Supervisory requirements on sprinkler valves? 1

[ContractorDave]

Hello. Are sprinkler control valves required by code to be wired into the supervisory of the FAP? If so can someone give me the code and section and perhaps some information on when it became code?

 

[FFP1]

It depends on several factors and when the system was originally installed (Grandfather rule). Look through the Life Safety code for the given occupancy and go from there. In most cases, tamper switches are required for control valves when a supervised level is required.

 

[LCREP]

Well it depends on a lot of factors such as....

The International Building Code which covers new construction requires all sprinkler systems to have electronic supervision.

The International Fire Code which is after the building is constructed also requires electronic supervision.

NFPA 13 which is the sprinkler system installation standard requires some sort of supervision, lock and chain, electronic, etc.

NFPA 25 will require what ever type of supervision to be inspected and tested on a regular bases.

BUT if the local authority has not adopted these codes then nothing maybe required.

Plus whoever is the building owner insurance carrier will also have some sort of requirement.

Check out

http://www.chubb/lcu

for seminars for hands on training that will answer questions like this.

****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too

Not ALL Sprinkler Systems Are Created Equal! An Inadequate Sprinkler Design Is JUST As Bad As A Nonsprinklered Building!! When Occupancies Change So Should The Sprinkler System. See NFPA 25, 2002, Edition, Section 4.1.5, 4.1.6 & 4.1.6.1.

 

[LCREP]

Too early in the AM the correct web address is

http://www.chubb.com/lcu

****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too'

Check out

http://www.chubb.com/lcu

for "Hands on" Fire Protection Seminars

 

[stookeyfpe]

InspLCRep is almost right.

If you have a limited application sprinkler system (< 19 sprinklers), it is not required to be supervised. The same holds true for a NFPA 13 D sprinkler system.

If your automatic sprinkler system is designed to comply with NFPA 13 or 13R, then electric supervision for water flow and valve tamper service are required. The alarm signals must be transmitted to an approved central or proprietary supervising station.

And one more correction: The IFC does apply to new construction. The belief that it is only applies to new construction is completely incorrect. Sorry to sound harsh but you cannot build or renovate a building without reviewing the requirements of the IBC and IFC.

 

[ContractorDave]

Thanks, but perhaps I wasn't quite specific enough. On older systems you had no option between supervisory or trouble signals. A valve could be tampered with and as long as the signal wiring was restored to normal, then no one would be the wiser. Now this option exists and I was wondering if it was addressed in code anywhere.

 

[cdafd]

QUE?????


"Thanks, but perhaps I wasn't quite specific enough. On older systems you had no option between supervisory or trouble signals. A valve could be tampered with and as long as the signal wiring was restored to normal, then no one would be the wiser. Now this option exists and I was wondering if it was addressed in code anywhere. "

 

[ContractorDave]

My apologies cdafd, I do not understand the "QUE?????"

The part of Canada I live in does not recognize IBC/IFC (we are behind the times eh?). Our NBC and our NFC recognize NFPA 13 1995 ed, which in itself is quite specific about the supervision of control valves. I was wondering though if the wiring of a control valve to the 'supervisory' function of the alarm panel (as opposed to the flow switch cover tamper to the 'trouble') is addressed anywhere yet?
Thx

 

[stookeyfpe]

Lightech

No. If your system was constructed under an older version of the code which did not require a discreet signal between a trouble versus a supervisory signal, neither the IFC nor NFPA 72 require you to bring the installation up to the current code.

Now if the owner decides to replace and upgrade the fire detection and alarm system, at that time the arrangement of the valve tamper switches would need to comply with the adopted edition of the fire code and NFPA 72.

 

[riskengr]

As everyone else has indicated, you need to check with the local fire code. It will define when/where electronic supervision or an alternative (locking and additional inspections)is required. Only go to NFPA 25 if it's valve supervision requirements are referenced by the local code.

Services provided include: Fire Protection Engineering, Emergency Response Planning, Fire Investigation and Process Safety Management.

 

[DavidCR]

In a NFPA Journal article I read that it is a requirement following NFPA 101 life code depending on the ocupation and the kind protection required. Following other NFPA codes 72, 13, etc. You have several options regarding the condition and AHJ. So the key should be in the 101 Life Code.