acceptance testing of fire protection systems 101

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”….

Approved3.2.1 “Acceptable to the authority

having jurisdiction”

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……..

Approved Materials

…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 Marshal’s 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

Shall3.2.4 “Indicates a mandatory

requirement.”

Should3.2.5 “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 PRV’s 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 contractor’s 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 drainsTable 8.16.2.4.2-Drain Size_________

Riser or Main Size Size of Drain

ConnectionUp to 2 in. 3⁄4 in. or larger21⁄2 in., 3 in., 31⁄2 in. 11⁄4 in. or larger4 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• Inspector’s 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 owner’s 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

• PRV’s should be a Pressure Reducing Valve- NOT Restricting or Relief Valve

• True PRV’s 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” FHV’s 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 ½” 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 PRV’s for flow tests at sprinkler demand

Acceptance Testing PRV’s

• 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 contractor’s 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

• 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

Standpipe Hose Valve PRV’s- NFPA 14-’07

11.5.4

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

Section 23.1.8 references AWWA M14, Recommended Practice for Backflow Prevention and Cross

Connection Control and the public Health AHJ requirements

Where are they Required???

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 RetailMost Common Sprinkler SystemEasiest to Maintain and OperateRequires 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.

• 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

Wet System Riser Reqt’s

Dry Pipe System

For Non-Heated Buildings Commercial Industrial Parking Garages Building Exteriors

Dry Pipe System

Dry System Tests and Requirements -24.2.2





• 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

Dry Systems Also Require

• 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 inspector’s test connection.

• Verify it is per 7.2.3.6 and record it on the Contractor’s Material and Test Certificate

System Operational Test

Water Delivery per NFPA 13- 2007

Table 7.2.3.6.1 Dry System Water Delivery

Hazard Number of Most Remote Sprinklers

Initially Open

Maximum Time of Water Delivery

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

• 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

Air Compressor Testing





by Plumbing Dept

Dry System Riser Reqt’s

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





• Test the preaction valve operation in accordance with the manufacturer’s 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

Preaction Systems Also Require

• 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.





by Plumbing Dept

Preaction Riser Reqt’s

Deluge System

For Highly Flammable Areas Aircraft Hangers Solvent Processing Dynamite Plants

Deluge System

Deluge System Requirements -24.2.3.3





• Test the deluge valve operation in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions- ask for literature if there is any questions on operation

• Test manual and remote control activation- this can be electric, pneumatic or hydraulic

Deluge Systems Also Require

• 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




• PRV test tags on each prv• Backflow certification and Inspection

by Plumbing Dept

Deluge Riser Reqt’s

Standpipe System

For Multi-levelBuildings Per AHJ

Stand Pipe System

Standpipe System Tests and Requirements



– 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 req’s

• 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 it’s 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 Shutoff100 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.

Contractor’s 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 AHJ’s• 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

acceptance testing of fire protection systems 101

Documents