Listed Expansion Device
A sprinkler system is a critical system to ensure fire and life safety in the built environment. Every now and then there are modifications made to the system that affect the performance of the system. Following NFPA 13 when installing and inspecting sprinkler systems is critical. In addition manufactures provide detailed requirements for devices based on the device listing.
This system was subject to many complaints by the occupants as a the colored fluid would leak from various fittings and sprinklers.
This is a picture of the riser assembly located on the exterior of the building and utilizes anti-freeze throughout the piping. The system utilizes CPVC piping in the building, so the question for you does this meet code?
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Most likely the contractor used the wrong type of antifreeze solution. CPVC only allows clean glycerine/water solution, no Glycols.
CPVC piping has temperature limitations and is listed for only wet pipe systems and is not listed for ordinary hazard or extra ordinary haw=zard locations (NFPA 13.3-3.5). The expansion chamber is only connected to the drain and should be placed between the anti-freeze piping and the water supply to allow for thermal expansion of the anti-freeze (NFPA (13.4-5.3.2).
CPVC piping is lsted for wet sprinkler systems only, has temperature limitations and cannot be used for ordinary hazard or extra hazard areas (NFPA 13.3-3.5)
The expansion chamber should be between the supply and the anti-freeze system to allow for thermal expasion of the anti-freeze. (NFPA 13.4-5.3.2). The expansion chamber in this system appears to be located between the riser and the drain.
So do you think they have a RPZ where the sprinkler system connects to the public water supply? I am sure the expansion chamber is listed for sprinkler systems and calculations have been completed and it is the correct size for the quantity of antifreeze in the system. Another quality installation, got to love it!
Seems to me, that ANY leak in a sprinkler system, especially the heads, should scream that something is wrong. Whether it’s the wrong anti-freeze or just a leak, the leak obviously proves the system needs to be examined to see that it meets the pressure-test standard. While the system may meet code for design (I’d have to see more of it,) it has an operational problem that needs to be addressed. Let’s face it, besides what the code requires, the selling point for a fire sprinkler system is that it’s a silent, “invisible” watch system. If it leaks, it’s not “invisible.”