Locate Pre-Action Cabinet in Room it Serves?

2/8/2022

My client in has requested single-interlock pre-action systems be installed to protect each of their two communication / hub rooms in their new facility.

Space is limited in the facility and it was suggested to install a pre-action cabinet inside each of the rooms, thereby serving the room itself.

While a pre-action system cabinet/valve assembly cannot be installed in an area subject to freezing (application for cold/refrigerated storage) is there anything preventing the cabinet from being installed in the space it serves?

Due to dry pipe system size constraints and distance, it is not possible to locate the cabinets in the sprinkler room.

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8 Comments

Pete H

2/8/2022 06:54:45 am

As long as it's a heated and lit space and complies with 7.3.1.8 and 7.3.2., I don't see a reason this is against code.

MIke L

2/8/2022 07:05:03 am

Installing a preaction valve assembly/control unit is permitted to be located within the room as noted in NFPA-13.

I would confirm with the AHJ or any local amendments. New York City prohibits this installation. The FDNY does not want the control unit getting wet from a false trip of a smoke detector. (NYC also only allows single-interlock unless the area is subject to freezing).

Anthony L Crispo

2/8/2022 07:39:21 am

Totally allowable, but not the best choice. A riser room that has a very low fire load is the best place for a control assembly.

Jesse

2/8/2022 08:19:33 am

Not a problem to do it this way. And you're right, I would imagine that the riser room is a considerable distance and putting the P/A cabinets there will add to overall system dry capacity.

I had a municipal project where the network hub room was adjacent to a janitor's closet and was able to put it there. In any event, make sure your AHJ doesn't have any local amendments. You'd rather handle that on the front end then afterward.

Alex

2/10/2022 08:15:59 am

Late response due to traveling but still wanted to chime in on my experience.

Like Jesse mentioned, a side room is always a good start. I have always had the architect provide a closet around any P/A cabinet if I need to locate the cabinet within the room it serves. If all fails, there is no code section stating you cannot locate the cabinet in the room.

Dan Wilder

2/8/2022 08:46:44 am

Other than any local requirements not allowing this...

The only thing that has come up in the past with locations like this is drainage. The assembly has open to atmosphere drains that can both overflow and backup (this can be solved by a non-spring loaded check valve in the line-preferable horizontal). Add some sort of containment below to avoid spillage if possible.

Mike R

2/8/2022 09:03:56 am

One item I'll throw in, while preaction systems are technically fire protection systems and typically have their own detection, typically heats, many AHJ's will want a building FA smoke detector above the preaction panel at as that panel is also considered FA control equipment. (Assuming conditions allow the smoke, if not a heat will suffice).
Yes it is understood the preaction system reports to the house FA system, however many AHJ's and owners still like that early detection.

Glenn Berger

2/8/2022 09:27:19 am

It is allowable to install the Pre-Action System Riser in the room that it is protecting. Need to ensure that access is maintained to the riser. Need to provide information to advise where supplemental risers are located within the facility.

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Locate Pre-Action Cabinet in Room it Serves?

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