Tips to determine if a system is Pipe scheduled or Hydrualically Calc'd

[Mike Cole]

Hi all,

Is there some tips or tricks to determining if a system is Hydraulically Calculated or Pipe Scheduled?

I know in a perfect world a hydraulic placard would be present, but we all know that is never the case. Especially in old buildings.


I know the obvious of checking main/line sizing and amount of sprinklers to the piping arrangement as noted in NFPA 13. What are some other indicators? Anything in particular to look for?

Michael Cole
Vice President
Cole Fire Protection, Inc.

Chicago IL

 

[TravisMack]

Only way I know is to check line and main sizing. If there is 3/4" steel,then it is a safe bet it was not calculated. I don't think they were doing calcs back when 3/4" steel was allowed. I'm old, but that is before my time.

Travis Mack, SET, CWBSP, RME-G, CFPS
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

 

[MatthewJWillis]

3.5" or 5" pipe were pretty good indicators.

Date of system installation is the biggest.
Back in the day, hydraulics were cost prohibitive. So no one did them.

R/
Matt

 

[chicopee]

With hydraulically calculated systems, there should be plaques per the NFPA code at the sprinkler alarm check valves.