Sprinkler Pipe Penetration of Security Wall?

3/18/2019

A security wall (under standard ICD/ICS 705) details the technical specifications for a SCIF wall (sensitive compartmented information facility). As part of the specifications, there must be a dielectric break when penetrating the wall (this helps break up any electronic transmission along the pipe). This can be done using a dielectric union, flange or coupling, but it must be listed for UFC 4-010-05 (section 3-5.8.2) for military applications.

Is there a product that acts as a dielectric break that meets this specification?

If this can't be accomplished with a dielectric break, the standard calls for grounding but does not detail how to ground the pipe. Can this just be done with grounding a single point? Has anyone used this method before?

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6 Comments

Mark

3/18/2019 10:18:42 am

Steel to CPVC adapter and CPVC piece six inch past each side of wall.
SCIFF penetration

Rusty Scott

3/18/2019 10:26:54 am

I've seen a transition of steel to cpvc back to steel which acts as a break. On each side of the SCIF wall would be a coupling. You should also only penetrate the SCIF exterior wall once if possible. I also believe Victaulic has a dielectric adapter that can be used. Grounding is also a very common way to handle and should be coordinated with electrical. It will be at the entry point of the piping through the exterior wall on the non-secure side within 6" of the wall is what I have seen. This also should be on any fire alarm conduit entering the area. I normally call for the break and couplings on each side of the wall and the grounding to be safe.

Colin Lusher

3/18/2019 12:39:08 pm

I've dealt with SCIF penetrations at a number a gov't facilities in Hawaii. The CPVC to steel transition mentioned above is an acceptable SCIF penetration method, but is only available up to 3" in size as that is the largest size CPVC components made in. If you need to go bigger than that, you'll need to utilize a "flange isolation kit", which provides separating/insulating plastic/rubber gaskets and bolt shields that prevent metal to metal contact at the flange. One specific product we've used successfully many times is by Drake Specialties at the link below:

http://www.drakespec.com/products/flange-isolation-gasket-kits.html

The grooved dielectric fittings made by Victaulic mentioned above do not meet the SCIF requirements, as these fittings actually allow a small current to pass across the fitting while still preventing corrosion between dissimilar metals (read the product data sheet...is says a small current is allowed to pass across the fitting). These WILL NOT pass the test for a SCIF penetration.

A flange isolation kit for pipe 4" and larger, or a CPVC transition for pipe 3" and smaller are the best acceptable solutions that meet SCIF requirements.

Rusty Scott

3/19/2019 01:16:35 pm

Good to know about the Victaulic fitting, I've never used one but have always seen them on their catalog. Also thanks for the link to the isolation gasket kit, I haven't run into a case where I needed that large of a main but I'm sure it will come in handy in the future.

R. E. Greene, SET

3/18/2019 01:37:29 pm

UFC 3-600-01 (paragraph 9-7.6.3) states "CPVC is only permitted for residential occupancies. Therefore, the CPVC method is not allowed if the UFC is applicable for non-residential occupancies.

COLIN LUSHER

3/18/2019 03:29:13 pm

R.E. Green - Yes, even though this is the case, I've still had NAVFAC SCIF personnel require the CPVC separation assembly on UFC 3-600-01 compliant projects, even after bringing this to their attention.

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