Acceptance Testing

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Acceptance Testing
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Acceptance Testing of Fire Protection Systems 101

• Touch on all types of Fire Sprinkler of systems
• Fire Pumps and Standpipes
• Requirements for Acceptance Testing per NFPA and
  the State Fire Marshal
• Industry Jargon and Common terminology
• State Rules- Texas Insurance Code Chapter 6003
  28 TAC SS 34.700
• Information in these slides comes from NFPA
  Standards 13, 14 and 20

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Defining Terms

• Authority Having Jurisdiction
• Listed and Approved
• Shall vs. Should
• Hydrostatic Testing And Cover
• Add and Relocates (Remodels) vs. New System
  installs
• Main Drain Test

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• Control Valve Testing
• Tagging Requirements
• System Type- Wet, Dry, Preaction and Deluge with
  specific differences and required tests for each
• Specific Application System- ESFR, Control Mode,
  Residential, Double Interlock, etc

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Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

• 3.2.2 An organization, office or individual
  responsible for enforcing the requirements of a
  code or standard, or for approving equipment,
  materials, an installation, or a procedure

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Examples

• Fire Chief, Fire Marshal
• Labor Department
• Health Department- TDADS
• Building Official, Electrical Inspector, Plumbing
  Inspector
• Insurance Organizations and their Representatives
• Commanding Officer on Base

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essentially
Anyone with a vested interest in the system
performing as intended
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Listed

• 3.2.2 Equipment, materials, or services
  included in a list published by an organization
  that is acceptable to the authority having
  jurisdiction.

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Approved

• 3.2.1 Acceptable to the authority having
  jurisdiction

Approved Materials
All materials and methods for installation are to
conform to Chapter 6 of NFPA 13- 2007 or the
individual product listings and approvals. When
in doubt..
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Make the installing contractor prove it to your
satisfaction!!!!

• If it looks incorrect, it probably is
• Be wary of new products, have contractor provide
  cut sheets when in doubt
• Good review with thorough walk through at hydro
  at end of job

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• Your interpretation of the codes and standards is
  to be met or proven incorrect- codes/ standards
  are in writing- not inferred
• Sometimes corners are cut by unscrupulous
  contractors
• Some poor installs are mistakes or human error
  - BUT.

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Report repeat offenders to the State Fire
Marshals office!!!
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REMEMBER

• You are the last line of defense to ensure the
  end user gets what they expect and paid for!!!
  These are your customers, you are their expert!
• Poor installs fail annual inspections and cost
  the owner money later for repairs

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Shall

• 3.2.4 Indicates a mandatory requirement.

Should
3.2.5 Indicates a recommendation or that which
advised but not required.
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System Acceptance

• Acceptance Testing of systems is contained in
  Chapter 24 of NFPA 13-2007 Edition
• All required tests are listed, but required extra
  heads and some paperwork is not.

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Hydrostatic Test

• Section 24.2.1- All piping and attached
  appurtenances subjected to system working
  pressure shall be hydrostatically tested at 200
  psi (13.8 bar) and shall maintain that pressure
  without loss for two hours

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• Section 24.2.1.2- Portions of systems normally
  subjected to working pressures in excess of 150
  psi (10.4 bar) shall be tested as described in
  24.2.1.1 at a pressure of 50 psi (3.5 bar) in
  excess of working pressure

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Things to watch at Hydro

• Need to know expected pump churn pressure and
  expected system working pressure, are PRVs
  required?
• Hydrostatic test pressure is taken at the bottom
  of the system, not the top (Section 24.2.1.8)

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• Know the limits of the materials- pressure
  limitations of fittings and sprinkler heads
• If there is freeze potential, an interim
  pneumatic air test at 40 psi can be conducted for
  24 hours per 24.2.2. This does not remove or
  replace the requirement for a hydrostatic test.

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• This test is referred to as a Hydro Test or
  Cover Inspection
• All systems require this type of test- Sprinkler,
  Standpipe, Pump
• In new construction the pipe should not be
  covered up during the test
• A procedure for removing test blanks must be
  in place

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• Retrofits are typically covered up. These are
  existing buildings and not all areas are
  accessible. Use your own judgment.
• Walk systems during the two hour test, look for
  leaks. Small leaks are not cause for concern.
• Excessive water leakage and pressure drop are
  cause for failure and re-test of system

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Hydro Test Procedure

• Contractor should have system pumped up above 200
  psi or 50 above working pressure, prior to your
  arrival to remove air pockets
• Note Pressure on gauge upon arrival.
• Walk system- look for leaks.

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• While walking system, note areas that are in need
  of repair or changes required in the system to
  installing contractor.
• At end of two hour period, note pressure (loss if
  any). Have Contractor drain system to zero the
  gauge out in your presence.

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Things to Keep in Mind

• FDC piping is often overlooked- Needs to be
  tested _at_ 150psi after repair/ replacement- Sec
  24.2.1.10
• Temperature changes affect system pressure during
  hydro.
• Trapped air in the system takes time to escape,
  if the system has not been pumped up for some
  time then air will escape.

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Add and Relocates

• 24.2.1.4- Modifications affecting 20 or fewer
  sprinklers shall not require testing in excess of
  system working pressure

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• Per Section 24.2.1.5- Modifications above 20
  sprinklers, isolate the affected portion of the
  system and hydro
• Per Section 24.2.1.6- Modifications that cannot
  be isolated (i.e.. Relocated drops) shall not
  require tested in excess of system working
  pressure

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Main Drain Test

• 24.2.3.4.1 The main drain valve shall be opened
  and remain open until system pressure stabilizes
  
• 24.2.3.4.2 The static and residual pressures
  shall be recorded on the contractors material
  and test certificate
• Use the bottom gauge

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• Often overlooked
• Required on State white tags
• Provides baseline water supply test information
  to measure water supply deterioration in
  subsequent NFPA 25 Inspections.
• This is required on all systems! The importance
  cannot be stressed enough!

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Size of main drains

• Table 8.16.2.4.2-Drain Size_________
  
• Riser or Main Size Size of Drain Connection
• Up to 2 in. 3/4 in. or larger
• 21/2 in., 3 in., 31/2 in. 11/4 in. or larger
• 4 in. and larger 2 in. only
• No test orifices on main drains!!!! Need fully
  open for Main Drain Test. Listed Test and drain
  assemblies are acceptable if capable of full
  flow.

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Operational Tests

• Referred to as a Final
• While performing this test, an inspection should
  be performed. Things to look for
• Loaded or painted sprinkler heads
• Adequate coverage of all spaces
• Missing pieces or incorrect install
• Tamper and flow switch operation
• Fire Alarm System should be on Test

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Walk the space- Check head coverage

• Light Hazard
• 225 Sq Ft
• Max. 15 X 15
• Ordinary Hazard
• 130 Sq Ft
• Max. 15 ft X 8-8

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• Extra Hazard
• 100 Sq Ft
• Max. 10 X 10 or 12 X 8-4
• Storage, ESFR, Control Mode
• Look up each individual section- these change
  often
• Request the sprinkler cut sheet from the
  Contractor- these are specific application and
  may have some special requirements

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Obstructions

• Depending on the type of head and the obstruction
• Refer to Chapter 8 in NFPA 13- 07.
• All types of heads are broken down individually

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Alarm Initiating Devices
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Testing Alarm Switches

• Inspectors test connection should have at least
  1 inch pipe connected to a corrosion resistant
  orifice equal to the size of the smallest orifice
  on the system.
• Open ITC all the way, alarm should sound in less
  than 5 minutes

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• If bell goes off too quick, have contractor
  adjust delay on alarm device to account for water
  hammer in city water to avoid nuisance alarms.
• Ensure cover is on WF switch after test is
  performed
• Call the monitoring company- verify signals are
  correct for the space/ bldg

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Valve Tamper Switches
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Testing Tamper Switches

• 8.16.1.1.2.1- Valves on connections to water
  supplies, sectional control valves, and other
  valves in supply pipes to sprinklers and other
  fixed water based fire suppression systems shall
  be supervised by one of the following

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• Central station, proprietary, or remote station
  signaling at a constantly attended point
• Local signaling service that will cause the
  sounding of an audible signal at a constantly
  attended point
• Valves locked in the correct position
• Valves in fenced enclosures under the owners
  control

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Testing Tampers

• 24.2.3.5.1 All control valves shall be fully
  closed and opened under system water pressure to
  ensure proper operation
• Check the valve operation
• Check Tamper operation and signal to monitoring
  company

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24.2.4- Pressure Reducing Valves
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Common Misinterpretation

• PRVs should be a Pressure Reducing Valve- NOT
  Restricting or Relief Valve
• True PRVs Reduce pressure under both Flow and
  Static Conditions
• NFPA 14-07 Sec. 3.3.16.4
• NFPA 13-07 Sec. 8.16.1.2.1

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Where Required

• Sprinkler-When working pressure exceeds 175 psi
  unless all downstream components are rated for
  the higher pressure
• Standpipe-For Fire Hose Valves where pressure
  exceeds 175 psi on 2-1/2 FHVs pressure shall be
  limited to 100 psi- 1-1/2 valves can be of
  regulating type

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PRV Requirements-Fire Sprinkler

• 8.16.1.2.2- Pressure gauges shall be on the inlet
  and outlet sides of each pressure reducing valve
• 8.16.1.2.3- A relief valve of not less than ½
  shall be provided on the discharge side set to
  operate at a pressure not exceeding 175 psi.

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• 8.16.1.2.4- A listed indicating valve shall be
  provided on the inlet side of each PRV, unless
  the PRV meets the listing requirements for use as
  an indicating valve.
• 8.16.1.2.5- Means shall be provided downstream of
  all PRVs for flow tests at sprinkler demand

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Acceptance Testing PRVs

• 24.2.4.1- Each pressure-reducing valve shall be
  tested upon completion of installation to insure
  proper operation under flow and no-flow
  conditions.
• 24.2.4.2- Testing shall verify device regulates
  outlet at maximum and normal conditions

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• 24.2.4.3- The results of the flow test of each
  PRV shall be recorded on the contractors
  material and test certificate
• 24.2.4.4- The results shall include the static
  and residual inlet pressures, static and residual
  outlet pressures and the flow rate

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Standpipe Hose Valve PRVs- NFPA 14-07 11.5.4

• Ask for PRV Testing Logs to show work was
  completed
• NFPA 14- 7.2 requires 1-1/2 hose valves residual
  pressure limited to 100 psi and 2-1/2 hose
  valves static and residual pressure limited to
  100 psi where pressure exceeds 175 psi

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Backflow Prevention Assemblies-8.17.4.6

• A.8.17.4.6- Where backflow prevention devices are
  installed, they should be in an accessible
  location to provide service and maintenance

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• 8.17.4.6.1- Means shall be provided downstream of
  all backflow prevention valves for flow tests at
  system demands
• A.8.17.4.6.1 describes the describes the methods
  available- essentially ensuring the backflow will
  not restrict the system demand

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Backflow Prevention Assemblies
Where are they Required???

• Section 23.1.8 references AWWA M14, Recommended
  Practice for Backflow Prevention and Cross
  Connection Control and the public Health AHJ
  requirements

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Backflow Prevention Acceptance Testing-24.2.5

• 24.2.5.1- The backflow prevention assembly shall
  be forward flow tested to ensure proper
  operation.
• 24.2.5.2- The minimum flow rate shall be the
  system demand, including hose stream

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• A copy of the state or local test report
  performed by a TCEQ approved tester should be
  attached to the riser
• An approved inspection by the local Health AHJ
  should be provided prior to final.

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Circulating Closed Loop Systems

• These are covered in 24.3.
• Requires certification of pressure ratings for
  auxiliary devices and proof of pressure test in
  all modes of operation
• Discharge tests to be per 6.9.1- the five minute
  requirement

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Wet Pipe System

• For Heated Buildings
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Residential
• Hospitals
• Educational
• Retail
• Most Common Sprinkler System
• Easiest to Maintain and Operate
• Requires the Least Amount of Testing

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Wet System
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Wet System Tests and Requirements

• Hydrostatic and Cover
• Walkthrough and Final
• Operational (Alarms, Tamper, Main Drain Test)
• Confirm Code compliance
• Ensure correct number of spare heads are left on
  site per NFPA 13-2007 Section 6.2.9- Dry heads
  not required. Sprinkler Wrench is.

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Wet System Riser Reqts

• New systems to have White Tag and Blue ITM Tag
• All additions over 20 heads are to have a new
  white tag added
• Hydraulic Placard and General Information Sign
• PRV test tags on each PRV
• Backflow certification and Inspection by Plumbing
  Dept

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Dry Pipe System

• For Non-Heated Buildings
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Parking Garages
• Building Exteriors

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Dry Pipe System
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Dry System Tests and Requirements -24.2.2

• Hydrostatic and Cover
• Walkthrough and Final
• Operational (Alarms, Tamper, Main Drain Test)
• Confirm Code compliance
• Ensure correct number of spare heads are left on
  site per NFPA 13-2007 Section 6.2.9- Dry heads
  not required. Sprinkler Wrench is.

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Dry Systems Also Require

• In addition to 200 psi hydrostatic test- an air
  leakage test is required
• 40 psi of air for 24 hours- any leakage in excess
  of 1-1/2 psi shall be corrected

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System Operational Test

• 24.2.3.2 covers operational test
• Trip test of valve and any quick opening devices-
  time how long it takes for water to be discharged
  from the inspectors test connection.
• Verify it is per 7.2.3.6 and record it on the
  Contractors Material and Test Certificate

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Water Delivery per NFPA 13- 2007
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Air Compressor Testing

• 7.2.6.2.2- The air supply shall have a capacity
  capable of restoring normal air pressure in the
  system within 30 minutes
• A.7.2.6.2.20- When a single compressor serves
  multiple systems, the 30 minute fill time is
  based in the largest system

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Dry System Riser Reqts

• New systems to have White Tag and Blue ITM Tag
• All additions over 20 heads are to have a new
  white tag added
• Hydraulic Placard and General Information Sign
• PRV test tags on each PRV
• Backflow certification and Inspection by Plumbing
  Dept

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Pre Action System

• For Environmentally Sensitive Areas
• Computer Rooms
• Surgical Suites
• Tele-Data Switch Rooms
• Fine Art Storage Rooms

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Pre Action System
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Preaction Requirements -24.2.3.3

• Hydrostatic and Cover
• Walkthrough and Final
• Operational (Alarms, Tamper, Main Drain Test)
• Confirm Code compliance
• Ensure correct number of spare heads are left on
  site per NFPA 13-2007 Section 6.2.9- Dry heads
  not required. Sprinkler Wrench is.

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Preaction Systems Also Require

• Test the preaction valve operation in accordance
  with the manufacturers instructions- ask for
  literature if there is any questions on operation
• Test manual and remote control activation- this
  can be electric, pneumatic or a combination

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• Is the piping supervised? Sec. 7.3.2.4 requires
  supervision to ensure system integrity.
• If supervisory air or nitrogen is used- it needs
  to conform to 7.2.6 for dry systems
• 30 minute refill requirement.
• Also needs to maintain a minimum supervisory
  pressure of 7 psi.

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Preaction Riser Reqts

• New systems to have White Tag and Blue ITM Tag
• All additions over 20 heads are to have a new
  white tag added
• Hydraulic Placard and General Information Sign
• PRV test tags on each PRV
• Backflow certification and Inspection by Plumbing
  Dept

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Deluge System

• For Highly Flammable Areas
• Aircraft Hangers
• Solvent Processing
• Dynamite Plants

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Deluge System
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Deluge System Requirements -24.2.3.3

• Hydrostatic and Cover
• Walkthrough and Final
• Operational (Alarms, Tamper, Main Drain Test)
• Confirm Code compliance
• Ensure correct number of spare heads are left on
  site per NFPA 13-2007 Section 6.2.9- Dry heads
  not required. Sprinkler Wrench is.

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Deluge Systems Also Require

• Test the deluge valve operation in accordance
  with the manufacturers instructions- ask for
  literature if there is any questions on operation
• Test manual and remote control activation- this
  can be electric, pneumatic or hydraulic

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• Flow Testing of the system to ensure hydraulic
  performance. Calibrated gauges are to be used at
  different points on the system
• These gauge readings are to be compared to the
  hydraulic calculations
• Detection devices are to be automatically
  supervised

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Deluge Riser Reqts

• New systems to have White Tag and Blue ITM Tag
• All additions over 20 heads are to have a new
  white tag added
• Hydraulic Placard and General Information Sign
• PRV test tags on each prv
• Backflow certification and Inspection by Plumbing
  Dept

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Standpipe System

• For Multi-level
• Buildings
• Per AHJ

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Stand Pipe System
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Standpipe System Tests and Requirements

• Hydrostatic and Cover
• Walkthrough and Final
• Operational (Alarms, Tamper, Main Drain Test)
• Confirm Code compliance and hose thread
  compatibility
• Flow test through roof manifold testing approved
  water source- fire pump, FD pumper truck, etc.

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• PRV tests. Ask for test log
• Main Drain flow tests- record on material test
  certificate
• Dry and semi automatic shall be trip tested to
  deliver 250 GPM at the hydraulically most remote
  hose connection within 3 minutes
• Air testing applies per dry systems in NFPA 13

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• Open and close each valve manually- make sure
  hose caps are on prior to testing
• Check for proper signage

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Fire Pump
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Fire Pump Tests and Requirements

• Per NFPA 20- 2007 Edition Chapter 14
• Piping to be hydrostatically tested per NFPA 13
  reqs
• All piping sizes to be verified per table 5.25
  (a) by rated pump flow

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• All factory supplier representatives are to be in
  attendance during field acceptance tests- AHJ
  should be notified
• As a minimum, proof of the initial startup and
  field acceptance test report should be provided
  at Fire Marshal final

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• A copy of the certified pump test characteristic
  curve shall be available for comparison of the
  field acceptance test.
• Compare the curves to ensure the pump meets its
  factory specs.

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• Pump shall be run at minimum, rated and peak
  loads
• How is this determined??
• Minimum is 0 GPM or churn
• Rated is the rating of the pump
• i.e.. 1000 GPM pump needs to be tested at 1000
  GPM
• Maximum is 150 of pump rating- a 1000 GPM rated
  pump is capable of 1500 GPM flow

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• Per NFPA 14- 2007, Section 6.2.1- Pumps shall
  furnish not less than 150 percent of rated
  capacity at not less than 65 percent of total
  rated head.
• 6.2.2- The shutoff head shall not exceed 140
  percent of rated head for any type of pump.

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• Example 1- Pump is rated for 750 GPM _at_ 100 psi
• 150 percent of load-
• 1.5 X 750 1125
• 65 percent of total rated head-
• .65 X 100 65 psi
• Pump should provide 65 psi MINIMUM at 1125 GPM

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• Example 2- Maximum Shutoff
• 100 psi Fire pump
• Maximum Shutoff Head-
• 1.4 X 100 psi 140 psi
• Pump shutoff pressure should not be over 140
  psi.

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• Keep in mind that is the Fire Pump shutoff
  pressure- the jockey of maintenance pump will add
  10 more psi to the working pressure of the system

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• Test fire alarm signals in Fire Pump control
  panel
• Pump Run
• A/C Power Fail
• Phase Reversal
• Normal power and alternate power

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State Requirements

• What does 28 TAC 34.700 The Fire Sprinkler
  Rules require for new systems and system
  modifications?

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• White Original Installation Tag

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• To be affixed to riser after new install or
  scheduled testing and maintenance.
• To remain on riser for the life of the system-
  provides baseline water flow information for
  subsequent inspections.
• Work for this tag to be filled out by licensed
  RME-G or RME-I.

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• Blue Inspection Testing and Maintenance Tag

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• To be affixed to riser after new install or
  scheduled testing and maintenance.
• To remain on riser for minimum of five years-
  only to be removed by employee of authorized firm
• Work for this tag to be filled out by licensed
  RME-G or RME-I.

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• Blue Service Tag

108

• To be affixed to riser after every service
  performed
• To remain on riser for minimum of five years-
  only to be removed by employee of authorized firm
• Work for this tag to be filled out by Installer-
  license not needed
• If anything is found to be impaired, a yellow or
  red tag need to be affixed as well.

109
Contractors Material and Test Certificates

• Ensure these are filled out in their entirety and
  affixed to the riser in a protective sheath. The
  owner will want these at a later date.

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Hydraulic Placard

• Used in future work on system
• Often lost over the years
• Should be metal and permanently marked per NFPA
  13- 07

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Design Criteria

• NFPA Codes 13, 13R, 13D, 14, 20, 22, 24, 25
  101
• UBC
• IBC
• IFC
• Local AHJs
• Other Jurisdictions Architect, Engineer
  Owner
• Insurance Underwriter

117
Post Construction Inspections and Maintenance

• Required per NFPA 25 and all Local Jurisdictions
• Texas requires Licensed Inspectors
• Identify changes in
• Occupancy and use
• Ceiling and finishes (i.e.. Painted and loaded
  heads)
• Added building features(Decks, Canopies, Clouds)
• Ensure system operation
• Find system deficiencies and repair them in a
  timely
• manner