1. Acceptance Testing
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2. Acceptance Testing of Fire Protection Systems 101
Touch on all types of Fire Sprinkler of systems
Fire Pumps and Standpipes
Requirements for Acceptance Testing per NFPA and the State Fire Marshal
Industry Jargon and Common terminology
State Rules- Texas Insurance Code Chapter 6003 & 28 TAC SS
Information in these slides comes from NFPA Standards 13, 14 and 20

3. Defining Terms “Authority Having Jurisdiction” Listed and Approved
“Shall” vs. “Should”
Hydrostatic Testing And Cover
Add and Relocates (Remodels) vs. New System installs
Main Drain Test

4. Control Valve Testing
Tagging Requirements
System Type- Wet, Dry, Preaction and Deluge with specific differences and required tests for each
Specific Application System- ESFR, Control Mode, Residential, Double Interlock, etc

5. Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
3.2.2* “An organization, office or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure”

6. Examples: Fire Chief, Fire Marshal Labor Department
Health Department- TDADS
Building Official, Electrical Inspector, Plumbing Inspector
Insurance Organizations and their Representatives
Commanding Officer on Base

7. Anyone with a vested interest in the system performing as intended
…essentially…
Anyone with a vested interest in the system performing as intended

8. Listed
3.2.2* “Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction”….

9. Approved Approved Materials
3.2.1 “Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction”
Approved Materials
All materials and methods for installation are to conform to Chapter 6 of NFPA or the individual product listings and approvals. When in doubt……..

10. …Make the installing contractor prove it to your satisfaction!!!!
If it looks incorrect, it probably is
Be wary of new products, have contractor provide cut sheets when in doubt
Good review with thorough walk through at hydro at end of job

11. Your interpretation of the codes and standards is to be met or proven incorrect- codes/ standards are in writing- not inferred
Sometimes corners are cut by unscrupulous contractors
Some poor installs are mistakes or “human error” - BUT….

12. Report repeat offenders to the State Fire Marshal’s office!!!
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13. REMEMBER…
You are the last line of defense to ensure the end user gets what they expect and paid for!!! These are your customers, you are their expert!
Poor installs fail annual inspections and cost the owner money later for repairs

14. Shall Should 3.2.4 “Indicates a mandatory requirement.”
3.2.5 “Indicates a recommendation or that which advised but not required.”

15. System Acceptance
Acceptance Testing of systems is contained in Chapter 24 of NFPA Edition
All required tests are listed, but required extra heads and some paperwork is not.

16. Hydrostatic Test
Section “All piping and attached appurtenances subjected to system working pressure shall be hydrostatically tested at 200 psi (13.8 bar) and shall maintain that pressure without loss for two hours”

17. Section Portions of systems normally subjected to working pressures in excess of 150 psi (10.4 bar) shall be tested as described in at a pressure of 50 psi (3.5 bar) in excess of working pressure

18. Things to watch at Hydro
Need to know expected pump churn pressure and expected system working pressure, are PRV’s required?
Hydrostatic test pressure is taken at the bottom of the system, not the top (Section )

19. Know the limits of the materials- pressure limitations of fittings and sprinkler heads
If there is freeze potential, an interim pneumatic air test at 40 psi can be conducted for 24 hours per This does not remove or replace the requirement for a hydrostatic test.

20. This test is referred to as a “Hydro Test” or “Cover Inspection”
All systems require this type of test- Sprinkler, Standpipe, Pump
In new construction the pipe should not be covered up during the test
A procedure for removing “test blanks” must be in place

21. Retrofits are typically covered up
Retrofits are typically covered up. These are existing buildings and not all areas are accessible. Use your own judgment.
Walk systems during the two hour test, look for leaks. Small leaks are not cause for concern.
Excessive water leakage and pressure drop are cause for failure and re-test of system

22. Hydro Test Procedure
Contractor should have system pumped up above 200 psi or 50 above working pressure, prior to your arrival to remove air pockets
Note Pressure on gauge upon arrival.
Walk system- look for leaks.

23. While walking system, note areas that are in need of repair or changes required in the system to installing contractor.
At end of two hour period, note pressure (loss if any). Have Contractor drain system to zero the gauge out in your presence.

24. Things to Keep in Mind
FDC piping is often overlooked- Needs to be 150psi after repair/ replacement- Sec
Temperature changes affect system pressure during hydro.
Trapped air in the system takes time to escape, if the system has not been pumped up for some time then air will escape.

25. Add and Relocates
“Modifications affecting 20 or fewer sprinklers shall not require testing in excess of system working pressure”

26. Per Section Modifications above 20 sprinklers, isolate the affected portion of the system and hydro
Per Section Modifications that cannot be isolated (i.e.. Relocated drops) shall not require tested in excess of system working pressure

27. Main Drain Test
“The main drain valve shall be opened and remain open until system pressure stabilizes”
“The static and residual pressures shall be recorded on the contractor’s material and test certificate”
Use the bottom gauge

28. Often overlooked
Required on State “white tags”
Provides baseline water supply test information to measure water supply deterioration in subsequent NFPA 25 Inspections.
This is required on all systems! The importance cannot be stressed enough!

29. Size of main drains
Table Drain Size_________ Riser or Main Size Size of Drain Connection Up to 2 in. 3⁄4 in. or larger 21⁄2 in., 3 in., 31⁄2 in. 11⁄4 in. or larger 4 in. and larger 2 in. only No test orifices on main drains!!!! Need fully open for Main Drain Test. Listed Test and drain assemblies are acceptable if capable of full flow.

30. Operational Tests Referred to as a “Final”
While performing this test, an inspection should be performed. Things to look for:
Loaded or painted sprinkler heads
Adequate coverage of all spaces
Missing pieces or incorrect install
Tamper and flow switch operation
Fire Alarm System should be on “Test”

31. Walk the space- Check head coverage
Light Hazard
225 Sq Ft
Max. 15’ X 15’
Ordinary Hazard
130 Sq Ft
Max. 15 ft X 8’-8”

32. Storage, ESFR, Control Mode
Extra Hazard
100 Sq Ft
Max. 10’ X 10’ or 12 X 8’-4”
Storage, ESFR, Control Mode
Look up each individual section- these change often
Request the sprinkler cut sheet from the Contractor- these are specific application and may have some special requirements

33. Obstructions Depending on the type of head and the obstruction
Refer to Chapter 8 in NFPA 13- ’07.
All types of heads are broken down individually

35. Alarm Initiating Devices

36. Testing Alarm Switches
Inspector’s test connection should have at least 1 inch pipe connected to a corrosion resistant orifice equal to the size of the smallest orifice on the system.
Open ITC all the way, alarm should sound in less than 5 minutes

37. If bell goes off too quick, have contractor adjust delay on alarm device to account for water hammer in city water to avoid nuisance alarms.
Ensure cover is on WF switch after test is performed
Call the monitoring company- verify signals are correct for the space/ bldg

38. Valve Tamper Switches

39. Testing Tamper Switches
“Valves on connections to water supplies, sectional control valves, and other valves in supply pipes to sprinklers and other fixed water based fire suppression systems shall be supervised by one of the following:”

40. Central station, proprietary, or remote station signaling at a constantly attended point
Local signaling service that will cause the sounding of an audible signal at a constantly attended point
Valves locked in the correct position
Valves in fenced enclosures under the owner’s control

41. Testing Tampers
“All control valves shall be fully closed and opened under system water pressure to ensure proper operation”
Check the valve operation
Check Tamper operation and signal to monitoring company

42. 24.2.4- Pressure Reducing Valves

43. Common Misinterpretation
PRV’s should be a Pressure Reducing Valve- NOT Restricting or Relief Valve
True PRV’s Reduce pressure under both Flow and Static Conditions
NFPA 14-’07 Sec
NFPA 13-’07 Sec

44. Where Required
Sprinkler-When working pressure exceeds 175 psi unless all downstream components are rated for the higher pressure
Standpipe-For Fire Hose Valves where pressure exceeds 175 psi on 2-1/2” FHV’s pressure shall be limited to 100 psi- 1-1/2” valves can be of regulating type

46. PRV Requirements- Fire Sprinkler
Pressure gauges shall be on the inlet and outlet sides of each pressure reducing valve
A relief valve of not less than ½” shall be provided on the discharge side set to operate at a pressure not exceeding 175 psi.

47. A listed indicating valve shall be provided on the inlet side of each PRV, unless the PRV meets the listing requirements for use as an indicating valve.
Means shall be provided downstream of all PRV’s for flow tests at sprinkler demand

48. Acceptance Testing PRV’s
Each pressure-reducing valve shall be tested upon completion of installation to insure proper operation under flow and no-flow conditions.
Testing shall verify device regulates outlet at maximum and normal conditions

49. The results of the flow test of each PRV shall be recorded on the contractor’s material and test certificate
The results shall include the static and residual inlet pressures, static and residual outlet pressures and the flow rate

50. Standpipe Hose Valve PRV’s- NFPA 14-’07 11.5.4
Ask for PRV Testing Logs to show work was completed
NFPA requires 1-1/2” hose valves residual pressure limited to 100 psi and 2-1/2” hose valves static and residual pressure limited to 100 psi where pressure exceeds 175 psi

51. Backflow Prevention Assemblies-8.17.4.6
A Where backflow prevention devices are installed, they should be in an accessible location to provide service and maintenance

52. Means shall be provided downstream of all backflow prevention valves for flow tests at system demands
A describes the describes the methods available- essentially ensuring the backflow will not restrict the system demand

53. Backflow Prevention Assemblies
Where are they Required???
Section references AWWA M14, Recommended Practice for Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control and the public Health AHJ requirements

54. Backflow Prevention Acceptance Testing-24.2.5
The backflow prevention assembly shall be forward flow tested to ensure proper operation.
The minimum flow rate shall be the system demand, including hose stream …

55. A copy of the state or local test report performed by a TCEQ approved tester should be attached to the riser
An approved inspection by the local Health AHJ should be provided prior to final.

56. Circulating Closed Loop Systems
These are covered in 24.3.
Requires certification of pressure ratings for auxiliary devices and proof of pressure test in all modes of operation
Discharge tests to be per the five minute requirement

57. Wet Pipe System For Heated Buildings Commercial Industrial Residential
Hospitals
Educational
Retail
Most Common Sprinkler System
Easiest to Maintain and Operate
Requires the Least Amount of Testing
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58. Wet System
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59. Wet System Tests and Requirements
Hydrostatic and Cover
Walkthrough and Final
Operational (Alarms, Tamper, Main Drain Test)
Confirm Code compliance
Ensure correct number of spare heads are left on site per NFPA Section Dry heads not required. Sprinkler Wrench is.

60. Wet System Riser Reqt’s
New systems to have White Tag and Blue ITM Tag
All additions over 20 heads are to have a new white tag added
Hydraulic Placard and General Information Sign
PRV test tags on each PRV
Backflow certification and Inspection by Plumbing Dept

61. Dry Pipe System For Non-Heated Buildings Commercial Industrial
Parking Garages
Building Exteriors
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62. Dry Pipe System
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63. Dry System Tests and Requirements -24.2.2
Hydrostatic and Cover
Walkthrough and Final
Operational (Alarms, Tamper, Main Drain Test)
Confirm Code compliance
Ensure correct number of spare heads are left on site per NFPA Section Dry heads not required. Sprinkler Wrench is.

64. Dry Systems Also Require
In addition to 200 psi hydrostatic test- an air leakage test is required
40 psi of air for 24 hours- any leakage in excess of 1-1/2 psi shall be corrected

65. System Operational Test
covers operational test
Trip test of valve and any quick opening devices- time how long it takes for water to be discharged from the inspector’s test connection.
Verify it is per and record it on the Contractor’s Material and Test Certificate

66. Water Delivery per NFPA 13- 2007
Table Dry System Water Delivery
Hazard
Number of Most Remote Sprinklers Initially Open
Maximum Time of Water Delivery
Residential 1
15 seconds
Light
60 seconds
Ordinary I 2
50 seconds
Ordinary II
Extra I 4
45 seconds
Extra II
High piled
40 seconds

67. Air Compressor Testing
The air supply shall have a capacity capable of restoring normal air pressure in the system within 30 minutes
A When a single compressor serves multiple systems, the 30 minute fill time is based in the largest system

68. Dry System Riser Reqt’s
New systems to have White Tag and Blue ITM Tag
All additions over 20 heads are to have a new white tag added
Hydraulic Placard and General Information Sign
PRV test tags on each PRV
Backflow certification and Inspection by Plumbing Dept

69. Pre Action System For Environmentally Sensitive Areas Computer Rooms
Surgical Suites
Tele-Data Switch Rooms
Fine Art Storage Rooms
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70. Pre Action System
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71. Preaction Requirements -24.2.3.3
Hydrostatic and Cover
Walkthrough and Final
Operational (Alarms, Tamper, Main Drain Test)
Confirm Code compliance
Ensure correct number of spare heads are left on site per NFPA Section Dry heads not required. Sprinkler Wrench is.

72. Preaction Systems Also Require
Test the preaction valve operation in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions- ask for literature if there is any questions on operation
Test manual and remote control activation- this can be electric, pneumatic or a combination

73. Also needs to maintain a minimum supervisory pressure of 7 psi.
Is the piping supervised? Sec requires supervision to ensure system integrity.
If supervisory air or nitrogen is used- it needs to conform to for dry systems…
30 minute refill requirement.
Also needs to maintain a minimum supervisory pressure of 7 psi.

74. Preaction Riser Reqt’s
New systems to have White Tag and Blue ITM Tag
All additions over 20 heads are to have a new white tag added
Hydraulic Placard and General Information Sign
PRV test tags on each PRV
Backflow certification and Inspection by Plumbing Dept

75. Deluge System For Highly Flammable Areas Aircraft Hangers
Solvent Processing
Dynamite Plants
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76. Deluge System
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77. Deluge System Requirements -24.2.3.3
Hydrostatic and Cover
Walkthrough and Final
Operational (Alarms, Tamper, Main Drain Test)
Confirm Code compliance
Ensure correct number of spare heads are left on site per NFPA Section Dry heads not required. Sprinkler Wrench is.

78. Deluge Systems Also Require
Test the deluge valve operation in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions- ask for literature if there is any questions on operation
Test manual and remote control activation- this can be electric, pneumatic or hydraulic

79. Flow Testing of the system to ensure hydraulic performance
Flow Testing of the system to ensure hydraulic performance. Calibrated gauges are to be used at different points on the system
These gauge readings are to be compared to the hydraulic calculations
Detection devices are to be automatically supervised

80. Deluge Riser Reqt’s New systems to have White Tag and Blue ITM Tag
All additions over 20 heads are to have a new white tag added
Hydraulic Placard and General Information Sign
PRV test tags on each prv
Backflow certification and Inspection by Plumbing Dept

81. Standpipe System For Multi-level Buildings Per AHJ
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82. Stand Pipe System
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83. Standpipe System Tests and Requirements
Hydrostatic and Cover
Walkthrough and Final
Operational (Alarms, Tamper, Main Drain Test)
Confirm Code compliance and hose thread compatibility
Flow test through roof manifold testing approved water source- fire pump, FD pumper truck, etc.

84. PRV tests. Ask for test log
Main Drain flow tests- record on material test certificate
Dry and semi automatic shall be trip tested to deliver 250 GPM at the hydraulically most remote hose connection within 3 minutes
Air testing applies per dry systems in NFPA 13

85. Open and close each valve manually- make sure hose caps are on prior to testing
Check for proper signage

86. Fire Pump
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88. Fire Pump Tests and Requirements
Per NFPA Edition Chapter 14
Piping to be hydrostatically tested per NFPA 13 req’s
All piping sizes to be verified per table 5.25 (a) by rated pump flow

90. All factory supplier representatives are to be in attendance during field acceptance tests- AHJ should be notified
As a minimum, proof of the initial startup and field acceptance test report should be provided at Fire Marshal final

91. A copy of the certified pump test characteristic curve shall be available for comparison of the field acceptance test.
Compare the curves to ensure the pump meets it’s factory specs.

92. Pump shall be run at minimum, rated and peak loads
How is this determined??
Minimum is 0 GPM or churn
Rated is the rating of the pump
i.e GPM pump needs to be tested at 1000 GPM
Maximum is 150 % of pump rating- a 1000 GPM rated pump is capable of 1500 GPM flow

93. Per NFPA , Section Pumps shall furnish not less than 150 percent of rated capacity at not less than 65 percent of total rated head.
The shutoff head shall not exceed 140 percent of rated head for any type of pump.

94. Example 1- Pump is rated for 750 GPM @ 100 psi
150 percent of load-
1.5 X 750 =1125
65 percent of total rated head-
.65 X 100= 65 psi
Pump should provide 65 psi MINIMUM at 1125 GPM

95. Example 2- Maximum Shutoff
100 psi Fire pump
Maximum Shutoff Head-
1.4 X 100 psi= 140 psi
Pump shutoff pressure should not be over 140 psi.

96. Keep in mind that is the Fire Pump shutoff pressure- the jockey of maintenance pump will add 10 more psi to the working pressure of the system

101. Test fire alarm signals in Fire Pump control panel
Pump Run
A/C Power Fail
Phase Reversal
Normal power and alternate power

102. State Requirements
What does 28 TAC §§ – The Fire Sprinkler Rules require for new systems and system modifications?

103. White Original Installation Tag

104. To be affixed to riser after new install or scheduled testing and maintenance.
To remain on riser for the life of the system- provides baseline water flow information for subsequent inspections.
Work for this tag to be filled out by licensed RME-G or RME-I.

105. Blue Inspection Testing and Maintenance Tag

106. To be affixed to riser after new install or scheduled testing and maintenance.
To remain on riser for minimum of five years- only to be removed by employee of authorized firm
Work for this tag to be filled out by licensed RME-G or RME-I.

107. Blue Service Tag

108. To be affixed to riser after every service performed
To remain on riser for minimum of five years- only to be removed by employee of authorized firm
Work for this tag to be filled out by Installer- license not needed
If anything is found to be impaired, a yellow or red tag need to be affixed as well.

109. Contractor’s Material and Test Certificates
Ensure these are filled out in their entirety and affixed to the riser in a protective sheath. The owner will want these at a later date.

114. Hydraulic Placard Used in future work on system
Often lost over the years
Should be metal and permanently marked per NFPA

116. Design Criteria NFPA Codes: 13, 13R, 13D, 14, 20, 22, 24, 25 & 101 UBC
IBC
IFC
Local AHJ’s
Other Jurisdictions – Architect, Engineer & Owner
Insurance Underwriter
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117. Post Construction Inspections and Maintenance
Required per NFPA 25 and all Local Jurisdictions
Texas requires Licensed Inspectors
Identify changes in
Occupancy and use
Ceiling and finishes (i.e.. Painted and loaded heads)
Added building features(Decks, Canopies, Clouds)
Ensure system operation
Find system deficiencies and repair them in a timely
manner
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