Deluge Valves for Transformers Room 2

[FPE22]

Hello everyone, first time poster.

I need guidance in a design case I'm working on. In reference to NFPA 15, Chapter 3 Section 3.3.19.1 stating the definition of a Deluge Valve as " A type of system actuation valve that is opened by the operation of a detection system installed in the same areas as the spray nozzles or by remote manual operation supplying water to all spray nozzles ", kindly advise if a single deluge valve is sufficient to serve multiple fixed spray systems, or if each system needs its own deluge valve.

For example, if we consider a single room containing three oil-insulated transformers, where each will be protected by a deluge spray system and each will have its own heat detectors. The transformers are installed indoors, and there are no fire barriers or any partitions separating them. What would be the right approach:

1) Installing a single deluge valve to serve all the systems protecting each transformer.
2) Installing three deluge valves where each valve serves a single transformer.

Appreciate your help.
Regards,
Steve

 

[TravisMack]

Deluge valves are like the movies. Water flows from all open devices.

So, if you have transformer A, B and C, do you want A and B to be wetted when there is a fire event on C? If the answer is yes, then one may be acceptable for your needs.

In the few of these that I have done, we have always done a separate deluge valve for each transformer.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

"Follow" us at

https://www.facebook.com/pages/MFP-Design-LLC/92218417692

 

[LCREP]

One each for each system would be my requirement from an insurance AHJ point of view. So when one system is down for repair we have protection on the other units. You did not mention how big the units are, but if large the insurance carrier may require fire walls between each unit.

ASK THE INSURANCE CARRIER WHAT THEY WANT! It will make your life so much easier.

 

[FPE22]

Travis - Wetting the transformer having fire is what we're intending to do. It's a waste to ruin the other transformers having no fire.

LCREP - All 3 transformers are large ones at 1500 MVA. They roughly measure 1.9 m x 1.7 m x 2 m each. NFPA 15 recommends to protect side by side oil-insulated transformers installed outdoors with 1 hr rated fire barriers if automatic spray systems are protecting them. However, they don't mention this for indoor units, but I suppose it will be the same case as with the outdoor units. AHJ should clear this up.

Thank you both for your replies, you've been helpful!
Have a nice day.

 

[LCREP]

FP

Check out FM Data Sheet 5-4 on transformers they are free here

https://www.fmglobal.com/fmglobalregistration/Register.aspx?action=new

FM is a large global insurance company. Many insurance companies will use and reference the data sheets. A wealth of information on many topics. Below is a section that addresses your situation, document is 40 pages.

2.2 Fire Protection for Indoor Transformers
2.2.1 Construction and Location
2.2.1.1 If transformers cannot be located outdoors in accordance with Section 2.3, provide a detached dedicated building or room with location and construction safeguards as described in Figure 2a and Table 4.

 

[3cio]

Hello FPE22!
Good day!

With regards to:
"Wetting the transformer having fire is what we're intending to do. It's a waste to ruin the other transformers having no fire." Please be noted that as you mentioned, they are installed within the same room and there are no fire barriers between each transformer, therefore it will be considered as one fire area.
Per NFPA-15.

In this event, a possibility of actuating all 3 transformer water spray in the same room without fire barriers is more likely to happen.

I think, providing centralized deluge valve or separate deluge valve is an acceptable approach based on your scenario. You will just need to weigh the maintenance, cost issue.


Hope this helps,
PAtrick