active role in an inspection, testing, and maintenance
program, but the actions described in the question do not describe management
oversight.
Testing
Sprinkler Valves
A main drain test must be conducted on every sprinkler system at least yearly. In addition to
the main drain test, other tests are required depending on the type of sprinkler system.
Record the static water pressure: Use the gauge on the supply side of the sprinkler
riser to record the pressure with the main drain valve closed.
Close the alarm line valve: Conducting a main drain test without closing the alarm
line valve will result in actuation of the local alarms and the building fire alarm system.
The alarm line valve may remain open if all appropriate personnel and agencies have
been notified of the testing.
Fully open the main drain valve: Check the location to which the main drain
empties to make sure the water will not cause any damage. Then fully open the main
drain valve. Allow the water to flow until the pressure stabilizes on the sprinkler
system gauges.
Record the residual water pressure: Use the gauge on the supply side of the
sprinkler riser to record the pressure with the main drain valve fully open. It may take
a few seconds for the pressure to stabilize after the main drain is opened. The
pressure recorded is the residual pressure.
Shut the main drain valve: After reading and recording the residual pressure, close
the main drain valve. When the valve is fully closed the water pressure registered on
the sprinkler riser gauge, should rise quickly. A gauge that very slowly rises could be
an indication of an obstruction in the water supply line, or in the small diameter piping
supplying the pressure gauge.
Record the static water pressure: Allow the water pressure in the system to
stabilize after closing the main drain. Using the same pressure gauge used to read
the residual pressure, record the static water pressure, or the pressure with no water
flowing. Compare this value to the value you obtained by reading the gauge in the
first step of this procedure. Make note of any difference between the two static
pressure readings.
Open the alarm line valve: If the alarm line valve was closed before the test, reopen
the valve. Failure to reopen the alarm line valve impairs the waterflow alarm and
prevents actuation of both the local water flow alarms and the building fire alarm
system if the sprinkler system actuates.
Analyze the results: Subtract the residual pressure (flowing pressure) from the static
pressure (no flow pressure). The difference between these two pressures represents
the fiction loss or pressure loss in the system with the main drain fully open. This
difference should be compared to previous and subsequent main drain tests and
should remain relatively constant. If future tests show a marked increase in the
difference between the static and residual pressures, it could indicate a significant
problem in the water supply piping to the sprinkler system.
The system waterflow alarm must be tested quarterly by flowing water through the alarm test
by-pass line to the waterflow alarm.
The priming water level is tested quarterly by slowly opening the priming water level test valve
located at the priming water level as marked on the casting of the dry pipe valve. Allow water to
flow from this priming water level test valve until air begins to discharge, then quickly close the
valve. If air begins to dischage immediately upon opening the priming water level test valve,
you will need to add priming water through the priming water cup and chamber until you restore
the priming water to the proper level.
An annual trip test must be conducted by closing the control valve until it is nearly fully closed.
Air is then bled from the system until the dry-pipe valve trips. As soon as the valve trips the
control valve is fully closed to prevent water from filling all the piping.
Once every 3 years the system must be subjected to a full flow trip test by opening the test
connection, tripping the dry-pipe valve, allowing water to fill the system piping, and discharging
from the end test connection.
Deluge/preaction valves:
In addition to a the main drain test, a deluge valve must be full flow trip tested
annually. Where waterflow would cause damage the trip test may be conducted in a
manner that does not require discharge into the protected area. This may be
accomplished by using hoses or other specially designed devices to capture and
drain the water from the area. Where systems are arranged to shut down critical
equipment, the flow test may be conducted during a scheduled shutdown. The spray
pattern from each sprinkler or spray nozzle should be checked to assure it is not
obstructed. If obstructions or distorted patterns are observed the piping and
sprinklers/nozzles should be removed and cleaned. Pressure readings should be
taken at the most remote sprinkler head and at the deluge during the flow test. These
pressures must be compared to the original hydraulic calculations to verify that the
water supply is adequate and the system is functioning as designed.
HELPFUL HINT
Inspection Records
Every facility should have a method of recording sprinkler system inspections, tests, and
maintenance. Ideally, each facility should have a form or method of recording that is
customized for the facility. Sample forms and procedures are available from the following
sources:
Some of the sprinkler system components that require regular testing include:
Gauges must be tested and calibrated every five years. Any gauge more than 3
percent out of calibration must be replaced.
Alarm devices:
All waterflow alarms including water motor alarms, pressure switches, and vane type
waterflow alarms must be tested at least quarterly. On wet-pipe sprinkler systems the
required test method is to open the test connection and cause water to actuate the
alarm as it would during a fire. On dry-pipe, deluge, and preaction systems the
waterflow alarm is tested by using the alarm test bypass valve.
Low air pressure switches:
Anti-freeze solutions:
Annually, a hydrometer must be used to verify the freezing point of anti-freeze
solution used in anti-freeze sprinkler systems.
Sprinkler Control Valves
All sprinkler control valves must be operated through their full range of movement at least
annually. This means the valve must be fully closed and then fully reopened. Valve
supervisory switches must be tested annually.
Completing the annual operating test of a sprinkler control valve will automatically
test the function of the valve supervisory switch. Tests of the valve supervisory switch
may be required more often in some facilities or jurisdictions. This butterfly valve is
equipped with a valve supervisory switch. Many newer butterfly valves have such a
switch built into the valve by the valve manufacturer.
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
A main drain test must be performed on a wet-pipe sprinkler system:
A. annually
B. after the system control valve is tested.
C. after sprinkler valve maintenance.
D. all of the above
Incorrect:
You are partially correct. An annual main drain test is required at least annually, but
at other times as well.
Incorrect:
You are partially correct. An annual main drain test is required after the system
control valve is tested, but at other times as well.
Incorrect:
You are partially correct. An annual main drain test is required after sprinkler valve
maintenance, but at other times as well.
Correct:
A main drain test is required at least annually, and anytime the system control valve
is operated for any reason.
Quick response sprinkler heads must be tested after they have been in service for:
A. 10 years
B. 20 years.
C. 50 years
D. 75 years
Incorrect:
It is longer than 10 years.
Correct:
A sample of quick response sprinklers must be tested after they have been in service
for 20 years, and then every 10 years after.
Incorrect:
Ordinary sprinkler heads must be tested after 50 years and then every 10 years after.
Incorrect:
Sprinklers in service for 75 years or more must be tested every five years.
A sprinkler control valve must be tested by operating it through its full range of motion
at least:
A. monthly
B. quarterly
C. annually
D. every 5 years
Incorrect:
Although there may be circumstances where monthly testing is desirable, the
minimum required interval is much longer.
Incorrect:
Although there may be circumstances where quarterly testing is desirable, the
minimum required interval is much longer.
Correct:
Every sprinkler control valve must be fully closed and then fully reopened at least
once each year. Following the test, the sprinkler system should be subjected to a
main drain test.
Incorrect:
This is much longer than the minimum required frequency.
Maintenance
Sprinkler Valves
In addition to the regular inspection and testing of sprinkler valves, they also require routine
maintenance to remain operable. Required maintenance includes:
Alarm check valves must be cleaned and repaired as needed in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations. During the internal inspection of an alarm check
valve check the condition of the valve seat and the rubber gasket on the bottom of
the flapper in the check valve. It is not uncommon for small pieces of debris to lodge
on the machined valve seat and cause grooves or pitting. This can result in water
leaking back through the check valve.
Dry-pipe valves:
There are many components of a dry-pipe valve that require regular maintenance.
Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. In general, the interior of the
dry-pipe valve must be carefully examined during the annual trip test. Look for interior
corrosion, damage to the valve seat, and damage to the rubber gasket. Clean the
alarm opening to the alarm line and remove any debris in the dry-pipe valve
intermediate chamber. Any air leaks greater than 10 psi (90.7 bar) per week must be
repaired. Any low point drains must be checked before cold weather, and periodically
re-checked during cold weather.
Deluge/Preaction valves:
The rubber seats and components inside a backflow prevention assembly must be
replaced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Some AHJ's may
require more frequent replacement.
Piping and hangers:
The most common problem found with sprinkler control valves is difficulty turning the valve. A
properly installed and maintained sprinkler control valve should not be difficult to turn.
Valves must be lubricated annually. This can be accomplished during the annual operating
test. The moving parts of any post indicators or wall indicators should also be lubricated. If
water is leaking from the top of the valve, it indicates that the packing glands in the valve are
worn, and must be tightened or replaced.
difficult to turn:
Rarely is there a problem with the valve itself that causes the valve to be difficult to
turn. Most problems with a hard turning valve are due to other problems. Poor
lubrication is a primary reason. Failing to follow the required maintenance schedule
will cause the valve to turn hard. Post indicator valves are often difficult to turn. Just
as often, the problem is within the post indicator itself, not in the valve. The interior of
a post indicator contains fine brass threads. When dirt, rust, grit, and other debris
accumulates in these threads, it makes the valve difficult to turn. These threads
should be inspected, cleaned, and lubricated. The second major reason for a hard
turning post indicator valve is that the shaft running from the post indictor down to the
underground valve is not properly aligned with the valve. If this shaft is not vertically
aligned it will cause the shaft to bind making it difficult to operate the valve. The only
solution to this problem is to dig the valve up, and realign the post indicator on the
valve.
packing glands:
The packing glands on a valve consists of a brass collar held in place by bolts.
Tightening the bolds compresses packing material around the valve shaft to keep
water from leaking out. The packing material is a square fiber rope impregnated with
graphite that acts as a lubricant. As the packing wears it, the packing glands are
tightened to further compress the packing around the shaft. When the packing
becomes too worn to form a good seal, it must be replaced.
HELPFUL HINT
The only time a sprinkler control valve should be difficult to turn is when the valve is fully
closed and there is pressure on only one side of the valve. In this case the pressure on one
side pushes on the gate or butterfly tightly against the valve seat. The problem can be solved
by opening the valve just enough to allow water to pass through the valve. When the pressure
equalizes on both side of the valve it should turn easily to the fully open position. When the
valve is fully open, conduct a main drain test on the sprinkler system. Most well maintained
sprinkler control valves can be turned with one or two fingers. The photos show the interior of
the top and bottom of a post indicator valve.
Following are study and review questions to help reinforce the concepts and
information you have just learned. Your responses are not recorded. If you have
difficulty with any question, please take the time to review.
The rubber seats inside a reduced pressure backflow prevention assembly must be
replaced:
A. annually
B. bi-annually
C. every 5 years
D. as recommended by the manufacturer.
Incorrect:
Annual replacement may be required, but it depends on the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Incorrect:
There may be instances where replacement on this schedule is required, but in
general, the seats are replaced based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Incorrect:
NFPA 25 does not have a specified interval. Always follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
Correct:
Always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer, as well as any
requirements established by the local AHJ.
Water leaking from the top around the shaft of the a sprinkler control valve is usually
due to:
Incorrect:
Poor lubrication may make the valve difficult to turn, but it does not normally cause
water leakage.
Correct:
Loose packing around the shaft is the most likely cause of water leakage around the
shaft of the valve.
Incorrect:
Misalignment of the shaft of the post indicator will make the valve difficult to turn, but
will not normally cause the valve to leak.
Incorrect:
A closed valve with water pressure on only one side of the valve will be difficult to
turn until the water pressure equalizes on each side, but will not normally cause
leakage.
A. monthly
B. quarterly
C. yearly
D. once every three years
Incorrect:
There may be circumstances where monthly lubrication is required, but NFPA 25
requires annual lubrication.
Incorrect:
There may be circumstances where quarterly lubrication is required, but NFPA 25
requires annual lubrication.
Correct:
NFPA 25 requires annual lubrication of all sprinkler control valves.
Incorrect:
NFPA requires lubrication at least annually, but there may be situations where more
frequent lubrication is necessary.
Summary
The requirements for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of all types of automatic
sprinkler systems are found in NFPA 25.
The owner of a property is fully responsible for inspecting, testing, and maintaining the
building sprinkler systems.
Always follow proper impairment handling procedures when tests or maintenance require
shutdown of the system.
Sprinkler valves for wet-pipe, dry-pipe, deluge, and preaction systems must be inspected to
verify normal water supply pressure, that there is no physical damage, and that there is no
leakage from the valve or trim piping. The extent of the inspection and the inspection
frequency depend on the type of sprinkler valve.
Other system components also require regular inspection, including strainers, filters, orifices,
alarm devices, backflow prevention assemblies, fire department connections, piping,
sprinklers, spare sprinklers, and the conditions with the building.
Every sprinkler control valve must be inspected to assure it is in the proper position (usually
open), is properly locked or sealed, is free of damage and leaks, is accessible, and is
provided with an appropriate wrench. Inspection frequency depends on the method of valve
supervision.
A main drain test must be conducted on every sprinkler system at least yearly. In addition to
the main drain test, other tests are required depending on the type of sprinkler system.
Other system components require regular testing including, automatic sprinkler heads,
sprinkler system gauges, alarm devices, low air pressure switches, quick opening devices,
and anti-freeze solutions.
All sprinkler control valves must be operated through their full range of movement at least
annually.
In addition to the regular inspection and testing of sprinkler valves, they also require routine
maintenance to remain operable.
fire marshal
building inspector
sprinkler contractor
testing
maintenance
management oversight
4. Shutdown of a sprinkler system for maintenance, repair, or alteration
is an example of an:
inspection
evaluation
AHJ
impairment
weekly
monthly
quarterly
quarterly
annually
every 5 years
7. A sprinkler control valve sealed with a wire seal must be inspected:
weekly
monthly
quarterly
annually
20 years
30 years
50 years
monthly
quarterly
annually
annually
every 3 years
every 5 years