by Michael O'Brian on January 12, 2010
Flexible Armover Attachments
Sprinkler systems have seen an increase in the use of specifically listed equipment. Flexible arm-overs serve a great purpose in sprinkler system installation but are heavily depended on proper installation per the manufacture listing requirements.
If you look at the first picture above you may say “Well it truly depends!” So lets make a couple of assumptions:
- The system was properly designed to account for the friction loss of the devices
- The flexible armover is listed for use on sprinkler systems
So the question is, does this meet code…. oh and take a look at [click to continue…]
by Michael O'Brian on February 24, 2009
Back flow Devices Need to be Tested at Full Flow
Backflow devices are intended to prevent that nasty sprinkler water from going into your drinking water. These devices need some tender loving care in order to operate efficiently and test must be conducted to ensure they can open to meet the system demand. In the 2002 edition of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13, Standard for the Installation of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems, a testing requirement was added for the forward flow testing of back-flow devices.
In fire protection systems, the back flow device is installed below the system control valves and can be the cause of reduced flow for the system. Reduced flow can occur if the system is not properly designed to include the device or tested to ensure the system flow is not reduced. The [click to continue…]
by Michael O'Brian on February 10, 2009
What is the best location for back flow devices when a fire pump is utilized?
Automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems may utilize a fire pump for many reasons. This may be to provide additional pressure to the municipal system, provide pressure for a system which draws from an underground tank or to meet the necessary gpm for the system design. The water and pressure demands of sprinkler or standpipe systems truly establish the need for a fire pump.
Fire pumps are appropriately viewed as a critical component to a fire protection system, but it should be realized that the fire pump is supplemental to the entire system. In realty, the fire pump can not create a water supply. If the water supply is not there, the pump will not produce the desired results.
Water is [click to continue…]
by Michael O'Brian on December 27, 2008
Resources and Checklists for Plan Review, Inspection, and Design
Automatic sprinkler systems can be complex life safety systems which require maintenance and proper installation. Automatic sprinkler systems are based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13, Standard for Design and Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Sprinkler systems require proper design, installation, and maintenance (inspection too).
Sprinkler submittals are usually prepared as show drawings or deferred submittals under the adopted building code. The shop drawings are typically prepared by the installing contractor although some projects they are prepared by the design professional or fire protection engineer. Sprinkler systems must be designed based on the use of the space, not necessary the classification of the occupancy under the building code.
Proper plan review will look to ensure adequate informaiton is provided to compare the design to the anticipated use, sprinkler spacing, and proper informaiton is included in the design calculations. NFPA 13 provides a very detailed listing of information required on the shop drawings and calculations in Chapter 22 (2007 edition). Contractors should [click to continue…]
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