I'm working with a city inspector who is adamant that we add a second non-rising stem valve (NRS) in the fire sprinkler service main just before the building. The first valve being in the street at the live-tap location with the roadway box.
Is a valve required on the service main before the building? The requested location would place the valve under the sidewalk, accessible by T-handle wrench only, prohibiting reliable supervision of any kind. I can't seem to find any language in NFPA 24 that I can use to argue against the second unsupervised valve. I don't see any value in the position the inspector has taken and requested a copy of the city ordinance requiring the additional valve. Installing the second valve wouldn't be a huge deal but certainly seems like an unnecessary opportunity for an unsupervised valve to get closed or fail. I would like to hear what others in this community think and if anyone has something to offer. Thanks in advance. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
12 Comments
Pete H
6/7/2023 06:37:10 am
This sounds like it could be a local ordinance requirement. I can't think of any code that would require additional control between the riser inside the building and the curb box valve
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M
6/7/2023 08:15:57 am
Try NFPA 24 §6.6.1, it provides direction when sectional control valves are needed. It is based on the number of fire protection connections - 6. This includes hydrants, lead-ins, risers, etc.
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Glenn Berger
6/7/2023 08:25:57 am
If the city inspector requires it, you will need to check the city regulations to validate.
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JH
6/7/2023 08:34:17 am
A valve is required. All criteria for compliance must be met for whichever valve assembly is chosen.
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Brett
6/7/2023 08:44:21 am
If none of the requirements listed by "JH" apply, then ask the inspector to provide the code citation he is using to make his request.
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SCHULMAN
6/7/2023 09:45:52 am
Required here ... usually satisfied by the Backflow Preventer
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Jon
6/7/2023 09:58:27 am
The leading cause of sprinkler "failures" is a closed valve. The more valves on a system (either interior or exterior), the greater chance that one could be closed - whether intentional, inadvertent, neglected, or forgotten.
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Alex
6/12/2023 06:44:42 am
Late to the game here. I agree with Jon. I would verify with the city ordinances but would avoid adding the valve if possible.
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Eric R
6/7/2023 12:46:11 pm
I wonder if this is maybe a regional thing, but from my experience there is always a secondary underground valve on the private property for underground lines.
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Casey Milhorn
6/12/2023 02:43:00 pm
Late in responding to this one, but JH has the correct section cited. I'm pretty sure NFPA 24 used to say (in order of preference, or something along those lines but not anymore). Technically you only need ONE valve per NFPA and it can be anyone of those listed (with the exception of additional valves for sqft limitations and sectional control valve requirmements). This could be the tapping valve at the street, a property line valve, a PIV outside, a Wall PIV, a valve on the riser without direct outside access, etc.... BUT a lot of AHJs do have a preference on what they prefer or require. As others have stated, the least amount of valves the better (especially unsupervised ones). Typically the water department is going to get whatever they want (1 valve or 10 valves) up the property line. The AHJ (fire marshal or codes) can ask for whatever they want after the property line and inside the building, BUT you may want to ask for the amended code or reference on where they are getting that from to cover your tail.
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Todd Delisle
6/14/2023 08:24:39 am
I've had projects for MIT that have required this; Cambridge (MA) Water Department:
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Dave Auman
7/31/2024 11:16:53 am
We have a Fire Main that has a valve off the water main. From there it feeds three buildings. Two of which have an isolation valve. The third is a new building and they don't want to put in an isolation valve outside the building before the backflow. so, if there is any issue with the #1 valve on the backflow, we will have to stop water to two other buildings. Is this ok
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