Where Does NFPA 22 and NFPA 24 Start and Stop?

11/9/2023

Last week someone asked a great question about the limits of where NFPA 20 starts and stops.

In a similar vein, what are the limits of where NFPA 22 and NFPA 24 start and stop for a typical system with a water storage tank, fire pump and private mains?

We had a question at work yesterday as to whether NFPA 24 or NFPA 22 applies to pipe before a water storage tank. It'd be helpful for us to understand these limitations in addition to the conversation last week.

Thanks in advance!

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6 Comments

Dan Wilder

11/9/2023 07:47:56 am

As 24 sends you to 22, I would say the supply fitting to the tank is the delineator.

24-22' - 5.7 Tanks - Tanks shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 22

Now, 22 does have provisions sending you back to 24 as well.

22-23' - 14.2.3.1 - Underground Pipe Material. Piping shall be in accordance with NFPA 24.

Have a look at Figure A.3.3.13 from NFPA 24-22 for Private Service Mains, but this does not show the Water Tank Supply but does give a good visual of where different NFPA's start & stop.

Break tanks also have a supply section referring back to 24.

22-23' - 14.5.1.1 - The pipe between the city connection and the automatic fill valve shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24.

Also, NFPA 24 is only for "Private Service Mains", and does not cover public (back to the supply delineation at the top))

24-22' - 3.3.13* Private Fire Service Main.

A private fire service main, as used in this standard, is that pipe and its appurtenances on private property that is between a source of water and the base of the system riser for water-based fire protection systems; between a source of water and inlets to foam-making systems; between a source of water and the base elbow of private hydrants or monitor nozzles; and used as fire pump suction and discharge piping, beginning at the inlet side of the check valve on a gravity or pressure tank.

Glenn Berger

11/9/2023 08:24:33 am

NFPA 22 - Flanges at the tank wall is where my specs has the start and stop points.

NFPA 24 - Depending on the jurisdiction and how the various contracts get set up - Either 5 foot outside the building footprint, or my preference is 1 foot above the finished floor as that is where pipe materials will change.

Dwight H Havens

11/9/2023 09:16:04 am

NFPA 24 - I've had issues with the "5-foot outside the building footprint", which is the traditional (and probably code) delineation between the civil designer and the fire protection of plumbing designer responsibilities. Usually, who is responsible for the connection tying the civil underground and the fire protection underground together. I greatly prefer having a flange 1-foot above the finish floor as the delineation point.

Anthony

11/9/2023 01:42:16 pm

I agree with the 1'-0 AFF as that is often where the pipe type changes.

Julie

11/9/2023 09:19:59 am

This came up recently in my jurisdiction. The question being, is an OS&Y required on the water storage tank supply line before the tank? There was some question of which standard applies. Clearly that is a single failure point that if closed, could inhibit the fire suppression system. The argument was as long as the water storage tank has a water level indicator, that there should be enough water in the tank for needed fire flow/system operations for a few hours. There is also a chance that the tank becomes empty and damages the fire pump. Ultimately, we decided to require the valve to be indicating (OS&Y), but I'm curious of other peoples' take on this scenario.

Jesse

11/9/2023 12:02:54 pm

I think that state and local entities get a vote too.

The "5-foot out" concept being an example. In Texas for instance, automatic sprinkler and underground fire line are both governed by the State Fire Marshal, and entities installing either must be licensed through them. Automatic sprinkler of course, but its created some havoc with utility companies because the state defines an underground fire line as any underground main that serves a riser or a hydrant anywhere. In Texas a sprinkler company licensed to do sprinkler work is also licensed for underground.

So here, 24 governs everything underground, not just the "5-foot out"

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Where Does NFPA 22 and NFPA 24 Start and Stop?

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