Butterfly Valve Pre-wired Tamper Switch Requirements

[SPKsales]

I believe somewhere in an NFPA book there is a clause stating my answer however I am having trouble locating it.

If a Butterfly Valve with a pre wired tamper switch is installed to a wet fire sprinkler riser in place of an OS&Y valve with no existing tamper switch is it a requirement to wire the BFV tamper to the fire alarm control panel rather than leaving the wires dangling?

My understanding is the stem on the OS&Y valve is used for identifying if the valve is open or closed. The paddle indicator on a BFV is used for the same reason. However, having an unwired tamper switch on the wet fire sprinkler system, in my eyes, would be a deficiency during inspection.

Please Advise. Thanks for the help!

 

[cdafd]

There would also be the building or fire code normally requiring either type valve to be monitored, unless the ahj allows chain and lock.

In the 2016 NFPA 13 8.16.1.1.2.1 gives several options to do. Once again is there a building or fire code that would override this, and what will the ahj accept.

 

[SPKsales]

Local AHJ does allow chain and lock to secure the valve wheel.

Does the use of chain and lock void my question for tamper wiring?

Determining if wiring the tamper switch is required might be found in building or fire code. I will search my resources, thank you for the direction.

 

[cdafd]

""Does the use of chain and lock void my question for tamper wiring? ""

As long as some other code does not require it, I would say yes. If there is a fire alarm system in the building,it makes more sense to monitor it.


"""Determining if wiring the tamper switch is required might be found in building or fire code. I will search my resources, thank you for the direction.""

Most of the newer IBC/IFC require electronic monitoring.

 

[MatthewJWillis]

The answer is no.., and yes.

If it is a new system, it is required to be electrically supervised IF it is a required sprinkler system per IBC.

If you are doing regular maintenance, then NFPA 25 allows supervised. Ie chain and lock Or electrically.

R/
Matt

 

[DavidCR]

Depends on if NFPA72 alarm system requirement, there was a NFPA Journal article on this. I cant find it, sorry.