9/15/2013

1

2828thth Annual AHCA/FHEA SEMINARAnnual AHCA/FHEA SEMINAR

1

Sprinkler Sprinkler SystemSystem

Inspection, Inspection,

Testing & Testing &

MaintenanceMaintenance

Speaker Information:Speaker Information:

Bob Caputo, CFPS, Bob Caputo, CFPS, CETCETVice PresidentVice President

Fire & Life Safety AmericaFire & Life Safety America657 Cantara Lane • Vista, CA 92081bcaputo@cox.net • (760) 908-7753

Member: NFPA 13 Committees (Installation; Discharge; Hangers & BracesMember: NFPA 25, 3 / 4 CommitteesChair: NFPA 16 CommitteeNFPA/AFSA/NFSA Senior InstructorReally Nice Guy

SCOPE:SCOPE:

• Systems covered include sprinkler, standpipe

and hose, fixed-water spray, private fire

hydrants, water mist, and foam-water.

• Water supplies are also covered including

private fire service mains, fire pumps, and

water storage tanks.

• Valves that control system flow are also

included

9/15/2013

2

SCOPE:SCOPE:

All inspections, tests, and maintenance must be coordinated with NPFA 72, National Fire

Alarm and Signaling Code.

SCOPE:SCOPE:

1.1.3 This standard addresses the operating condition of fire protection systems . . .

1.1.3.1 This standard does not require the inspector to verify the adequacy of the design of the system.

1.2.1 Provides a REASONBLE degree of safety

Important Definitions:Important Definitions:

3.3.4 Deficiency. . . A condition in which a system or portion of a system is damaged, inoperable, or in need of service . . .

3.3.4.1 Critical Deficiency. A deficiency that . . . canhave an effect on the performance of the system.

3.3.4.2 Noncritical Deficiency. A deficiency that doesnot have an effect on the performance of the fire protection system . . .

9/15/2013

3

Chapter 4 Chapter 4 –– The Owner’s ChapterThe Owner’s Chapter

• The standard is written to the property owner

• The owner is responsible for all inspection,

testing, and maintenance procedures

• The owner may delegate the authority for the

inspection, testing, and maintenance of the

fire protection systems.

• The designated representative must comply

with all requirements identified for the owner.

Competent Competent Personnel & Personnel &

Alternate ProgramsAlternate Programs

8

Owner’s Responsibilities: Owner’s Responsibilities:

• Provide Access

• Record Keeping

• Changes in Use or Occupancies

• Make Repairs in a Timely

Manner

• Manage Impairments

9/15/2013

4

PrePre--Planned Impairments:Planned Impairments:

Where an impairment is to last for more than

10 hours in a 24 hour period one of the

following must be done:

– Evacuation of the affected area

– Fire Watch

– Temporary water supply

– Implement an approved fire control program

Chapters 5 Chapters 5 -- 1313

• Chapter 5 – Sprinkler Systems

• Chapter 6 – Standpipe Systems

• Chapter 7 – Private Fire Service Mains

• Chapter 8 – Fire Pumps

• Chapter 9 – Water Storage Tanks

• Chapters 10 & 11 – Foam/Foam & Water

• Chapter 12 – Water Mist Systems

• Chapter 13 - Valves

Typical Chapter Overview:Typical Chapter Overview:

• Summary Tables

• Interpreting Text

• Repair Replacement

Tables

9/15/2013

5

Component Replacement Activity:Component Replacement Activity:

Table 5.5.1

Sprinklers, Pipe & Fitting, Hangers & Sprinklers, Pipe & Fitting, Hangers &

Braces Braces -- Inspected from the FloorInspected from the Floor

• Leakage

• Corrosion

• Paint

• Loading

• Orientation

• Empty bulbs

• Clearance below sprinkler (such as storage)

Sprinklers Shall Be Replaced When:Sprinklers Shall Be Replaced When:

•• LeakingLeaking

•• CorrodedCorroded

•• PaintedPainted

•• LoadedLoaded

•• In wrong orientationIn wrong orientation

•• Have an empty bulbHave an empty bulb

9/15/2013

6

Testing Sprinklers:Testing Sprinklers:

• Standard response sprinklers tested or

replaced at 50 years and 10 years thereafter

• Fast-response sprinklers tested or replaced at

20 years and 10 years thereafter

• Dry sprinklers tested or replaced at 10 years

and 10 years thereafter

• Sprinklers exposed to harsh environment

tested at 5 year intervals

Sprinkler Testing:Sprinkler Testing:

• Test includes 4 sprinklers or 1 percent of

sample area whichever is greater

• If one sprinkler fails then all sprinklers in

sample are must be replaced

Spare Sprinklers:Spare Sprinklers:

•• Sprinklers must be kept in a cabinet and Sprinklers must be kept in a cabinet and

correspond to the types and temperature correspond to the types and temperature

ratings on the ratings on the property.property.

•• No fewer than 6 spare sprinklers No fewer than 6 spare sprinklers

•• 300 to 1000 sprinklers require a minimum of 12 300 to 1000 sprinklers require a minimum of 12

spare sprinklersspare sprinklers

•• More than 1000 require a More than 1000 require a

minimum minimum of 24of 24

9/15/2013

7

Standpipe Flow Testing:Standpipe Flow Testing:

• For automatic standpipes at 5 year intervals

• Conducted at most remote hose connections for each zone

• Tested to the flow and pressure requirements in effect at the time of installation

• Main drain test must be conducted for automatic standpipes in accordance with chapter 13

Standpipe Hydrostatic Testing:Standpipe Hydrostatic Testing:

• For manual and semi-automatic dry standpipe

systems at 5 year intervals

• 200 psi or 50 psi in excess of maximum

pressure which ever is greater

• Includes FDC piping

• Inside piping shall not leak

Fire Pumps:Fire Pumps:

9/15/2013

8

Weekly Inspections & Run Testing:Weekly Inspections & Run Testing:

Pump Room Conditions:Pump Room Conditions:

• Normal Conditions for Pump Operation

• Lighting

• Heat

• Ventilation

• Abnormal vibrations or noises

• Normal Starting Pressures

• Someone must be in the room when pump runs

Annual Fire Pump Testing:Annual Fire Pump Testing:

• Simulates original acceptance test

• Flowing water/circulating water

• Flowing water every third year

• Testing transfer switch &

alternate power sources

9/15/2013

9

Internal Obstruction Investigation:Internal Obstruction Investigation:

Five Year Internal Inspections:Five Year Internal Inspections:

• Inspection – Conducted at specified intervals

– Covers two points in the system (end of one main and sprinkler on one branch line)

• Examination– Conducted when certain conditions exist

– Covers four points in the system (valve, riser, cross main, branch line)

In buildings having multiple wet systems, every other system shall have an internal inspection of piping every five years as described in §14.2.1.

Florida Specific Requirements:Florida Specific Requirements:

• NICET Level II Inspector for Water-based

systems

• Some inspections may be performed by in-

house persons

• Quarterly/Semi-annual/Annual Inspections for

Fire Alarms; Fire Extinguishers

9/15/2013

10

ConclusionsConclusions

Q & AQ & A