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?

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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.

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Jockey Pump Control Valves Require Supervision?

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