Jockey Pump Control Valves Require Supervision?

12/27/2022

I was recently cited by a surveyor for not having supervised control valves (isolation gate valves) on the jockey pump.

All other control valves are supervised for the riser and fire pump. I view the jockey pump as not critical or a necessary part of the fire pump and would not have an adverse effect if the jockey pump were out of service for any reason.

Is there a NFPA code reference that requires supervision on jockey pump gate valves?

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

13 Comments

Alex

12/27/2022 06:14:09 am

Hi,

Answer: The isolation valves serving he jockey pump shall not be required to be supervised if locked/sealed open.

Code Section:
IBC 903.4 Sprinkler System Supervision and Alarms: Valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps,..., on all sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.

Exceptions:
Number 4. Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position

Thanks,
Alex

Aric Alexander

12/28/2022 07:23:27 am

Alex, thank you for the response and specific code reference. Take care

Franck

12/27/2022 08:17:13 am

As indicated by Alex, no need for supervision.
The reason is the following : if a valve on a sprinkler riser or main fire pump is shut, the consequence is an uncontrolled fire. If a similar valve is closed on a Jockey pump, the consequence is the start of the main fire pump in case of pressure drop. This will send an alarm when the pump starts…
So not the same level of possible consequence
But it is a good advice to provide at least seals (to ensure valves are in the safe position)

Aric Alexander

12/28/2022 07:24:25 am

Franck, great explanation. Thank you

Matthew Mueller link

12/27/2022 08:29:38 am

I'm glad Alex was able to provide IBC reference, so you'll have that to go on.

I'm not very versed in IBC, but based on the fact that jockey isolation valves do not serve a fire protection purpose per se, would they be considered "water supply for automatic sprinkler systems"? They're not intended to supply water in an actuation of the system, they are not required to be listed, and NFPA 20 (2022 Ed.) specifically calls out they do not require supervision:

NFPA 20, 2022 - 4.27.6.7 The isolation valves serving the pressure maintenance pump shall not be required to be supervised.

I'm not sure why IBC has a specific exception for them, but that may trump the installation standard.

Aric Alexander

12/28/2022 07:26:05 am

Matthew, although the IBC is helpful, the survey I was under referenced NFPA and I very much appreciated your response. Thank you

Kyer

12/27/2022 09:07:22 am

Remember to check with your local AHJ and confirm what codes and standards they have adopted. The AHJ may have special requirements that require you to go above and beyond the standard.
I don’t know who the surveyor represented, but, I would also double check your job specifications. All too often I will hear contractors are confused by someone asking for something they cannot find in the code, only to point it out in the specifications where the owner is asking for the contractor to go above and beyond the code.

Aric Alexander

12/28/2022 07:30:19 am

Kyle, this specific survey was a Joint Commission consulting survey, not an AHJ. This individual saw a “control valve” and got excited to find a violation :) , not knowing what the code states about this item. This system has been installed for over a decade. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. Take care

Edgar

12/27/2022 10:15:00 am

CMS and Joint Commission surveyors are quick to cite, a code reference should be provided for any deficiency noted, No code reference = no deficiency.

Aric Alexander

12/28/2022 07:32:22 am

Edgar, AMEN! Absolutely correct. This item was cited under a general reference regarding suppression systems in his report. Nothing specific, which made me look deeper and ask this question. Thank you for your response!

Jack G

12/28/2022 10:56:54 am

It’s been my experience to check with the AHJ.
A lot of times the small grooved valves only are available supervised.
If AHJ is ok, non supervised and you have one with switch, he will make you cut the wires off.
Easier to supervise, ts can be linked.

sean

12/31/2022 08:45:41 pm

i always think of any valve controlling the water supply to the heads needs supervision not every one that controls flow

Peter Apgar

1/5/2023 12:51:40 pm

After reading this article, I promptly locked our jockey pump valves in open position. Makes sense. However, directly next to the jockey pump is the electrical disconnect, a large scissor switch. Another room has the breaker for the pump. Neither of these disconnects are supervised or locked out. I don't see any reference for doing so, but seems just as important as locking valves on. Just thinking out loud.

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.
All text, images, and media Copyright © 2016-2025 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

Jockey Pump Control Valves Require Supervision?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES