Spring loaded check valve in 13D system

[TravisMack]

Can anyone come up with any reason why a spring loaded check valve would not be allowed in a residential 13D system? This was from a project in Stookey's old jurisdiction. A sprinkler system was installed in a home. The plans received approval. The sprinkler contractor installed one of the residential riser systems that has the check valve, flow switch, test-n-drain assembly. The inspector would not allow it because the check valve was spring loaded. They demanded that the check valve be removed from the assembly and replaced with a swing check valve.

Now, any backflow preventer is going to have spring loaded checks, so why is there any reason that a spring loaded check would not be acceptable on a residential fire sprinkler system. Per 13D, the check valve is not required to be listed.

Any ideas? Something I am not aware of?

 

[stookeyfpe]

Travis

I never knew why this was a problem because it is allowed by NFPA 13D. And thanks for clarifying that it was in my old jurisdiction - I'm not there anymore.

You got an inspector who has been told to require by one person and has also be told not to do it by others. They are confused.

Got a permit number and I'll see what I can do for you. (Then again I can be completely wrong).

 

[cdafd]

do not see a problem with it, show the inspector that it is listed for fp use.

get a manufactuer shheet and see if it tells you when the spring activates.

the only concern maybe what pressure it takes to open and wht the house system can stand, which I know master scott will tell us. should be 175 psi, but I know they are only required to hydro to city main pressure.

 

[TravisMack]

Stookey:

I will track down the permit number. The valve has already been switched out as the owner needed to get a green tag so he could get power to his security system. The house had been broken into 2 times while under construction. He wanted to get his security system turned on.

I just don't want this to happen in the future. This particular home was the VP of a large Mechanical / sprinkler company in the Metro area. He did the system because he wanted it, not because it was required. The run around by the inspectors left a sour taste with him for residential sprinklers.