Use Drum Drip as Remote Inspector's Test?

11/1/2021

Can a drum drip be used as a remote inspector's test for a sprinkler system?

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11 Comments

Alex

11/1/2021 06:09:11 am

HI Anonymous,

Do you have a wet or a dry system? If you have a dry system, you are required to provide a drum drip. In addition to your question, I just want to note that you need more than a drum drip, you need a valve normally closed and a site glass.

Joe posted a detailed explanation back in 2017. I recommend giving it a quick read: https://www.meyerfire.com/blog/details-and-requirements-of-the-inspectors-test

Thanks,
Alex

Dan Wilder

11/1/2021 08:22:29 am

Yep, I do it a lot for odd systems but it typically means running the last branch line low or providing an additional 1" pipe that connects the main to the low point/inspector's test assembly. I will run out the same size branch line through the assembly and keep the discharge that same size.

Making sure you provide the test orifices of the correct size and the valves needed to comply with both an aux drain and an inspector's test and other requirements as Alex linked above. It tends to start looking like Figure 3 in the linked post with larger incoming and outgoing pipe size with the addition of a valve between the last tee and teh tie in to the drain (or discharge to atmosphere) as the construction allows.

Craig Hanson

11/1/2021 08:45:49 am

No, it cannot. The drum drip comes off the low point of the system for drainage [NFPA 13: 8.16.2.3.5*]. The inspectors test comes off the highest most remote piping [NFPA 13: 8.17.4.2.2]. 2 different animals.

Jim McHugh link

11/1/2021 09:20:13 am

Craig, What edition of NFPA 13 are you referencing as I looked at 2010, 2013, 2016. 2019 does not have that reference. In each of the prior 3 editions it says in 8.17.4.2.2 "The test connection shall be accessible"

Craig Hanson

11/1/2021 09:37:21 am

2016:
"8.17.4.2.2 The trip test connection or manifold shall be located on the end of the most distant sprinkler pipe in the upper story and shall be equipped with an accessible shutoff valve and a plug not less than 1 in. (25 mm), of which at least one shall be brass.

Additionally the Hand book commentary explains that the inspectors test connection can be on a drop line but connection should be made at the top of the branch line.

A drum drip is not always at the most remote branch line. It's function is obviously different. The trip test line does not have a drum drip on it as it is out of the top of the piping.

sean

11/6/2021 07:36:21 am

A drum drip is a drain, you can have extra drain that also serves as a test location.

11/1/2021 09:43:10 am

I agree with Dan W. I have done that many times as well. Depending on the Fire Marshal they will allow you to combine the exterior discharge line with a site glass or will require two individual lines discharging separately. Always remember the only way this works is if this is the remote end of the system.

Jim McHugh link

11/1/2021 09:48:36 am

Thanks Craig, turns out I was reading 2 versions of 2013 and not the 2016 book.

Craig Hanson

11/1/2021 10:08:38 am

I agree with Dan that it is done a lot and accepted by some AHJ's. However, It is not the best way to run an inspectors test and is by code, not the correct way. I was a fitter for years and we always ran separate lines for drains and inspector tests. Granted, we dealt with mostly pipe schedule systems and every bit of help to make the trip test was needed.

Franck

11/1/2021 04:05:26 pm

As indicated by Craig, it is quite often done… and accepted by some AHJ… but this does mean this is correct.
The purposes are different.
Drum drip is a drainage system and is used to remove as much water / moisture as possible from the piping system. It is located at a low point that is not always representative of the location for the most remote sprinkler.
ITC should be representative of the most remote sprinkler, by the location, as well as the pipe section and orifice opening. This is seldom the case at the drum drip.
Remember the purpose of the ITC for a dry system : not only to check the alarm transmission (as for wet systems) but also the time to have water at the most remote point…
But… it could be acceptable if the drum drip connection to the sprinkler system is the same as for the most remote sprinkler. To be discussed, in that case, with the AHJ.

sean

11/6/2021 07:37:39 am

I would say you can build your remote test location as a drum drip, but it may not serve as the required aux. drains that are needed.

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Use Drum Drip as Remote Inspector's Test?

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