Acceptance Testing

Acceptance Testing of Fire

Protection Systems 101
Touch on all types of Fire Sprinkler of
systems
Fire Pumps and Standpipes
Requirements for Acceptance Testing per
NFPA and the State Fire Marshal
Industry Jargon and Common
terminology
State Rules- Texas Insurance Code
Chapter 6003 & 28 TAC SS 34.700
Information in these slides comes from
NFPA Standards 13, 14 and 20
 Defining Terms
Authority Having Jurisdiction
Listed and Approved
Shall vs. Should
Hydrostatic Testing And Cover
Add and Relocates (Remodels)
vs. New System installs
Main Drain Test
 Control Valve Testing
Tagging Requirements
System Type- Wet, Dry,
Preaction and Deluge with
specific differences and required
tests for each
Specific Application System-
ESFR, Control Mode,
Residential, Double Interlock,
etc
 Authority Having
Jurisdiction (AHJ)
3.2.2* An organization, office or
individual responsible for
enforcing the requirements of a
code or standard, or for
approving equipment, materials,
an installation, or a procedure
Examples:
Fire Chief, Fire Marshal
Labor Department
Health Department- TDADS
Building Official, Electrical
Inspector, Plumbing Inspector
Insurance Organizations and their
Representatives
Commanding Officer on Base
 essentially

Anyone with a vested interest in the

system performing as intended
 Listed

3.2.2* Equipment, materials, or

services included in a list
published by an organization
that is acceptable to the
authority having jurisdiction.
 Approved
3.2.1 Acceptable to the authority
having jurisdiction

Approved Materials
All materials and methods for
installation are to conform to
Chapter 6 of NFPA 13- 2007 or
the individual product listings
and approvals. When in
doubt..
 Make the installing
contractor prove it to
your satisfaction!!!!
If it looks incorrect, it probably is
Be wary of new products, have
contractor provide cut sheets
when in doubt
Good review with thorough walk
through at hydro at end of job
 Your interpretation of the codes
and standards is to be met or
proven incorrect- codes/
standards are in writing- not
inferred
Sometimes corners are cut by
unscrupulous contractors
Some poor installs are mistakes
or human error - BUT.
 Report repeat
offenders to the
State Fire
Marshals office!!!
 REMEMBER
You are the last line of defense
to ensure the end user gets what
they expect and paid for!!! These
are your customers, you are
their expert!
Poor installs fail annual
inspections and cost the owner
money later for repairs
 Shall
3.2.4 Indicates a mandatory
requirement.

Should
3.2.5 Indicates a recommendation
or that which advised but not
required.
 System Acceptance

Acceptance Testing of systems

is contained in Chapter 24 of
NFPA 13-2007 Edition
All required tests are listed, but
required extra heads and some
paperwork is not.
 Hydrostatic Test

Section 24.2.1- All piping and

attached appurtenances
subjected to system working
pressure shall be hydrostatically
tested at 200 psi (13.8 bar) and
shall maintain that pressure
without loss for two hours
 Section 24.2.1.2- Portions of
systems normally subjected to
working pressures in excess of
150 psi (10.4 bar) shall be tested
as described in 24.2.1.1 at a
pressure of 50 psi (3.5 bar) in
excess of working pressure
Things to watch at Hydro
Need to know expected pump
churn pressure and expected
system working pressure, are
PRVs required?
Hydrostatic test pressure is
taken at the bottom of the
system, not the top (Section
24.2.1.8)
 Know the limits of the materials-
pressure limitations of fittings
and sprinkler heads
If there is freeze potential, an
interim pneumatic air test at 40
psi can be conducted for 24
hours per 24.2.2. This does not
remove or replace the
requirement for a hydrostatic
test.
 This test is referred to as a
Hydro Test or Cover
Inspection
All systems require this type of
test- Sprinkler, Standpipe, Pump
In new construction the pipe
should not be covered up during
the test
A procedure for removing test
blanks must be in place
 Retrofits are typically covered
up. These are existing buildings
and not all areas are accessible.
Use your own judgment.
Walk systems during the two
hour test, look for leaks. Small
leaks are not cause for concern.
Excessive water leakage and
pressure drop are cause for
failure and re-test of system
 Hydro Test Procedure
Contractor should have system
pumped up above 200 psi or 50
above working pressure, prior to
your arrival to remove air
pockets
Note Pressure on gauge upon
arrival.
Walk system- look for leaks.
 While walking system, note
areas that are in need of repair
or changes required in the
system to installing contractor.
At end of two hour period, note
pressure (loss if any). Have
Contractor drain system to zero
the gauge out in your presence.
 Things to Keep in Mind
FDC piping is often overlooked-
Needs to be tested @ 150psi after
repair/ replacement- Sec 24.2.1.10
Temperature changes affect
system pressure during hydro.
Trapped air in the system takes
time to escape, if the system has
not been pumped up for some time
then air will escape.
 Add and Relocates
24.2.1.4- Modifications affecting
20 or fewer sprinklers shall not
require testing in excess of
system working pressure
 Per Section 24.2.1.5-
Modifications above 20
sprinklers, isolate the affected
portion of the system and hydro
Per Section 24.2.1.6-
Modifications that cannot be
isolated (i.e.. Relocated drops)
shall not require tested in excess
of system working pressure
 Main Drain Test
24.2.3.4.1 The main drain valve
shall be opened and remain
open until system pressure
stabilizes
24.2.3.4.2 The static and
residual pressures shall be
recorded on the contractors
material and test certificate
Use the bottom gauge
 Often overlooked
Required on State white tags
Provides baseline water supply
test information to measure
water supply deterioration in
subsequent NFPA 25
Inspections.
This is required on all
systems! The importance
cannot be stressed enough!
 Size of main drains
Table 8.16.2.4.2-Drain Size_________
Riser or Main Size Size of Drain
Connection
Up to 2 in. 34 in. or larger
212 in., 3 in., 312 in. 114 in. or larger
4 in. and larger 2 in. only

No test orifices on main drains!!!! Need fully

open for Main Drain Test. Listed Test and
drain assemblies are acceptable if
capable of full flow.
 Operational Tests
Referred to as a Final
While performing this test, an
inspection should be performed.
Things to look for:
Loaded or painted sprinkler heads
Adequate coverage of all spaces
Missing pieces or incorrect install
Tamper and flow switch operation
Fire Alarm System should be on Test
 Walk the space- Check
head coverage
Light Hazard
225 Sq Ft
Max. 15 X 15
Ordinary Hazard
130 Sq Ft
Max. 15 ft X 8-8
 Extra Hazard
100 Sq Ft
Max. 10 X 10 or 12 X 8-4
Storage, ESFR, Control Mode
Look up each individual section-
these change often
Request the sprinkler cut sheet
from the Contractor- these are
specific application and may have
some special requirements
 Obstructions
Depending on the type of head
and the obstruction
Refer to Chapter 8 in NFPA 13-
07.
All types of heads are broken
down individually
Alarm Initiating Devices
 Testing Alarm Switches
Inspectors test connection
should have at least 1 inch pipe
connected to a corrosion
resistant orifice equal to the size
of the smallest orifice on the
system.
Open ITC all the way, alarm
should sound in less than 5
minutes
 If bell goes off too quick, have
contractor adjust delay on alarm
device to account for water
hammer in city water to avoid
nuisance alarms.
Ensure cover is on WF switch
after test is performed
Call the monitoring company-
verify signals are correct for the
space/ bldg
Valve Tamper Switches
 Testing Tamper
Switches
8.16.1.1.2.1- Valves on
connections to water supplies,
sectional control valves, and
other valves in supply pipes to
sprinklers and other fixed water
based fire suppression systems
shall be supervised by one of
the following:
(1) Central station, proprietary, or
remote station signaling at a
constantly attended point
(2) Local signaling service that will
cause the sounding of an audible
signal at a constantly attended
point
(3) Valves locked in the correct
position
(4) Valves in fenced enclosures
under the owners control
 Testing Tampers
24.2.3.5.1 All control valves
shall be fully closed and opened
under system water pressure to
ensure proper operation
Check the valve operation
Check Tamper operation and
signal to monitoring company
24.2.4- Pressure
Reducing Valves
 Common
Misinterpretation
PRVs should be a Pressure
Reducing Valve- NOT
Restricting or Relief Valve
True PRVs Reduce pressure
under both Flow and Static
Conditions
NFPA 14-07 Sec. 3.3.16.4
NFPA 13-07 Sec. 8.16.1.2.1
 Where Required
Sprinkler-When working
pressure exceeds 175 psi unless
all downstream components are
rated for the higher pressure
Standpipe-For Fire Hose Valves
where pressure exceeds 175 psi
on 2-1/2 FHVs pressure shall
be limited to 100 psi- 1-1/2
valves can be of regulating type
PRV Requirements-
Fire Sprinkler
8.16.1.2.2- Pressure gauges
shall be on the inlet and outlet
sides of each pressure reducing
valve
8.16.1.2.3- A relief valve of not
less than shall be provided
on the discharge side set to
operate at a pressure not
exceeding 175 psi.
 8.16.1.2.4- A listed indicating
valve shall be provided on the
inlet side of each PRV, unless
the PRV meets the listing
requirements for use as an
indicating valve.
8.16.1.2.5- Means shall be
provided downstream of all
PRVs for flow tests at sprinkler
demand
 Acceptance Testing
PRVs
24.2.4.1- Each pressure-
reducing valve shall be tested
upon completion of installation to
insure proper operation under
flow and no-flow conditions.
24.2.4.2- Testing shall verify
device regulates outlet at
maximum and normal conditions
 24.2.4.3- The results of the flow
test of each PRV shall be
recorded on the contractors
material and test certificate
24.2.4.4- The results shall
include the static and residual
inlet pressures, static and
residual outlet pressures and the
flow rate
 Standpipe Hose Valve
PRVs- NFPA 14-07
11.5.4
Ask for PRV Testing Logs to show
work was completed
NFPA 14- 7.2 requires 1-1/2 hose
valves residual pressure limited to
100 psi and 2-1/2 hose valves static
and residual pressure limited to 100
psi where pressure exceeds 175 psi
 Backflow Prevention
Assemblies-8.17.4.6
A.8.17.4.6- Where backflow
prevention devices are installed,
they should be in an accessible
location to provide service and
maintenance
 8.17.4.6.1- Means shall be
provided downstream of all
backflow prevention valves for
flow tests at system demands
A.8.17.4.6.1 describes the
describes the methods
available- essentially ensuring
the backflow will not restrict the
system demand
 Backflow Prevention
Assemblies
Where are they Required???

Section 23.1.8 references AWWA

M14, Recommended Practice
for Backflow Prevention and
Cross Connection Control and
the public Health AHJ
requirements
 Backflow Prevention
Acceptance Testing-
24.2.5
24.2.5.1- The backflow
prevention assembly shall be
forward flow tested to ensure
proper operation.
24.2.5.2- The minimum flow rate
shall be the system demand,
including hose stream
 A copy of the state or local test
report performed by a TCEQ
approved tester should be
attached to the riser
An approved inspection by the
local Health AHJ should be
provided prior to final.
Circulating Closed Loop
Systems
These are covered in 24.3.
Requires certification of
pressure ratings for auxiliary
devices and proof of pressure
test in all modes of operation
Discharge tests to be per 6.9.1-
the five minute requirement
Wet Pipe System

For Heated Buildings

Commercial
Industrial
Residential
Hospitals
Educational
Retail
Most Common
Sprinkler System
Easiest to Maintain
and Operate
Requires the Least
Amount of Testing
Wet System
 Wet System Tests and
Requirements
Hydrostatic and Cover
Walkthrough and Final
Operational (Alarms, Tamper,
Main Drain Test)
Confirm Code compliance
Ensure correct number of spare
heads are left on site per NFPA
13-2007 Section 6.2.9- Dry heads
not required. Sprinkler Wrench is.
Wet System Riser Reqts
New systems to have White Tag
and Blue ITM Tag
All additions over 20 heads are
to have a new white tag added
Hydraulic Placard and General
Information Sign
PRV test tags on each PRV
Backflow certification and
Inspection by Plumbing Dept
Dry Pipe System

For Non-Heated Buildings

Commercial
Industrial
Parking Garages
Building Exteriors
Dry Pipe System
 Dry System Tests and
Requirements -24.2.2
Hydrostatic and Cover
Walkthrough and Final
Operational (Alarms, Tamper,
Main Drain Test)
Confirm Code compliance
Ensure correct number of spare
heads are left on site per NFPA
13-2007 Section 6.2.9- Dry heads
not required. Sprinkler Wrench is.
 Dry Systems Also
Require
In addition to 200 psi hydrostatic
test- an air leakage test is
required
40 psi of air for 24 hours- any
leakage in excess of 1-1/2 psi
shall be corrected
System Operational Test
24.2.3.2 covers operational test
Trip test of valve and any quick
opening devices- time how long
it takes for water to be
discharged from the inspectors
test connection.
Verify it is per 7.2.3.6 and record
it on the Contractors Material
and Test Certificate
 Water Delivery per
NFPA 13- 2007
Table 7.2.3.6.1 Dry System Water Delivery

Number of Most Maximum Time of

Hazard
Remote Sprinklers Water Delivery
Initially Open
Residential 1 15 seconds
Light 1 60 seconds
Ordinary I 2 50 seconds
Ordinary II 2 50 seconds
Extra I 4 45 seconds
Extra II 4 45 seconds
High piled 4 40 seconds
 Air Compressor Testing
7.2.6.2.2- The air supply shall
have a capacity capable of
restoring normal air pressure in
the system within 30 minutes
A.7.2.6.2.20- When a single
compressor serves multiple
systems, the 30 minute fill time
is based in the largest system
Dry System Riser Reqts
New systems to have White Tag
and Blue ITM Tag
All additions over 20 heads are
to have a new white tag added
Hydraulic Placard and General
Information Sign
PRV test tags on each PRV
Backflow certification and
Inspection by Plumbing Dept
Pre Action System

For Environmentally
Sensitive Areas
Computer Rooms
Surgical Suites
Tele-Data Switch Rooms
Fine Art Storage Rooms
Pre Action System
Preaction Requirements
-24.2.3.3
Hydrostatic and Cover
Walkthrough and Final
Operational (Alarms, Tamper,
Main Drain Test)
Confirm Code compliance
Ensure correct number of spare
heads are left on site per NFPA
13-2007 Section 6.2.9- Dry heads
not required. Sprinkler Wrench is.
Preaction Systems Also
Require
Test the preaction valve
operation in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions- ask
for literature if there is any
questions on operation
Test manual and remote control
activation- this can be electric,
pneumatic or a combination
 Is the piping supervised? Sec.
7.3.2.4 requires supervision to
ensure system integrity.
If supervisory air or nitrogen is
used- it needs to conform to
7.2.6 for dry systems
30 minute refill requirement.
Also needs to maintain a
minimum supervisory pressure
of 7 psi.
 Preaction Riser Reqts
New systems to have White Tag
and Blue ITM Tag
All additions over 20 heads are
to have a new white tag added
Hydraulic Placard and General
Information Sign
PRV test tags on each PRV
Backflow certification and
Inspection by Plumbing Dept
Deluge System

For Highly
Flammable Areas
Aircraft Hangers
Solvent Processing
Dynamite Plants
Deluge System
 Deluge System
Requirements -24.2.3.3
Hydrostatic and Cover
Walkthrough and Final
Operational (Alarms, Tamper,
Main Drain Test)
Confirm Code compliance
Ensure correct number of spare
heads are left on site per NFPA
13-2007 Section 6.2.9- Dry heads
not required. Sprinkler Wrench is.
 Deluge Systems Also
Require
Test the deluge valve operation
in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions- ask
for literature if there is any
questions on operation
Test manual and remote control
activation- this can be electric,
pneumatic or hydraulic
 Flow Testing of the system to
ensure hydraulic performance.
Calibrated gauges are to be
used at different points on the
system
These gauge readings are to be
compared to the hydraulic
calculations
Detection devices are to be
automatically supervised
 Deluge Riser Reqts
New systems to have White Tag
and Blue ITM Tag
All additions over 20 heads are
to have a new white tag added
Hydraulic Placard and General
Information Sign
PRV test tags on each prv
Backflow certification and
Inspection by Plumbing Dept
Standpipe System

For Multi-level
Buildings
Per AHJ
Stand Pipe System
Standpipe System Tests
and Requirements
Hydrostatic and Cover
Walkthrough and Final
Operational (Alarms, Tamper,
Main Drain Test)
Confirm Code compliance and
hose thread compatibility
Flow test through roof manifold
testing approved water source- fire
pump, FD pumper truck, etc.
 PRV tests. Ask for test log
Main Drain flow tests- record on
material test certificate
Dry and semi automatic shall be
trip tested to deliver 250 GPM at
the hydraulically most remote
hose connection within 3
minutes
Air testing applies per dry
systems in NFPA 13
 Open and close each valve
manually- make sure hose caps
are on prior to testing
Check for proper signage
Fire Pump
 Fire Pump Tests and
Requirements
Per NFPA 20- 2007 Edition
Chapter 14
Piping to be hydrostatically
tested per NFPA 13 reqs
All piping sizes to be verified per
table 5.25 (a) by rated pump
flow
 All factory supplier
representatives are to be in
attendance during field
acceptance tests- AHJ should
be notified
As a minimum, proof of the initial
startup and field acceptance test
report should be provided at Fire
Marshal final
 A copy of the certified pump test
characteristic curve shall be
available for comparison of the
field acceptance test.
Compare the curves to ensure
the pump meets its factory
specs.
 Pump shall be run at minimum,
rated and peak loads
How is this determined??
Minimum is 0 GPM or churn
Rated is the rating of the pump
i.e.. 1000 GPM pump needs to be
tested at 1000 GPM
Maximum is 150 % of pump
rating- a 1000 GPM rated pump
is capable of 1500 GPM flow
 Per NFPA 14- 2007, Section
6.2.1- Pumps shall furnish not
less than 150 percent of rated
capacity at not less than 65
percent of total rated head.
6.2.2- The shutoff head shall not
exceed 140 percent of rated
head for any type of pump.
Example 1- Pump is rated for 750
GPM @ 100 psi
150 percent of load-
1.5 X 750 =1125
65 percent of total rated head-
.65 X 100= 65 psi
Pump should provide 65 psi
MINIMUM at 1125 GPM
Example 2- Maximum Shutoff
100 psi Fire pump

Maximum Shutoff Head-

1.4 X 100 psi= 140 psi

Pump shutoff pressure should not

be over 140 psi.
 Keep in mind that is the Fire
Pump shutoff pressure- the jockey
of maintenance pump will add 10
more psi to the working pressure
of the system
 Test fire alarm signals in Fire
Pump control panel
Pump Run
A/C Power Fail
Phase Reversal
Normal power and alternate power
 State Requirements

What does 28 TAC 34.700

The Fire Sprinkler Rules require
for new systems and system
modifications?
 White Original Installation Tag
 To be affixed to riser after new
install or scheduled testing and
maintenance.
To remain on riser for the life of
the system- provides baseline
water flow information for
subsequent inspections.
Work for this tag to be filled out
by licensed RME-G or RME-I.
 Blue Inspection Testing and
Maintenance Tag
 To be affixed to riser after new
install or scheduled testing and
maintenance.
To remain on riser for minimum
of five years- only to be removed
by employee of authorized firm
Work for this tag to be filled out
by licensed RME-G or RME-I.
 Blue Service Tag
 To be affixed to riser after every
service performed
To remain on riser for minimum
of five years- only to be removed
by employee of authorized firm
Work for this tag to be filled out
by Installer- license not needed
If anything is found to be
impaired, a yellow or red tag
need to be affixed as well.
Contractors Material and
Test Certificates

Ensure these are filled out in

their entirety and affixed to the
riser in a protective sheath. The
owner will want these at a later
date.
 Hydraulic Placard

Used in future work on system

Often lost over the years
Should be metal and
permanently marked per NFPA
13- 07
Design Criteria

NFPA Codes: 13, 13R, 13D, 14, 20, 22, 24, 25 & 101
UBC
IBC
IFC
Local AHJs
Other Jurisdictions Architect, Engineer & Owner
Insurance Underwriter
Post Construction Inspections and Maintenance

Required per NFPA 25 and all Local Jurisdictions

Texas requires Licensed Inspectors
Identify changes in
Occupancy and use
Ceiling and finishes (i.e.. Painted and loaded heads)
Added building features(Decks, Canopies, Clouds)
Ensure system operation
Find system deficiencies and repair them in a timely
manner