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    • PLUMBING FIXTURE COUNTS
    • QUICK RESPONSE AREA REDUCTION
    • REMOTE AREA ANALYZER*
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    • SPRINKLER FLOW*
    • SYSTEM ESTIMATOR*
    • TEST & DRAIN CALCULATOR
    • THRUST BLOCK CALCULATOR
    • TRAPEZE CALCULATOR
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    • VOLUME & COMPRESSOR CALCULATOR
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    • WATER SUPPLY (METRIC)
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Design Challenge #1: Senior Living Unit

1/29/2018

 
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

Senior Living Unit
​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 info@meyerfire.com. 

Want More Like This?
If you haven't already, you can subscribe to these posts here, or forward to a friend who might be interested.
​

Sprinkler Scenario to Debut Next Week

1/26/2018

 
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.

Solutions for the Overlooked Forward-Flow Test

1/10/2018

 
Backflow preventers are included in fire sprinkler systems to protect public health from contamination by preventing water flow back into the public water grid. In an opposite manner, the forward-flow test for backflow preventers was created to ensure the sprinkler system can be served by enough water in a fire condition. 

Backflow preventers (double check or reduced pressure zone) type have potential to fail closed where not exercised over long periods of time. Reduced pressure zone backflow preventers are particularly susceptible with the potential for development of closed memory in their spring mechanisms.
Fire Sprinkler Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Backflow Preventer
Reduced Pressure Zone type backflow preventers are especially important to exercise spring mechanisms to ensure full forward flow will be available in a fire condition (Ames/Watts 4000SS Model Shown)

The Test Requirement
​

NFPA 25 (2002 Edition Section 12.6.2.1, 2008-2014 Section 13.6.2.1, 2017 Section 13.7.2.1) requires annual testing of the backflow preventer at the designated system flow rate, including hose demand, where hydrants or inside hose stations are located downstream of the backflow preventer. Where a means is not provided at maximum demand, test shall be conducted at the maximum flow rate possible (NFPA 25 20002 Edition Section 12.6.2.2.1, 2008-2011 Section 13.6.2.2, 2014 Section 13.6.3, 2017 Section 13.7.2.3).
​
Fire Sprinkler Double Check Backflow Preventer
Section of interior of Double Check Backflow Preventer (single tube style shown from Ames/Watts 757 Model)

The Design Requirement
​

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.

Fire Sprinkler Riser Assembly
Option 2: Provide a bypass around the check valve serving the fire sprinkler system with a supervised, normally-closed valve to enable forward flow tests out the fire department connection.

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
​

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.
Hose Connections on Fire Sprinkler Riser
Option 3: Provide hose connections on the system riser itself allows hoses to be attached and run out of the building.
Option 4: Size the Main Drain to Handle the Forward Backflow Test
​

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.

Fire Test Header
Option 5: Perhaps the cleanest option, run a dedicated test header to the exterior of the building for the backflow preventer achieves the intent of the forward backflow test

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.
Fire Standpipe Hose Connection
Option 6: Using standpipe hose connections is a built-in way to run the forward flow test for backflow preventers, but requires multiple hoses and a coordinated effort for testing

Summary
​

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.

Interested in more articles like this? Subscribe for free here.


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.

Most Popular Articles

1/3/2018

 
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:
1. ​Advantages of Return Bends in Fire Sprinkler Systems
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  • Purpose of Return Bends
  • Advantages of Return Bends
  • When to Use Them
2. Slope Requirements for Fire Sprinkler Pipe
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  • Summary of pipe slope requirements
  • Refrigerated vs Non-Refrigerated Areas
3. Breakout of a Floor Control Riser Assembly
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  • Purpose and requirements for valves, drain pipe, inspector's tests, heights, and waterflow switches
4. Sprinkler Ceiling Obstructions
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  • Basic obstruction calculator for determining ceiling-mounted ceiling obstructions
  • Covers pendents, sidewalls, uprights
  • Includes extended coverage, residential, and standard sprinklers
5. Solving Noise from Dry-System Compressors
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  • Common issues with dry sprinkler systems
  • Causes and fixes for leaky systems
  • New product recommendation
6. Components of a Fire Sprinkler
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  • Identification of parts and common variations in fire sprinklers
  • Purpose of each component of a sprinkler
7. Sprinkler Design for Elevators
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  • Sprinkler location requirements
  • Code References for sources
8. New Occupant Load Factors Coming to NFPA 101
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  • Origins of the Load Factor for Business
  • History of Load Factor Changes
  • Discussion and Resolution for Latest Requirements
9. Details and Requirements of the Inspector's Test
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  • Inspector's Test and Drain Components
  • Purpose of Each Component
10. The Other (Easy) Way to Space a Smoke Detector
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  • Methods for Spacing Smoke Detectors
  • Discussion on the less-used smoke detector spacing allowance

​Want to see more articles like this? Subscribe to our Weekly Articles or forward to a friend.
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Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

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The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

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  • Blog
  • Forum
  • THE TOOLKIT
    • SUBMIT AN IDEA
    • BACKFLOW DATABASE*
    • CLEAN AGENT ESTIMATOR*
    • CLOUD CEILING CALCULATOR
    • DOMESTIC DEMAND*
    • FIRE FLOW CALCULATOR*
    • FIRE PUMP ANALYZER*
    • FIRE PUMP DATABASE*
    • FRICTION LOSS CALCULATOR
    • HANGER SPACER*
    • IBC TRANSLATOR*
    • K-FACTOR SELECTOR*
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('19 ONLY)
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('99-'22)*
    • LIQUIDS ANALYZER*
    • OBSTRUCTION CALCULATOR
    • OBSTRUCTIONS AGAINST WALL*
    • PLUMBING FIXTURE COUNTS
    • QUICK RESPONSE AREA REDUCTION
    • REMOTE AREA ANALYZER*
    • SPRINKLER DATABASE*
    • SPRINKLER FLOW*
    • SYSTEM ESTIMATOR*
    • TEST & DRAIN CALCULATOR
    • THRUST BLOCK CALCULATOR
    • TRAPEZE CALCULATOR
    • UNIT CONVERTER
    • VOLUME & COMPRESSOR CALCULATOR
    • WATER STORAGE*
    • WATER SUPPLY (US)
    • WATER SUPPLY (METRIC)
  • UNIVERSITY
    • ABOUT
    • CATALOG
    • CONTENT LIBRARY
  • PE Exam
    • PE Forum & Errata
    • PE Store
    • PE Tools
    • PE Prep Series
    • PE 100-Day Marathon
  • LOGIN
  • PRICING
    • SOFTWARE & TRAINING
    • STORE
  • THE CAUSE
    • ABOUT US
    • BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
    • HELP/SUPPORT