Periodic hydrostatic testing of fire department connections

[SprinklerDesigner2]

The owner of a facility is claiming the local authority having jurisdiction is requiring a periodic hydrostatic test of the existing fire department connection.

System is a standard Plain Jane wet system with the fire department connection connected to the wet riser.

I know hydrostatic tests of 200 psi, or 50 psi above normal pressure if above 150 psi, are required by NFPA #13 for new installations but I've never heard of periodic tests being required.

Anyone ever hear of such a thing?

 

[cdafd]

Maybe backflushing or flushing of them???

we do require backflush if we think ther may be something in it


12.7 Fire Department Connections.
12.7.1 Fire department connections shall be inspected quarterly. The inspection shall verify the following:
(1) The fire department connections are visible and accessible.
(2) Couplings or swivels are not damaged and rotate smoothly.
(3) Plugs or caps are in place and undamaged.
(4) Gaskets are in place and in good condition.
(5) Identification signs are in place.
(6) The check valve is not leaking.
(7) The automatic drain valve is in place and operating properly.
(8) The fire department connection clapper(s) is in place and operating properly.
12.7.2 If fire department connection plugs or caps are not in place, the interior of the connection shall be inspected for obstructions, and it shall be verified that the fire department connection clapper is operational over its full range.
12.7.3 Components shall be repaired or replaced as necessary in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Any obstructions that are present shall be removed.

 

[FFP1]

This is the first time I have heard of any AHJ requesting this sort of testing (outside of new installation or significant system alterations of course).

A telephone call and a civil discussion with the AHJ is probably your best solution.

 

[cdafd]

SprinklerDesigner2

one other question is it a yard fdc/ remote from the building???

 

[SprinklerDesigner2]

Cdafd,

It's on the building.

 

[cdafd]

if on the building sounds like a waste of time!!!!!!!!!

Might as well hydro the entire system, and I guess how would you isolate a single riser building??? so you do not hydor the entire building!!!


sure they do not want it backflushed???

 

[SprinklerDesigner2]

I found the problem and it is not with the local official but the company inspecting their systems.

The system in question is a single story nursing home with a wet pipe sprinkler system having a fire department connection on the wall as we normally see done.

It is as simple as it gets.

The inspection company quoting NFPA #25 (2002 Edition) Chapter 6, specifically section 6.3.2.1, as the reason the dry portion system of the fire department connection, which they are calling standpipe, requires hydrostatic testing at 5 year intervals. This rally ticks me off. How could this be a "simple mistake"?

Anyway, while it doesn't apply to anything but standpipe/hose systems, here's the appropriate section from Chapter 6.

Chapter 6 Standpipe and Hose Systems

6.1 General.
This chapter shall provide the minimum requirements for the routine inspection, testing, and maintenance of standpipe and hose systems. Table 6.1 shall be used to determine the minimum required frequencies for inspection, testing, and maintenance.

6.3.2 Hydrostatic Tests.
6.3.2.1 Hydrostatic tests at not less than 13.8-bar (200-psi) pressure for 2 hours, or at 3.4 bar (50 psi) in excess of the maximum pressure, where maximum pressure is in excess of 10.3 bar (150 psi), shall be conducted every 5 years on dry standpipe systems and dry portions of wet standpipe systems.

 

[cdafd]

I just love companies thatdo stuff like this

 

[FFP1]

It is fairly easy to take business away from a company who does not focus on the best interest of their customers!!

 

[MGXFP]

Claiming an FDC connection is a standpipe is new to me.

We did have an AHJ once refuse to give our customer occupancy until we did a hydrostatic test on all of the drain piping. Can't imagine why pipe that vents to the atmosphere needs to withstand high pressure but I'm no AHJ.

 

[ContractorDave]

For clarification, and the likes of FPP1 and SD2 are fully aware of this, NFPA is NOT the be all and end all when it comes to what is required for sprinkler systems. The AHJ, which can be any number of authorities, calls the shots.

One of my greatest gripes is with companies who assume the title of inspection firms ... but do inspections based on an installation standard. They have no idea why a particular system was installed the way it was, but they'll call everything in 'the book' as a deficiency.

Regards
Dave

 

[NJ1]

To my understanding as a Level III NIcet, NFPA 25 requires dry standpipes and or dry portions of wet systems connections is to be tested at 200 psi every 5 years. The informal interpretation is that the code does not specifies the size of the system so that requirement applies to even domestic, residential, multi story, etc.