How would you design it? That's the topic this week with our first Design Challenge.

​Here's the project parameters for our theoretical setup:

Codes: 2012 International Building and Fire Code
Standard: NFPA 13 - 2010 Edition
System Type: Wet Pipe System, Fully-Sprinklered
Seismic: Occupancy II, Design Category B
Construction Type: V-B (combustible)
Structure: Solid Engineered Joists
Pipe Type: CPVC or Black Steel
Surroundings: Unit door runs to the common corridor; additional units reside on each side of these units

​Download dimensioned Plan, Reflected Ceiling Plan, & Section (PDF & CAD) of this Sprinkler Scenario here

If these units connect directly to a common corridor, how would you layout the sprinkler & pipe, and any accessories (hangers, fittings, etc) in this area? Describe how you would approach it below in the comments section or submit your concept to enter the challenge. You'll get points towards the new design leaderboard just for entering, with top-voted designs highlighted on our site. Be sure to submit your concept by the end of this Friday.

Voting Next Week
We'll take top designs and post them next week for discussion and voting. These challenges could be a great way to think creatively and learn more about the design and review process.

Future Challenges
Have a scenario you'd like to propose for a future challenge? Send it to us at [email protected]. 

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How do we best learn design, installation and inspection techniques? Repeated exposure to projects, designs, or input from others.

In next week's post we'll debut our first Design Challenge, where we'll reveal a small portion of a building with details. Sprinkler designers (of any age and any location) can propose how he or she would design the system for the proposed building.

Now, here's where installers, plan reviewers and inspectors come in - We'll then take the top few submissions and post them against each other in the following week for a full-on debate about the pros and cons of each submission. After a vote, the creator of the winning design will be revealed and featured on our site.

Step 1: Next Week: Building Area Revealed & Design Submissions Accepted
Step 2: Following Week: Design Submissions Posted, Debate Ensues & Votes Tallied
​Step 3: Winner Revealed
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Are you the hotshot designer? Are you the experienced installer? Are you interested in what frustrates plan reviewers or inspectors? Look for our post next week when we reveal the first Design Challenge.

The Design Requirement
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While testing can be conducted at the maximum attainable flow the system will allow, the system must be designed with a means of conducting this test. In my experience this is one of the most often overlooked requirements within fire sprinkler system design. 

NFPA 13 now requires a way to test the forward flow downstream of all backflow prevention valves at a minimum flow rate of the system demand including hose allowances (2013 Section 7.6.3.2.1, 2016 Section 8.17.4.5.1). Editions of NFPA 13 before 2013 simply stated that the backflow prevention assembly shall be forward flow tested (2002 Section 16.2.5.1, 2007-2011 Section 10.10.2.5.1).

Design Solutions to Accomplish the Forward Flow Test

Option 1: Use the Annual Pump Test and Header (When a Fire Pump is Present)

Perhaps the easiest option to conduct this test is to use a fire pump's test header to flow water out of the building. If the backflow preventer is installed on the service/suction side of the fire pump, then a separate forward flow test is not even required as the annual fire pump test already causes the backflow to be tested (NFPA 25 2002 Section 12.6.2.1.4, 2008-2011 Section 13.6.2.1.4, 2014 Section 13.6.2.1.2, 2017 Section 13.7.2.1.2). However, if the backflow is on the system/discharge side of the fire pump, then running a feed with a normally-closed valve to the fire pump test header allows the test header to serve both the annual fire pump test or the forward-flow backflow test.

Option 2: Bypass the Fire Department Check Valve

NFPA 13 (2016 A.8.17.4.5.1) poses one option to achieve a means for this test with the use of a bypass around the check valve serving the fire department connection. This bypass would need to include a supervised indicating valve that is normally in the closed position.

Providing a bypass around the check valve enables flow to be run out the fire department connection. This works well to take water outside the building and can be directed with testing hoses, however, care should be taken to address clappers inside the fire department connection when they are provided. Some clappers may be removed and replaced in the field to allow a full flow, while others may be directed to allow flow through one side of the fire department connection. Depending upon the system design, this may be a fairly easy method to meet the requirement.

​Option 3: Provide Hose Connections for Testing
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If a riser has exterior access, another method of allowing testing of the backflow would be to provided hose valves on the riser itself. Hose connections could be made onto the valves and run to the exterior of the building for the test. Typically, each 2-1/2 outlet should be able to provide 250 gallons per minute of flow. Small low-hazard systems might only require two hose connections to enable this method.

Option 4: Size the Main Drain to Handle the Forward Backflow Test
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NFPA 13 suggests that upsizing the main drain would provide a means to conduct the backflow test (2016 Section A.8.16.2.4.2). Depending upon the hazard of the system, this may result in a significantly larger opening in the exterior wall for drainage and for most systems would certainly be larger than a typically large 2-inch main drain. I can't imagine many architects like the look of a large downspout nozzle on the building, but it could be much more sightly than several of the other options listed.

Option 5: Install a Designated Backflow Test Header

One clear option that is always available is using a designated test header specifically for the forward flow test. Just like a fire pump test header, this would result in a through-penetration to the exterior where water can be clearly directed. Signage is important for any exterior testing equipment to clearly differentiate itself from fire department connections.

Option 6: Use Standpipe Hose Connections (where provided)

Lastly, where standpipe hose connections are already available in the building, these outlets could provide enough flow to test the backflow preventer. This test could be the most difficult to achieve, however, as doing so would require a coordinated effort with multiple hoses in different locations to flow outside the building.

Summary
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The forward flow test for backflow preventers is one of the most commonly overlooked requirement for fire sprinkler systems which could impact the actual performance of fire sprinkler systems. Solutions, while cost impacting, exist and are readily achievable to meet the requirement.

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More Information

​NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler System, 2013. National Fire Protection Association, 2002-2016 Editions.
NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection, 2002-2017. National Fire Protection Association, 2002-2017 Editions.
Trieber, Bob. “Forward Flow Testing of Backflow Devices.” SQ, no. 4, ser. 2010, July 2010, pp. 11–12. 2010, doi:01/10/18.

We are excited to bring in the new year with some big plans for 2018. This week we're quickly recapping the most-read articles over the past 12 months:

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