I am doing some work on a combined fire-fighting/domestic pump house for a small community.

A couple things look odd to me.

1. They have a 12-inch flanged basket strainer after the pump discharge just before the mains. I was under the impression that any devices or fittings between pump discharge and need to be listed for fire protection use.
   
2. Instead of a jockey pump, they have three potable water pumps which run all the time pushing potable water to the mains. The primary fire pump automatically operates when the pressure drops to 4.5 bar and the backup pump at 2.3 bar.
   

There seem to be two deviations from NFPA standards here:

First, the jockey pump should be small , so that in case of fire it is the fire pump taking the load, and second, the starting sequence requires the jockey pump to start above the fire pump churn, the first fire pump a little lower and so on.

Is there any exception for such combined domestic/fire protection systems in the NFPA line of standards?

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I'm working on a mid-rise 5-story residential building.

The building structure is permitted to be combustible construction per 3.2.2.50 of the National Building Code of Canada.

For sound proofing the developer decided to build with cast in-place concrete columns and slabs, but decided to use combustible studs for the interior partitions .

So far, nothing wrong here. Now being that the ceiling is 10-ft high, a drop ceiling was built creating a concealed space for the duct and wiring and so on. The architect says that the top part of the interior combustible partition needed not to be drywalled inside the concealed space to the underside of the concrete slab.

The concealed space is made up of a concrete slab with fire separations sealed to the underside of the slab containing every unit individually without sharing any concealed space with the other units.

On the other hand the sprinkler guy says that the exposed 2x4 studs surface in the concealed scape are not considered "limited combustible material," per NFPA 13 Section 8.15.1, and the space should be sprinklered or filled with non-combustible insulation.

Being that the building was permitted to be of combustible construction and the developer went above and beyond with the concrete structure, I'm not sure whether the space needs to be sprinkler protected or not.

Anybody had this scenario happen before, and if so, how should it be addressed?

Thanks.

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I have a project involving spray application of resin, and an exhaust system including multiple 60-ft tall exhaust stacks.

We are located in Ontario Canada, and the Ontario Building Code takes precedence. Any other codes cited need to be enacted by the OBC, or by a code enacted by OBC in order to be relevant. NFPA 13 is relevant here.

Chapter 26 (NFPA 13-2019) includes material from other codes. Section 26.4 relates to Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials, and references NFPA 33.

I have not found a reference in NFPA 13 that states that an in-duct sprinkler system SHALL be provided.

It appears to me that Section 26.4 states requirements for IF a system is provided.

Unless otherwise stated, are the requirements of Chapter 26 to be used in isolation, without enacting the full text of the other NFPA Code/Standard cited?

If another NFPA Code/Standard is cited in Chapter 26, is the full text of the cited document to be followed?

Where is the line drawn between the two documents?

I have the NFPA 13 Handbook, and the supplemental text does not clarify this for me. Thank you very much for taking the time to read through this one.

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What are some popular solutions for elimination of wet-pipe sprinkler systems in data centers that have installed wet-pipe, VESDA and clean agent systems?

A client wants me to find a solution that will be acceptable to the local Authority Having Jurisdiction to eliminate the wet-pipe sprinkler system in the data center portion of the facility.

We already have the VESDA and clean agent. Are there other recommendations/insight here that might be helpful?

Thanks in advance.

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We have a project with telescoping wooden bleachers.

Are sprinklers required to be installed underneath these?

If so, how is that done properly?

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NFPA-14 2019 Edition. There is a new section in NFPA 14 - Section 7.8.1.2.1:

The pressure required at the fire department connection for manual standpipes shall not exceed the working pressure of the system components of the standpipe system or sprinkler system when the system is a combined system.

Does anyone have any idea why this was added?

It seems to me that the maximum pressure at the FDC would be 175psi as this is what the sprinklers are rated.

Pumping at that pressure I would never get the 100psi required at the top of the most remote riser.

Or am I interpreting this section incorrectly?

Thanks in advance.

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A non-combustible building has an 8-ft high space above an acoustic tile ceiling with a 30-inch wide expanded steel catwalk that is accessible from a stair shaft by a locked door.

The space is congested with building services, such as ducts, cables, and cast iron plumbing.

Does the NFPA 13-2019 9.2.1.2 exception apply?

NFPA 13-2019 9.2.1.2 (8.15.1.2.2 in 2016) Concealed spaces of noncombustible and limited-combustible construction with limited access and not permitting occupancy or storage of combustibles shall not require sprinkler protection.

Thanks in advance.

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Can someone explain the need for fire suppression inside a stainless steel box that is considered confined space and is typically operating at minus 40 F?

Our local AHJ is suggesting that we need fire sprinklers inside our spiral freezer.

However, I am at a loss of any scenario in which anything is combustible inside this environment. It's either operating at minus 40F or its not, and all electronics (motors etc.) are located outside the box.

Its not meant to be occupied by personnel, hence the confined space.

So why on earth would we need fire suppression?

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Do copper sprinkler systems require "copper" plated hanger and seismic components?

For some reason I remember the issue with copper was the moisture collecting on the piping due to the pipe sweating. Something related to sprinkler systems always staying at room temperature and they do not "sweat".

Thanks in advance!

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Hi All, Is there a code reference on the maximum amount of time allowed to close a wall PIV (or any valve for that matter)?

I have a Wall PIV that is hard and slow to turn, and takes about 30 minutes of fighting to fully close. Servicing of accessible components has not helped.

I probably won't be able to get funds to repair/replace unless I can quote a code violation.

I have only found a minimum amount of time, but nothing for a maximum. Thanks in advance!

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Can the exposed sprinkler pipe protecting non-enclosed parking level (ground) of a multiple-occupancy condo be CPVC?

The concern is the effect of the corrosive salt air on the existing pipe that has resulted in excessive rust/corrosion that has been requiring frequent replacement.

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We have a stand alone open-air pool pavilion with no attached building.

There is a gas grill under the roof with a very elaborate hood/exhaust/Ansul system. There is no fire alarm system in this pool pavilion.

The Fire Inspector wants the Ansul system monitored by the clubhouse fire alarm system that is 100-ft away.

Is he correct by code?

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We are a sprinkler contractor running into a new situation for an apartment building. The apartment is designed under NFPA 13R.

We have an inspector requesting that we firestop a draft stop from the corridor into an apartment.

Can you point us in the right direction whether this is required?

A high-rise is considered a building with an occupied floor located more than 75-ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

Would a rooftop access stair with floor level located at 76' warrant the requirements of a high-rise building?

IBC 2015 Section 1011.12.2 states that where a stairway is provided for roof access shall be provided through a penthouse complying with 1510.2. Section 1510.2 states penthouse complying with 1510.2.1-5 shall be considered part of the story below.

The roof is not occupied and is only provided for egress for equipment access for equipment located on the roof.

Technically a portion of the occupied story is located above 75-ft.

Do I need to meet highrise requirements?

Thanks in advance.

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Is there support in the standard to require a control valve supplying a combination sprinkler/standpipe system (standpipe isolation valve) so that a ladder wouldn't be needed to close the valve?

All control valves are to be accessible, but not necessarily readily accessible.

I like to require that they not be installed more than 7-ft, but am looking for code guidance here. 

Is there code justification for 7-ft valve requirement?

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What's your "elevator pitch" to someone who is unfamiliar to the field of fire protection?

I realized my 2-3 sentences are a little dry and am looking for a new way to further excitement/interest in our field.

Hopefully I get fewer glazed over expressions with your help!

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I'm a GM representing an owner and not an expert in this space. Looking for outside input on a unique situation.

​We have a cloud ceiling in a large room called the "Experience Center". Photo below.

Originally this was configured differently where he have sprinklers above and now sprinklers between the clouds in that space where the (red) lights are located.

There are about 3-4 feet between the clouds, and they're not level. The clouds themselves are just under 8-ft wide.

Ownership does not what sprinklers coming through the white wave itself, and wants the sprinklers as hidden as possible.

Do you know what that might look like?

Can we put sidewalls in the space between the clouds and not under the cloud itself?

We are trying to keep the cloud as unencumbered as possible, a very clean look and all the lights, sprinklers, and anything mechanical in-between.

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We're close to rounding out the year. Scary!

Shout out to our Top Contributors to the Forum for October 2022! You all are rock stars in our world.
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We have a new construction highrise that's more than 128-ft in height.

Under the IBC, 2018, Section 3007, it would require two firefighter elevators.

Can we use one dedicated firefighter elevator, with a protected lobby, and the other one an emergency passenger elevator, without a lobby, where we would use the pressurization option in lieu of the elevator lobby requirement?

Thanks in advance.

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We have a building that was designed with exit width and stair width per occupant using the exception CBC 1005.3.1 for a sprinklered building with EVACS (emergency voice/alarm communication system), however, the fire alarm design drawings show horns/strobes.

Found out through the fire alarm deferred submittal corrections.

Changing the width of stairs and exit doors is not an option as the shell is already built.

The EVACS option will cause delays, cost impacts, and material procurement challenges and not advised by FD because building has inherent ambient noise associated with building operations.

What options do we have?

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Can you use CPVC tor running pipe to an FDC out to a wall?

My question is specifically asking is it allowed to be used after the check valve, where it won’t be filled with water?

Just wondering about the plastic becoming brittle. The CPVC will be transitioned to steel 2-inches before a steel 90-elbow out the wall.

Thanks in advance.

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How many duct detectors are allowed on a single zone?

The maximum number of flow switches allowed is five, but are there any requirements or restrictions for duct detectors beyond the equipment capability?

Thanks in advance.

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