A FORUM FOR FIRE PROTECTION QUESTIONS & PE EXAM PROBLEMS | SUBSCRIBE NOW
|
For a horizontal manifold that contains multiple sprinkler systems, are check valves needed for each sprinkler system? In this case there are no standpipe systems in the building.
As I understand it, NFPA 13 only requires a check valve on the incoming fire department feed, but each of the different system risers have no requirement for a check valve. Posted anonymously by a member for discussion. Discuss this | Subscribe
9 Comments
Pete
1/8/2019 10:20:53 am
They are not required. The benefits of using an alarm check or a riser check valve are: 1) 8.16.1.1.3.5 (paraphrasing) for a single riser system, these system valves can serve as the FDC check valve. 2) For system maintenance, to keep the other systems on the header in service (control valves open) while draining back a single system on the same header, you will need check valves.
PETE
1/8/2019 10:24:33 am
The simplest wet riser consists of an indicating control valve, a drain, a flow switch, and a pressure gauge. https://www.reliablesprinkler.com/sites/default/files/products/bulletins/621.pdf
Julian
1/15/2019 08:43:39 pm
What about a standpipe for a five-story?
Brian Gerdwagen FPE
1/8/2019 03:49:20 pm
The biggest reason not yet stated is that a check valve isolates the flow switch. Also: a check valve is required on each system riser per NFPA 13 2019 16.11.3.1
JAMES
1/9/2019 06:15:09 am
This section was brought from the previous NFPA 13-2016 6.8.2.1; it permits a listed alarm check valve, or, other listed waterflow detection alarm device. You can use an alarm check valve and it should isolate the flow switch and help prevent unwanted paddle movement, but I'm not sure that it's required.
Nimal Tissa Wijetunga
1/8/2019 09:42:40 pm
Yes. Check valve is required in each riser connected to different sprinkler systems in relation with floor area limitation of each system according to the Occupancy category for .Sprinkler design.
JAMES
1/9/2019 06:18:10 am
Nimal, where in code are you seeing this?
Brian Gerdwagen FPE
1/9/2019 02:27:58 pm
The check valve is in the definition of a system riser. There is an exception for a single system riser utilizing the backflow as the only required check.
JAMES
1/9/2019 02:37:33 pm
Here's what I'm pulling from the 2016 edition of NFPA 13. I'm interested in your take - because if it needs to be there it needs to be there - I just haven't come across check valves in all wet systems before. Leave a Reply. |
Free SignupSubscribe and learn something new each day:
CommunityThank You to Our Top September Contributors!
Your PostThe ToolkitSprinkler Designer or Engineer?
Get all of our tools, including the Sprinkler Database, Friction Loss Calculator, Fire Pump Analyzer and more: 
Filters
All
Archives
November 2019
Daily
Daily discussion questions are open-ended questions posed by members for the benefit of sharing expertise and learning from other perspectives. Join as a member here.
Exam Prep
2019 PE Prep Guide
(Available Now!) 
PE Prep Series
(Available Now!) Current Leaderboard
(Click to enlarge) 
PE Problems
Visit July-October for daily Fire Protection PE Exam sample questions.
Solutions are posted the day after posting. Comment with your solutions, questions or clarifications. Please note that questions posted are unofficial and in accordance with NCEES rules are intended to be similar to actual exam questions, not actual exam questions themselves. |
RSS Feed
