PRESSURE REGULATING DEVICES By: Sgt. Larry Baker FF/Medic Len Clowser FF/EMT Terry Orndorff

OBJECTIVES Understand how Pressure Regulating Devices (PRDs) work Understand how Pressure Regulating Devices (PRDs) work Overcome the limitations of PRDs. Overcome the limitations of PRDs. Identify structures in the City of Winchester with PRDs. Identify structures in the City of Winchester with PRDs.

Automatic Sprinkler Systems Automatic Sprinkler Systems control 96% of fires in sprinklered structures Automatic Sprinkler Systems control 96% of fires in sprinklered structures What do we do with the other 4%? What do we do with the other 4%?

One Meridian Plaza Occurred:  February 23, 1991  Philadelphia, PA Tragedy:  3 Firefighter Fatalities  1 Occupant Fatality

One Meridian Plaza FACTS  Fire started on the 22 nd floor  Destroyed 8 floors  10 sprinkler heads  A 5” supply line was stretched to the 22 nd floor  After 10 hrs, changed to a defensive operation  Fire was extinguished from adjoining buildings  TOTAL LOSS: 2 Billion dollars

So, what went wrong? Inoperable equipment Inoperable equipment –Lighting –Elevators –Pumps Pressure reducing devices Pressure reducing devices –Reduced the discharge pressure on the night of the fire to 60 psi

WHAT DID WE LEARN? Because of this tragedy at One Meridian Plaza, PRD’s received a lot of attention. The fire service recognized these devices as a potentially serious problem! Because of this tragedy at One Meridian Plaza, PRD’s received a lot of attention. The fire service recognized these devices as a potentially serious problem!

3 Basic Types Pressure control valves Pressure control valves Pressure reducing valves Pressure reducing valves Pressure restricting devices Pressure restricting devices

The Bad News If the static pressure at a standpipe connection exceeds 175 psi, according to NFPA 13/14, the pressure needs to be reduced to a maximum of 100 psi

The Good News We can adjust the pressure or simply remove the PRD. We can adjust the pressure or simply remove the PRD. Outside the box – with 100 psi, that is more than enough pressure to flow a Outside the box – with 100 psi, that is more than enough pressure to flow a 2 ½” line with a smooth bore nozzle

PRDs in the City of Winchester Winchester Medical Center Winchester Medical Center 333 W. Cork Street 333 W. Cork Street Likelihood of more Likelihood of more

Winchester Medical Center Two different types; both work on the same principle. Two different types; both work on the same principle. Both are mechanical limiting devices that work by limiting the valve from being fully opened Both are mechanical limiting devices that work by limiting the valve from being fully opened

Winchester Medical Center

Removal

333 W. Cork Street All 1 ½” connections are limited to 70 psi for the old class II, occupant connection. All 1 ½” connections are limited to 70 psi for the old class II, occupant connection. These cabinets do not have an adjustment and are not intended for Fire Department use. These cabinets do not have an adjustment and are not intended for Fire Department use. Class I connections are approximately 20’ from a class II connection. Class I connections are approximately 20’ from a class II connection. Cabinets that are not close to a class I connection have an approved class I connection at the lower left corner. Cabinets that are not close to a class I connection have an approved class I connection at the lower left corner.

333 W. Cork Street

CONCLUSION Now that we know these devices are in place and the tragedy they can cause when we are not aware of their existence, lets continually keep our eyes open and inform others and take the appropriate action if PRDs are located.