Dry Pipe System Inspector Test Valve Location 1

[doopedeng]

HI All,
I have a single story building with a combustible attic that will be protected with a dry pipe system. The system is currently being installed. The inspector test valve will be located in an occupied office space, where it will drop from the attic above a T-bar ceiling and discharge through the exterior wall. I'm wondering if the inspector test valve has to be a certain dimension off the floor, or can I locate this valve and discharge point above the T-bar ceiling for access when testing? I'm trying to avoid the cost of covering up the valve and piping exposed below the T-bar ceiling, and the loss of usable space.

Thanks in advance.
Dooped

 

[stookeyfpe]

2013 NFPA 13 Section 8.17.4.3.2 only requires the valve to be accessible and that the connection be located at the end of the most remote sprinkler. Accessible isn't a defined term so you should ask your inspector the question.

 

[chicopee]

Be accessible, in a secured location such as a closet with a lock, so that no one, other the authorized person, can open that valve.

 

[Duwe6]

Above a lay-in ceiling will usually be deemed 'accessible' if a scissor-lift or scaffold is provided for easy, secure access during the inspection. Ask AHJ, your Inspector. And please remember "Right, wrong, lazy, or stupid, they are still your Inspector">

 

[MatthewJWillis]

Accessible can be a fluid term. The baseline is that no "special" tools are required to perform the ITM. A ladder is a special tool. Although it is accepted above a ceiling for convenience sake, the valve is normally expected to be < 7'-0" AFF. There are references in 13 to substantiate this. A 8.17.4.2 for example. The entire intent of the code as a whole for installation is for the components that need checking/tested to be no more than arm's length. The entire "inspected from floor level" in 25 is a MINIMUM reference. 25 also tells us to get a lift and check closer if conditions exist that cause doubt. The Inspector, as mentioned, is the final check-mark. I have done tons of inspections with the valve above the ceiling. It really is no problem. Don't forget the label on the T-Grid. Make that PERMENANT as you can.

R/
Matt

 

[TravisMack]

Why do we still have an inspector's test valve at the end of system on dry systems where the capacity is less than 750 gallons? Per NFPA 13, you don't have to meet 60 seconds for systems less than 500 gallons. Also, you don't have to meet 60 seconds for systems >500 gal and less than 750 gal, but you must have an accelerator.

I see the value and importance when you have a time to delivery you are trying to meet. However, this just seems like a remnant that hasn't been pulled from the standard as things have modified over time.



Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

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[MatthewJWillis]

You are thinking new my friend. We need this valve here because of the record it will keep. There is no time requirement, (I tried my best to fail a system in a high school one time, 5:30, no action.)
Each year the trip time is recorded. It shows a pattern much like pump flow tests. System degradation and build-up will appear slowly and trip times will increase. This is an indication to move to flushing of piping and internal. It is a record keeping device. Nothing more.