Where Are Pressure Gauges in Sprinkler Systems?

We're back this week with an overview of Pressure Gauges in Fire Suppression Systems. NFPA 13, 14, and NFPA 20 provide guidance on where pressure gauges are required, and recommendations for various aspects around pressure gauges. This week's checklist includes various aspects and code references all-around pressure gauges.

What tips & tricks would you recommend surrounding pressure gauges based on your experience? Let us know here.

COMPONENT	NOTES / DESCRIPTION
​Accessible	Accessible: Gauges must be accessible of operation, inspection, testing & maintenance. [NFPA 13 2002-16 §8.1.2, 2019 §16.1.1]
​​Approval / Listing	Approval / Listing: Gauges are no longer required to be listed but must be approved.  [NFPA 13 2002 §6.1.1, 2013-16 §6.1.1.5, 2019 §7.1.1.5]
Freezing	Location: Gauges must be installed where they will not be subject to freezing. [NFPA 13 2002 §8.16.3.4, 2007-16 §8.17.3.4, 2019 §16.13.4, NFPA 14 2000 §3-6.1, 2003 §5.6.1.1, 2007-19 §5.5.1.1]
Rating	Max. Pressure: At least twice the normal system working pressure at location installed. If for a fire pump, also not less than 200 psi (13.8 bar). [NFPA 13 2002 §8.16.3.3, 2007-2016 §8.17.3.3, 2019 §16.13.3, NFPA 20 2003 §5.10.1.2, 2019 §4.12.1.2]
Removal	Removal: Must be located where they can be removed, and the gauge connection must be equipped with a shutoff valve and means for draining. [NFPA 13 2002 §8.16.3.2, .4, 2007-16 §8.17.3.2, .4, 2019 §16.13.2, .4, NFPA 14 2000 §3-6.1, 2003 §5.6.1.2, 2007-19 §5.5.1.2]
Locations in Sprinkler & Standpipe Systems	Backflow Preventer: Before and after each backflow preventer [NFPA 13 2002-16 §7.1.1.2, 2019 §8.1.1.2, NFPA 14 2007-19 §5.5.1.4] Alarm or Riser Check Valve: Above and below each alarm check or system riser check valve, except for floor control assemblies where a gauge is only required downstream (above) from an alarm or check valve. [NFPA 13 2002-16 §7.1.1.2, 2019 §8.1.1.2, NFPA 14 2007-19 §5.5.1.4] Deluge Valve: Below the deluge valve. [NFPA 13 2002-16 §7.3.1.3, 2019 §8.3.1.3, NFPA 14 2007 §5.2.3.5, 2010-19 §5.2.3.4] Dry Valve: Before (water side) and after (air side) of each dry valve, at quick opening devices(s), where the air is received (where provided), at each independent pipe from supply to dry system, and at the air supply. [NFPA 13 2002-16 §7.2.1, 2019 §8.2.1, NFPA 14 2007-19 §5.2.1.1] Main Drain: At each main drain and each drain associated with floor control valve. These each require a gauge shutoff (test-cock) and provisions for draining. [NFPA 13 2002 §8.16.3, 2007-16 §8.17.3, 2019 §16.13, NFPA 14 2003 §5.6.1, 2007-19 §5.5.1] Pre-Action Valve: Above and below each pre-action valve, and on air supply to pre-action valve. [NFPA 13 2002-16 §7.3.1.3, 2019 §8.3.1.3, NFPA 14 2007 §5.2.3.5, 2010-19 §5.2.3.4] Pressure Reducing or Regulating Device: On each side of a pressure-reducing or pressure-regulating device. These each require a gauge shutoff (test-cock) and provisions for draining. For standpipes, pressure gauge outlets must be installed on upstream and downstream side of device.[1] [NFPA 13 2002 §8.15.1.2.2, 8.16.3.1, 2007-16 §8.16.1.2.2, 8.17.3.1, 2019 §16.9.8.2, 16.13.1, NFPA 14 2000 §3-6.2, 2003 §5.6.2, 2007-19 §5.5.2, §7.2.4(6)] Riser: In each system riser. See Riser Assemblies on page 14. [NFPA 13 2002-10 §7.1.1.1, 2019 §8.1.1.1, for exposure systems: 2002 §7.7.7, 2007-13 §7.8.7, 2016 §7.7.7, 2019 §8.7.7] Standpipe Bottom of Riser: Could be desirable for some equipment, particularly in high-rise buildings or large industrial facilities. Not a requirement. [NFPA 14 2000 §A-3-6, 2003 §A.5.6, 2007-19 §A.5.5] Standpipe Top: At top of each standpipe, unless standpipes are interconnected where single-gauge properly located can be used. [NFPA 14 2000 §3-6.1, 2003 §5.6.1.3, 2007-19 §5.5.1.3] [1] See NFPA 14 references 2010 §5.5.2.2 and §7.2.4(6) for further information.
Locations for Fire Pumps	Suction: On suction side of pump, minimum 3.5-inch diameter dial with ¼-inch thread and valve near the pump. This gauge monitors suction pressure to ensure pressure does not drop below 0 psi for a tank feed, which could cause cavitation or infiltration of groundwater. Vacuum gauge is required where minimum pump suction is below 20 psi for any flow condition. Does not apply to vertical shaft-turbine type pumps from open pit or well. [NFPA 20 2003-07 §5.10.2, 2010-13 §4.10.2, 2016 §4.11.2, 2019 §4.12.2] Discharge: On discharge side of fire pump, minimum 3.5-inch diameter dial with ¼-inch thread (6 mm). Discharge pressure gauge allows observation of the discharge pressure. [NFPA 20 2003-07 §5.10.1.1, 2010-13 §4.10.1, 2016 §4.11.1, 2019 §4.12.1.1] Diesel Pumps: Oil pressure gauge (or other means) for lubricating oil pressure, and pressure gauge on cooling water supply system on engine side of last manual valve. [NFPA 20 2003-07 §11.2.4.5, 11.2.6.3.1.4, 2010-19 §11.2.5.3, 11.2.8.5.3.7] Steam Turbine Pumps: Entrance side of speed governor, outlet for gauge connection on turbine nozzle chamber. ​[NFPA 20 2003-19 §13.2.3]
Thread	Not less than ¼-inch (6 mm). ​[NFPA 13 2002 §8.16.3.1, 2007-16 §8.17.3.1, 2019 §16.13.1]
Type	​Fire Pump: For gauges with fire pumps, liquid-filled gauges on both suction and discharge help to diminish oscillation in pressure and make for easier reading.

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