MeyerFire
  • 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
Picture

Details and Requirements of the Inspector's Test

9/20/2017

 
You're already familiar with the inspector's test as a required component of a sprinkler system, but today we're diving into the true purpose and details behind this important aspect of a sprinkler system.

The purpose of the Inspector's Test can include: providing the ability to (1) test the sprinkler system's alarm/waterflow device, (2) test the opening of a dry-pipe or pre-action valve (for dry-pipe or pre-action systems systems, of course), (3) test the trip time from when the valve is opened to the arrival of water, where necessary, and (4) can aid in venting trapped air.

The inspector's test can be coupled as an air vent for a wet system or an auxiliary drain, although we'll explore those components in more detail separately.
​
Inspector's Test and Drain
Figure 1: Example arrangement of an inspector's test and drain which is remote from the riser

​Discharge: Used to discharge water during the test or draining of the system. Discharge must:
  • route outside, to a drain capable of handling the flow, or another location where damage will not result (NFPA 13 2002 8.16.4.2.3, 2007-13 8.17.4.2.3, or 2016 8.17.4.1.3)
  • allow for at least 4 feet of exposed pipe between the wall penetration and the operating valve in an adjacent warm room in order to prevent freezing of the valve (NFPA 13 2002 Figure A.8.16.4.2(a), 2007-13 Figure A.8.17.4.2(a), or 2016 Figure A.8.17.4.1(a))
  • consider providing a 45 or 90-degree elbow at the exterior to avoid prolonged horizontal discharge

Drum Drip: Provided for dry or pre-action systems to collect condensate within the system for purging. At a minimum they must be:
  • accessible (NFPA 13 2007-16 8.16.2.5.3.1)
  • provided where the capacity of trapped sections of system piping is more than 5 gallons with a 2 inch x 12 inch condensate nipple (drum drip) or equivalent, or a device listed for this service (NFPA 13 2002 8.15.2.5.3.3, 2007 8.16.2.5.3.4, or 2010-16 8.16.2.5.3.5)
  • be provided with signage at the valve indicating the number and locations of low-point drains (NFPA 13 2007 8.16.2.5.3.6, 2010-16 8.16.2.5.3.7)

Orifice: The orifice (within a sight/site glass) simulates the flow of a single sprinkler in order to ensure that the sprinkler waterflow alarm will activate upon the flow of a single sprinkler. The orifice must:
  • be equal to the smallest orifice of any sprinkler installed on the system (NFPA 13 2002 8.16.4.1.1, 2007-16 8.17.4.1.1 for wet systems, 2002 8.16.4.2.1, 2007-16 8.17.4.2.1 for dry systems, 2010-13 8.17.4.3.3, or 2016 8.17.4.3.3 for pre-action systems)
  • be smooth bore and corrosion resistant (NFPA 13 2002-13 8.17.4.2.1, 2016 8.17.4.1.1 for wet systems, 2002-13 8.17.4.3.1, 2016 8.17.4.2.1  for dry systems, or 2007-13 8.17.4.4.3, 2016 8.17.4.3.3 for pre-action systems)
  • when dry and pre-action systems have specific volumes (under 500 gallons without valve accelerator, or under 750 gallons with an accelerator), the orifice for an inspector's test can be equivalent to one sprinkler. Where the volume is greater and a 'trip-test' is used to time water delivery, then special provisions apply and a one-sprinkler orifice should not be used (NFPA 13 2013 8.17.4.3.4, 2016 8.17.4.2.4 for dry systems, 2013 8.17.4.4.6, 2016 8.17.4.3.6 for pre-action systems)
​
Inspector's Test
Figure 2: Inspector's Test Connection to dry-pipe system when not used as an auxiliary drain

​Sight/Site Glass: typically provided where water discharge is not visible from the control valve (NFPA 13 2002 A.8.16.4.2, 2007-13 A.8.17.4.2, 2016 A.8.17.4.1). As a side note, I don't understand why Drive Thrus and Site Glasses are spelled the way they are, but I don't try to fight the system. Just know that common language often refers to these as 'site' glasses despite not actually referring to a large area of land.

Supply: The supply simply connects the most remote branchline from the riser to the inspector's test (for a remote inspector's test). It must:
  • no less than 1-inch in diameter (NFPA 13 2002 8.16.4.2.1, 2007-13 8.17.4.2.1, 2016 8.17.4.1.1 for wet, 2002 8.16.4.3.1, 2007-13 8.17.4.3.1, 2016 8.17.4.2.1 for dry, and 2007-13 8.17.4.4.3, 2016 8.17.4.3.3 for pre-action systems)
  • FM Global recommends the supply connection be no larger than the smallest branchpipe (to simulate similar waterflow) (FM Global 2-0 2.6.5)
  • When used for dry systems and not as an auxiliary drain, NFPA 13 Annex material suggest tapping the top of the branch line to minimize condensation of water in the drop to the test connection (NFPA 13 2002 Figure A.8.16.4.3, 2007-13 A.8.17.4.3, 2016 A.8.17.4.2)

Tags must:
  • be waterproof metal or rigid plastic with corrosion-resistant wire or chain (NFPA 13 2002-16 6.7.4.1)
  • FM Global suggests tagging the test for the specific system being tested (FM Global 2-0 2.6.5)

Valves:
  • must be readily accessible (NFPA 13 2002 8.16.4.2.2, 2007-2013 8.17.4.2.2, 2016 8.17.4.1.2, FM Global 2-0 2.6.5)
  • are recommended to be no more than 7 feet above finished floor (NFPA 13 2002 A.8.16.4.2, 2007-13 A.8.17.4.2, 2016 A.8.17.4.1)

Wall Penetrations:
  • standard practice suggests properly sealing any exterior wall penetrations for insulative and water barrier needs, and potentially cleaning up any penetrations with escutcheons that offer a clean installed finish.
​
Fire Sprinkler Floor Control Assembly
Figure 3: Inspector's Test and Drain Located at a Floor Control Assembly

​When & Where Required:
inspector's tests are required on each wet, dry, or pre-action sprinkler system:
  • wet systems: located anywhere downstream of the waterflow alarm, which could be at the sprinkler riser or remote from the riser. Some jurisdictions have requirements or preferences to locate the inspector's test remotely from the riser (NFPA 13 2007-13 8.17.4.2.4, 2016 8.17.4.1.4). Note that FM Global systems require wet system inspector's tests to be located remotely from the riser (FM Global 2-0 2.6.5)
  • dry and pre-action systems: located on the end of the most distant sprinkler pipe for each system in the upper story and equipped with accessible shutoff valve, with a plug not less than one-inch with at least one being brass or a nipple and cap (NFPA 13 2010-13 8.17.4.3.2 & .3, 2016 8.17.4.2.2 & .3  for dry, and 2010-13 8.17.4.4.4 & .5, 2016 8.17.4.3.4 & .5  for pre-action systems)
  • inspector's tests are not required for deluge systems, as they have open orifices (No NFPA 13 requirement, FM Global 2-0 2.6.5)

We hope this was helpful. Don't get these? ​Expand your expertise by receiving these straight to your inbox, for free:
Expand My Expertise
Bilal
1/26/2020 10:14:18 am

Hi,
Please explain whether Air release valve is passive or active fire protection system.

Thanks

Joe Meyer
1/27/2020 07:45:23 am

Hi Bilal. An air release valve is a component that helps prevent corrosion for a fire suppression system. As a standalone component it does not offer any notification or suppression capabilities, but in terms of active/passive it could be considered one piece of an active system.


Comments are closed.
    Picture
    Why Sponsor?

    ALL-ACCESS

    Picture
    GET THE TOOLKIT

    SUBSCRIBE

    Get Free Articles via Email:
    + Get calculators, tools, resources and articles
    + Get our PDF Flowchart for Canopy & Overhang Requirements instantly
    Picture
    + No spam
    ​+ Unsubscribe anytime
    I'm Interested In:

    AUTHOR

    Joe Meyer, PE, is a Fire Protection Engineer out of St. Louis, Missouri who writes & develops resources for Fire Protection Professionals. See bio here: About


    FILTERS

    All
    Announcements
    Book Review
    Calculators
    Career
    Course
    Design Challenge
    Fire Alarm
    Fire Events
    Fire Suppression
    Flammable & Combustible Liquids
    Flexible Drops
    Floor Control Valve
    Life Safety
    News
    NICET
    Passive Fire Protection
    PE Exam
    Products
    Site Updates
    Special Hazards
    Sprinkler Systems
    Standpipes
    Tools
    Videos


    ARCHIVES

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015

    RSS Feed

Picture
​Home
Our Cause
The Blog
The Forum
PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit

MeyerFire University
​Pricing
Login
​Support
Contact Us
Picture

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
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.

​MeyerFire, LLC is an International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.

All text, images, and media ​Copyright © 2023 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 
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.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

  • 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