Is "future use" PIV Req'd to be Open & Connected?

7/18/2023

If I have a PIV installed, is it required to be tied into a fire sprinkler system?

I work at a campus style facility with a fire water supply loop for fire sprinklers.

We have a couple of buildings that do not have a fire sprinkler system, however, there is a PIV outside the buildings that are in the closed position. I am assuming they were installed for "future use" assuming a fire sprinkler system gets installed.

Is there an NFPA code reference that requires the PIVs to be "in service" or used for their intended purpose, or are we code compliant with them being "for future use"?

I do have a concern with responding fire units incorrectly assuming that there is a fire sprinkler system in these buildings due to the PIVs being installed.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

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9 Comments

Chad

7/18/2023 07:29:38 am

Its connected to a FP main? Signage on all valves are required.... as an AHJ I would expect one stating what it is (or isn't in this case)

2016 NFPA 13

6.6.4* Identification of Valves.
6.6.4.1 All control, drain, venting, and test connection valves
shall be provided with permanently marked weatherproof
metal or rigid plastic identification signs.

The "OPEN" / "SHUT" is not a sign.

Anthony

7/18/2023 08:31:03 am

As Chad said, yes, label all your valves.

"I do have a concern with responding fire units incorrectly assuming that there is a fire sprinkler system in these buildings due to the PIVs being installed." --- Have you talked to the responding fire department? Do you have all your buildings properly labeled? Unless the PIV says "to sprinkler system" or "Fire Valve" It's just a random valve on a site that'll probably get ignored.

Practically speaking though, wouldn't the PIV go to a caped flange? So the material effect of oping the valve in an emergency won't be much. Also why would the fire department go around opening closed valves when they don't know if there is a sprinkler system in a building that the valve is connected to?

Glenn Berger

7/18/2023 08:33:58 am

Your comment uses the dangerous words "future use assuming."

As Chad mentioned - signage is required for all valves in a FP System.

Kudos if you are correct and future needs were considered in the planning of underground utilities.

Jon N

7/18/2023 08:41:38 am

Similar to hydrants, you could add a sign stating "Not in Service" or something similar.

SCHULMAN

7/18/2023 08:48:09 am

A better solution (IMO) would have been to provide a locked valve on a branch off the main in a ground box with a blind flange on the downside and install the PIV "in the future" when the new sprinkler service piping to the building is installed. Just saying.

Jesse

7/18/2023 09:54:06 am

Great comments thus far. I'm curious as to whether or not there are hydrants on this loop. And if so, if these are effectively sectional valves for the loop.

Regardless, signage here is important.

Alex

7/18/2023 10:09:47 am

I believe best practice would be to label the PIV as "For Future Use" to avoid misunderstandings.

Dan Wilder

7/18/2023 11:18:54 am

Technically this falls under NFPA 24 for underground, not 13, but many of the same requirements still apply. Is the PIV monitored and/or just locked?

24-22'-6.7.1 Identification Signs

I would recommend both a sign on the PIV for "Not in Service" and a sign on the building directly in front of the PIV stating "Unsprinklered Building"

7/19/2023 01:15:53 pm

You could model LOTO in addition to NFPA requirements. In addition to signage have documentation which included as built drawings and response/maintenance procedures.

Also have an accurate zone map with points list at the entry of the building for the fire department. (As alluded to above)

Discuss with your AHJ

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Is "future use" PIV Req'd to be Open & Connected?

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