In regards to installing pressure reducing stations for separating areas of the building into different pressure zones, NFPA 14 calls out that the FDC needs to be installed downstream of the pressure reducing valves.
Is a separate FDC required for each pressure zone? If you provide just one FDC, and the fire department supplies the system for an upper floor of a high-rise, you will exceed the maximum working pressure of the lower systems. I'm not sure how that's possible to avoid. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
7 Comments
Anthony
4/13/2023 07:20:53 am
The same FDC can be used for the area above and below the PRV station. Systems are tested at 50 psi above max pressure. It won't matter in an emergency if there is slightly above maximum working pressure. Also the pressure relief valves on all the systems will go off.
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chad
4/13/2023 07:39:37 am
Usually, no however....
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Chad
4/13/2023 08:24:09 am
To clarify, if you have a high rise, it should be broken up as required by the FD and pressure zones they have defined by their response, but if its not you might not need to
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Dan Wilder
4/13/2023 07:57:48 am
You are required to provide a FDC for each standpipe zone unless your AHJ has amended those requirements.
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Glenn Berger
4/13/2023 08:17:13 am
Separate FDCs are required. Remember to put labels instructing which connection to be used for each specific event.
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Bobby Suarez
4/13/2023 08:37:17 am
In addition to Dan Wilders comments (@7:57am) which I agree with; If there are more than 2 hose valves downstream of a pressure regulating device then the installation must comply with the standpipe master PRV arrangement requirement in NFPA 14 7.2.4 which also includes it in its list of 9 requirements that:
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Casey Milhorn
4/13/2023 08:39:30 am
Yes, typically you will have FDC(s) for each pressure zone. DEFINITELY coordinate this with your responding fire department. Some may not have the capacity to pump over a certain height, and they may not want FDC's for that (or to have separate FDCs). Also, you will see more and more single zone systems due to higher pressure ratings and valves, fittings, PRVs, etc...
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