Training Material for Deluge Testing Procedures?

12/24/2021

I'm an AHJ seeking training material on deluge sprinkler systems - particularly for acceptance testing.

Does anyone have a source for manufacturer-specified (or other) testing procedures that you could share?

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9 Comments

Jack G

12/24/2021 08:12:38 am

Johnson Controls, Viking,Reliable have sights.
Old Automatic Sprinkler, Gem, have chapters in their design booklets.
Amazon has " old " bioks for sale on deluge systems

Sue B

12/24/2021 10:43:43 am

I too am an AHJ, in California. I have been in the construction end of things for almost 40 years. I am looking for training material to help new inspectors, who don’t have much in the way of “fire” experience, but do have experience with the “building” aspect of the codes and construction inspections, find confidence in learning new aspects of construction.

In other words I am trying to recruit individuals, with interest, into the world of construction fire protection inspections. As the opportunities arise, I’m working on creating check lists that help, interested individuals, gain confidence in doing the wide variety of required fire construction inspections.

I am excited to see other AHJs with the interest in creating and using check lists. I have only done one on one training with the testing of deluge systems; they are few and far between in the construction boom we are experiencing right now.

Typically our deluges systems are existing. We inspect the changes and modifications happening to the existing systems, caused by growth and expansion of a company that uses these types of systems, instead of installing new systems.

Jack, thank you for reminding us that the manufacturers, of specific systems, have a lot of available information in person, and on their websites.

Any information, on what might be usable for check lists, to help instill confidence in individuals is something, I feel, needed to help train our up and coming fire field inspectors.

Chad

12/24/2021 03:46:56 pm

I regularly mentor inspectors and train line officers and firefighters on fire protection/fire alarms etc. I’ve found it must be developed in house to taylor, though it’s been quite rewarding when I have taught elsewhere.

Training existing/new inspectors is hard to do. Not only the doing but the time allocation. I find asking/assessing needs and tailoring the mentoring as needed is most effective. It seems as though, whether from the line or not, we rely on the most basic inspector I/II classes. They are largely perfunctory and do not truly educate in a practical way.

This won’t help your now but going forward, finding those folks on the line with field commercial construction give them a huge head start. Of course it’s usually a pay cut after OT, unless they have a mechanism to buffer their pay.

You mentioned checklists, I’d be happy to share a few of the documents Ive used for alarm and sprinkler if you’d like. Don’t have a Deluge one though

Shawn Hoyer

12/25/2021 11:27:51 am

There numerous options for detection on deluge systems which is why you don’t find specific details in the NFPA standards for testing procedures of these valves. It’s best to find the O&M manual for the specific valve and the detection system that you are looking at in order to have a full understanding of the system.

However, as mentioned above, there are several very good resources online that can get you acquainted. I like Viking’s website as they have additional resources, such as a mobile app and VR applications, where you can dive deeper into the system vs just reading a data sheet.

For training purposes, you should check NFSA.org. They have a new online training platform that has everything from basics of fire sprinklers up to very technical courses that teach calculations. They also have a full line of resources on Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance. Since you are an AHJ, I believe you would have free membership.

Depending on where you are, NFSA also has Chapters throughout the country that also host in-person training events.

That’s my best list of resources. I hope you are able to find something that fits your needs.

Mark Harris

12/26/2021 03:09:57 pm

JCI Tyco has a on line training site that has a large amount of e-learning available. Much of it is no charge. See:

https://www.onlinetechxchange.com/

Just looked and there is a module on pre-action and deluge testing with slides available as pdf download.

Alex

12/27/2021 08:22:48 am

Good call, Mark. Lost or confused, Tyco is always a great first step! I've referenced their e-learning material a handful of times.

Mike

12/27/2021 04:04:48 pm

NFPA 3 and 4 may be useful

12/28/2021 02:00:25 pm

Thank you all for your great responses, this is very helpful. I really appreciate this group. A safe and happy New Year to you all.

Phil W

1/7/2022 12:38:28 pm

Hi, I run a special risk fire protection team here in the UK.

NFPA 15 is the most appropriate reference document, but in short below are the key functions to be checked that we adhere to;

1) Flushing of lead in mains to deluge control valve.
2) Hydrostatic pressure test of deluge piping (nozzle connections plugged).
3) Flushing of deluge piping with plugs removed and before nozzles installed.
4) Trip test of deluge valve from all available means (i.e. from loss of pilot line pressure, fire fire detection system, and from emergency manual release valves). Normally without delivering water through open nozzles.
5) Test system signals (alarm, low air etc) and alarm gong.
6) Test any other interfaces with deluge system operation (such as process shutdowns)
7) Deluge function test (water delivered through nozzles over risk area).
a) Observe nozzles for correct direction and coverage per design intent and no blockages
b) Running pressure at most hydraulically remote nozzle via temporary pressure gauge and compare with minimum required per hydraulic demand calculations.
c) Remove sample nozzles at end of test to check for debris in nozzle strainers and replace.
8) Main drain test (per NFPA 13).

NFPA 15 gives more information on minimum response time etc.

Hope that helps.

Training Material for Deluge Testing Procedures?

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