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Regarding forward-flow testing, I have read that a main drain (if sized appropriately) can be used in place of other means. This was in the 2016 NFPA 13 A.8.16.2.4.2, but I cannot locate it in the 2019 version.
With that, what is the best practice for testing at the time of system acceptance? Without being able to use a hose monster, is the main drain test sufficient to ensure the backflow fully opens? Other than hydraulic calculations, how is it proven that we have an acceptable result? Thanks in advance. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
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I have a client who owns multiple assisted living facilities. It's residential construction with attic insulation on the roof trusses' bottom chord, and louvered gable ends with ridge vents.
They have existing wet pipe sprinkler systems in the attic and have experienced busted sprinkler lines in the past. They want to heat the attics to prevent this with electric heaters. I have done the heat loss calculations and have determined the heating load would be more than their current electrical service can support. The only options I see available are heat trace, anti-freeze, or conversion to a dry system. Anti-freeze with UL-listed anti-freeze was my first thought, but it looks like a backflow preventer would have to be added. Does anyone have experience with this and/or have recommendations on how to address this? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe I understand the definition of the "Common Path" from Section 3.3.49 in NFPA 101, but within the examples it is up to the point when you reach a corridor and have the two exit alternatives. In a case like the one in the image shown below, the orange area is very wide, or open space, up to where they would measure the common travel distance. At what point does the path of common travel stop in a scenario like this? What is that threshold?  Is there any way to install sidewall sprinklers in a room with sloped ceilings?
Say you had a rectangular room with a ceiling attached directly to the underside of a traditional gable roof with a high ridge peak in the middle. Concealed pendent ceiling sprinklers are often not possible because the space above the ceiling is completely filled with insulation. Can you do sidewalls on the vertical walls near the ceiling high point to protect the room? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe Thank you to everyone for sharing your expertise and making this community stronger. Special shout-out to our Top Contributors for September 2024—you keep this place awesome!
Do OSHA safety regulations apply to RPZ and DCDA backflow preventers?
OSHA requires 30 inches to the face off a side wall for maintenance for horizontal installations. My contention is that if the drain to the RPZ runs to that wall, you will have an obstruction and trip hazard, and it will not be accessible for maintenance. I've also installed the RPZs 4 feet above the tight pump room floors for access. It's never been a problem. Please advise. IBC says to install backflow preventers according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe |
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