3-NFP Regulations.pdf

Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of

Water-Based Fire Protection Systems

N

FPA

® 25 Stand ard for the Insp ection, Testing, and

M aintenance of W ater-B ased

Fire Protection System s 2011 ed ition

NFPA 25 2011 edition®

NFPA® membership keeps you up-to-date on the latest information you need to make the best decisions on the job. Members have exclusive access to the most current fire and life safety research, vital code update information, online reports and statistical data, technical assistance, and professional contacts. In addition, members receive subscriptions to the NFPA Journal®, NFPA Update, and NFPA News, free membership to one of 16 special interest groups, and discounts on NFPA products.

NFPA 25: Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Handbook, 2011 Edition

• � Complete 2011 NFPA 25 text supplemented by expert commentary clarifying rules and their intent

• �Added case studies drawn from real-world sprinkler experience in commercial and industrial environments

• �100+ visuals – including a new special insert with photos in full color, to help you identify the telltale signs of pipe corrosion and decay

• �Sample inspection, testing, and maintenance forms for help in implementing your own procedures

• �Updated FAQs drawn from real-world questions

• �New vertical rules in the outer margins identify changes in the Standard

• �Five in-depth Supplements cover topics such as substantive technical changes from the 2008 to the 2011 edition of NFPA 25, detection and mitigation of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in water-based systems, and foam environmental issues (based on NFPA 11).

• And more

NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2010 Edition

Get up-to-code with the new best practices for system design, installation, water supplies, and equipment. Industry experts and researchers worked together to solidify new knowledge about sprinkler performance under fire conditions.

Fire testing and studies performed by the Fire Protection Research Foundation form the basis for added criteria.

• �Chapter 20 presents requirements for the protection of three new special storage arrangements:

– Carton records storage with catwalk access

– �Compact shelving of commodities including paper files, magazines, books and similar documents in folders – with no more than 5% plastics and up to 8 ft. high

– High-bay records storage

Other major technical revisions and usability changes:

• New method to calculate rack shelf area takes the placement of loads into consideration.

• �Information about large drop sprinklers and specific application control mode sprinklers is combined as Control Mode Specific Application (CMSA).

• �Added criteria for the use of smoke vents recognize their limited use and effect on sprinkler operation.

To order or for more details on other NFPA products or seminars, call toll-free 1-800-344-3555. For orders outside the United States, call 617-770-3000. Visit our online catalog at nfpacatalog.org.

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F M M A a n s R N S w b e p a a o s t c g c a r y p t t p a t a t i f d

25–1

NFPA and National Fire Pr

SE

{520B73 0E5E} Copyright © 2010 National Fire Protection Association®. All Rights Reserved.

NFPA® 25

Standard for the

Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems

2011 Edition

This edition of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based ire Protection Systems, was prepared by the Technical Committee on Inspection, Testing, and aintenance of Water-Based Systems and acted on by NFPA at its June Association Technical eeting held June 7–10, 2010, in Las Vegas, NV. It was issued by the Standards Council on ugust 5, 2010, with an effective date of August 25, 2010, and supersedes all previous editions.

This document has been amended by one or more Tentative Interim Amendments (TIAs) nd/or Errata. See “Codes & Standards” at www.nfpa.org for more information.

This edition of NFPA 25 was approved as an American National Standard on August 25, 2010.

Origin and Development of NFPA 25 The first edition of NFPA 25, in 1992, was a collection of inspection, testing, and mainte-ance provisions that helped ensure the successful operation of water-based fire protection ystems. NFPA 25 was developed as an extension of existing documents such as NFPA 13A, ecommended Practice for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems, and FPA 14A, Recommended Practice for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Standpipe and Hose ystems, which have successfully assisted authorities having jurisdiction and property owners ith routine inspections of sprinkler systems and standpipes. These documents have since een withdrawn from the NFPA standards system. NFPA 25 became the main document gov-rning sprinkler systems as well as related systems, including underground piping, fire umps, storage tanks, water spray systems, and foam-water sprinkler systems.

This document provides instruction on how to conduct inspection, testing, and maintenance ctivities. It also stipulates how often such activities are required to be completed. Requirements re provided for impairment procedures, notification processes, and system restoration. This type f information, where incorporated into a building maintenance program, enhances the demon-trated favorable experience of all water-based fire protection systems.

The 1995 edition incorporated several improvements that reflected the initial experience with he standard. A new chapter was added that addresses obstructions in pipe as well as appropriate orrective actions.

The 1998 edition refined testing requirements and frequencies and provided additional uidance for preplanned impairment programs. The document scope was expanded to in-lude marine systems.

The 2002 edition continued to refine testing frequencies for water-flow devices and evalu-tion of the annual fire pump test data. This edition also included additional information egarding evaluation and test methods for microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC).

The 2008 edition increased the requirement for record retention from one year to five ears in order to establish sufficient performance data to determine a performance trend with articular concern for degradation in system or component performance. A section permit-ing performance-based testing was added, providing guidance on alternative means for de-ermining testing frequencies based on system/component failure rates. Component re-lacement testing tables were introduced in this edition to provide guidance for the ppropriate tests to be performed following replacement of system components. Inspection, esting, and maintenance requirements for water mist systems were extracted from NFPA 750 nd were inserted into a new chapter. This action consolidated inspection, testing, and main-enance requirements for all water-based fire protection systems into one document.

The 2011 edition further updates testing frequencies based on a growing data base of nspection, testing, and maintenance records. In two new annexes information is provided

FAIR U

D4-A0E1-47A7-8A16-26DB4E48

or classification of needed repairs and hazard evaluation. The 2011 edition also adds new efinitions differentiating the levels of deficiency for determining the priority of repair.

otection Association are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169.

25–2 INSPECTION, TESTING, AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER-BASED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

{5 Technical Committee on Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Systems

John K. Bouchard, Chair

Global Loss Prevention, MA [I] Clement J. Adams, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, PA [I] Gary S. Andress, Liberty Mutual Property, MA [I] Kerry M. Bell, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL [RT] Michael J. Bosma, The Viking Corporation, MI [M]

Rep. National Fire Sprinkler Association Joshua W. Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration, CO [U]

James M. Fantauzzi, North East Fire Protection Systems Inc., NY [IM]

Rep. American Fire Sprinkler Association James M. Feld, Feld Engineering, CA [SE] Gary R. Field, Automatic Protection Systems Corporation, OK [IM]

Rep. National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors

Russell P. Fleming, National Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc., NY [IM]

Rep. National Fire Sprinkler Association David B. Fuller, FM Global, MA [I] Greg Garber, Pittsburg Tank & Tower Inc., VA [M] Larry Keeping, Vipond Fire Protection, Canada [IM]

Rep. Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association Charles W. Ketner, National Automatic Sprinkler Fitters

LU 669, MD [L]

Rep. United Assn. of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumbing & Pipe Fitting Industry Alternates

(Alt. to K. M. Bell)

Nonvoting

Commission, MD [C]

T c

N a

C a s water spray systems, foam-water systems, valves, and allied e procedures for the conduct and reporting of routine system

011 Edition

7-8 John Lake, City of Gainesville, FL [E] Peter A. Larrimer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, PA [U]

Russell B. Leavitt, Telgian Corporation, AZ [U]

Rep. The Home Depot Kenneth W. Linder, Swiss Re, CT [I] Frank L. Moore, Moore Pump and Equipment, Inc., MS [IM]

John D. Munno, Meyers-Reynolds and Associates, OK [U]

Rep. Edison Electric Institute Top Myers, Myers Risk Services, Inc., PA [SE] Gayle Pennel, Aon/Schirmer Engineering Corporation, IL [I]

Rep. TC on Fire Pumps Richard M. Ray, Cybor Fire Protection Company, IL [IM]

Rep. Illinois Fire Prevention Association John F. Saidi, USDOE Stanford Site Office, CA [U] J. William Sheppard, Fire Protection Consultant, MI [SE]

Gregory R. Stein, Tank Industry Consultants, IN [SE] Darrell W. Underwood, Underwood Fire Equipment, Inc., MI [IM] Terry L. Victor, Tyco/SimplexGrinnell, MD [M] John Whitney, Clarke Fire Protection Products, Inc., OH [M]

Rep. Engine Manufacturers Association

EE}

James C. Bollier, Sprinkler Fitters UA Local 483, CA [L]

(Alt. to C. W. Ketner) Bruce H. Clarke, XL Global Asset Protection , LLC, NC [I]

(Alt. to K. W. Linder) Matthew G. Drysdale, E. I. duPont de Nemours & Company, Inc., DE [U]

(Voting Alt. to NFPA/IFPS Rep.)

Roland J. Huggins, American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc., TX [IM]

(Alt. to J. M. Fantauzzi) Thomas W. LaCorte, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, NJ [I]

(Alt. to C. J. Adams) George E. Laverick, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL [RT]

20B73D4-A0E1-47A

Clayton Norred, Jr., Norred Fire Systems, LLC, LA [IM]

(Alt. to G. R. Field) Matthew Osburn, Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association, Canada [IM]

(Alt. to L. Keeping) Ronald Rispoli, Entergy Corporation, AR [U]

(Alt. to J. D. Munno) George W. Stanley, Wiginton Fire Systems, FL [IM]

(Alt. to R. P. Fleming) Ralph Tiede, Liberty Mutual Property, MA [I]

(Alt. to G. S. Andress) Barry J. Waterman, Acme Sprinkler Service Company, IL [M]

(Alt. to R. M. Ray) Roger S. Wilkins, Tyco Fire & Building Products, RI [M]AIR US

A16-26DB4E480E5

(Alt. to T. L. Victor)F

Robert G. Caputo, East Coast Fire Protection, Inc., VA [IM]

Rep. TC on Sprinkler System Installation Criteria Rohit Khanna, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Thomas F. Norton, Norel Service Company, Inc., MA [IM]

Rep. Signaling Systems Correlating Committee James D. Lake, NFPA Staff Liaison his list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the final text of this edition. Since that time, hanges in the membership may have occurred. A key to classifications is found at the back of the document.

OTE: Membership on a committee shall not in and of itself constitute an endorsement of the Association or ny document developed by the committee on which the member serves.

ommittee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on inspection, testing, nd maintenance of systems utilizing water as a method of extinguishment. These include sprinkler systems, tandpipe and hose systems, fire service piping and appurtenances, fire pumps, water storage tanks, fixed quipment. This Committee shall also develop impairments.

25–3CONTENTS

Contents

-8 Chapter 1 Administration ............................... 25– 5

1.1 Scope ............................................... 25– 5

1.2 Purpose ............................................ 25– 5

1.3 Application ....................................... 25– 5

1.4 Units ................................................ 25– 5

Chapter 2 Referenced Publications ................... 25– 6

2.1 General ............................................ 25– 6

2.2 NFPA Publications ............................... 25– 6

2.3 Other Publications .............................. 25– 6

2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory

Sections ............................................ 25– 6

Chapter 3 Definitions .................................... 25– 6

3.1 General ............................................ 25– 6

3.2 NFPA Official Definitions ...................... 25– 6

3.3 General Definitions ............................. 25– 6

3.4 Deluge Foam-Water Sprinkler and

Foam-Water Spray Systems Definitions ........................................ 25– 9

3.5 Valve Definitions ................................. 25– 9

3.6 Water-Based Fire Protection System

Definitions ........................................ 25– 9

Chapter 4 General Requirements ..................... 25– 10

4.1 Responsibility of the Property Owner or

Designated Representative .................... 25– 10

4.2 Corrective Action ................................ 25– 11

4.3 Records ............................................ 25– 11

4.4 Inspection ......................................... 25– 11

4.5 Testing ............................................. 25– 11

4.6 Performanced-Based Programs .............. 25– 11

4.7 Maintenance ...................................... 25– 11

4.8 Safety ............................................... 25– 11

Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems ........................... 25– 12

5.1 General ............................................ 25– 12

5.2 Inspection ......................................... 25– 13

5.3 Testing ............................................. 25– 13

5.4 Maintenance ..................................... 25– 14

5.5 Component Action Requirements .......... 25– 16

Chapter 6 Standpipe and Hose Systems ............. 25– 17

6.1 General ............................................ 25– 17

6.2 Inspection ......................................... 25– 17

6.3 Testing ............................................. 25– 19

6.4 Maintenance ..................................... 25– 19

6.5 Component Action Requirements .......... 25– 19

Chapter 7 Private Fire Service Mains ................. 25– 20

7.1 General ............................................ 25– 20

7.2 Inspection and Corrective Action. ........... 25– 21

7.3 Testing ............................................. 25– 22

7.4 Maintenance ..................................... 25– 22

7.5 Component Action Requirements .......... 25– 22

520B73D4-A0E1-47A7 Chapter 8 Fire Pumps .................................... 25– 23

8.1 General ............................................ 25– 23

8.2 Inspection ......................................... 25– 26

8.3 Testing ............................................. 25– 26

8.4 Reports ............................................ 25– 28

8.5 Maintenance ..................................... 25– 28

8.6 Component Replacement Testing

Requirements .................................... 25– 28

Chapter 9 Water Storage Tanks ........................ 25– 30

9.1 General ............................................ 25– 30

9.2 Inspection ......................................... 25– 31

9.3 Testing ............................................. 25– 32

9.4 Maintenance ..................................... 25– 32

9.5 Automatic Tank Fill Valves .................... 25– 32

9.6 Component Action Requirements .......... 25– 32

Chapter 10 Water Spray Fixed Systems .............. 25– 34

10.1 General ............................................ 25– 34

10.2 Inspection and Maintenance

Procedures ........................................ 25– 35

10.3 Operational Tests ................................ 25– 36

10.4 Ultra-High-Speed Water Spray System

(UHSWSS) Operational Tests ................ 25– 37

10.5 Component Action Requirements .......... 25– 37

Chapter 11 Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems .......... 25– 38

11.1 General ............................................ 25– 38

11.2 Inspection ......................................... 25– 39

11.3 Operational Tests ................................ 25– 41

11.4 Maintenance ..................................... 25– 41

11.5 Component Action Requirements .......... 25– 42

Chapter 12 Water Mist Systems ........................ 25– 44

12.1 Inspection and Testing ......................... 25– 44

12.2 Maintenance ..................................... 25– 46

12.3 Training ........................................... 25– 47

Chapter 13 Valves, Valve Components, and Trim ........................................... 25– 47

13.1 General ............................................ 25– 47

13.2 General Provisions .............................. 25– 47

13.3 Control Valves in Water-Based Fire

Protection Systems .............................. 25– 47

13.4 System Valves ..................................... 25– 48

13.5 Pressure Reducing Valves and Relief

Valves ............................................... 25– 52

13.6 Backflow Prevention Assemblies ............. 25– 53

13.7 Fire Department Connections ............... 25– 53

13.8 Component Testing Requirements ......... 25– 53

FAIR USEA16-26DB4E480E5E}

2011 Edition

25–4 INSPECTION, TESTING, AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER-BASED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Chapter 14 Obstruction Investigation ................ 25– 56

14.1 General ............................................ 25– 56

14.2 Internal Inspection of Piping ................. 25– 56

14.3 Obstruction Investigation and

Prevention ........................................ 25– 56

14.4 Ice Obstruction .................................. 25– 56

Chapter 15 Impairments ................................ 25– 56

15.1 General ............................................ 25– 56

15.2 Impairment Coordinator ...................... 25– 56

15.3 Tag Impairment System ........................ 25– 57

15.4 Impaired Equipment ........................... 25– 57

15.5 Preplanned Impairment Programs .......... 25– 57

15.6 Emergency Impairments ...................... 25– 57

15.7 Restoring Systems to Service .................. 25– 57

2011 Edition

{520B73D4-A0E1-47A7- Annex A Explanatory Material ......................... 25– 57

Annex B Forms for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance .................................... 25– 88

Annex C Possible Causes of Pump Troubles ....... 25– 88

Annex D Obstruction Investigation ................... 25– 91

Annex E Examples of Classifications of Needed Repairs ................................ 25– 99

Annex F Hazard Evaluation Form ..................... 25–108

Annex G Informational References ................... 25–113

Index ........................................................... 25–114

FAIR USE8A16-26DB4E480E5E}

25–5ADMINISTRATION

{ -8

NFPA 25

Standard for the

Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems

2011 Edition

IMPORTANT NOTE: This NFPA document is made available for use subject to important notices and legal disclaimers. These notices and disclaimers appear in all publications containing this document and may be found under the heading “Important Notices and Dis-claimers Concerning NFPA Documents.” They can also be obtained on request from NFPA or viewed at www.nfpa.org/disclaimers.

NOTICE: An asterisk (*) following the number or letter designating a paragraph indicates that explanatory material on the paragraph can be found in Annex A.

Changes other than editorial are indicated by a vertical rule beside the paragraph, table, or figure in which the change occurred. These rules are included as an aid to the user in identifying changes from the previous edition. Where one or more complete paragraphs have been deleted, the de-letion is indicated by a bullet (•) between the paragraphs that remain.

A reference in brackets [ ] following a section or paragraph indicates material that has been extracted from another NFPA document. As an aid to the user, the complete title and edition of the source documents for extracts in mandatory sections of the document are given in Chapter 2 and those for extracts in informational sections are given in Annex G. Extracted text may be edited for consistency and style and may include the revision of internal paragraph references and other refer-ences as appropriate. Requests for interpretations or revisions of extracted text shall be sent to the technical committee re-sponsible for the source document.

Information on referenced publications can be found in Chapter 2 and Annex G.

Chapter 1 Administration

1.1* Scope. This document establishes the minimum require-ments for the periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, including land-based and marine applications.

1.1.1 Coordination with NFPA 72 Testing Requirements. This

standard does not address all of the inspection, testing, and maintenance of the electrical components of the automatic fire detection equipment used to activate preaction and del-uge systems that are addressed by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

1.1.1.1 The inspection, testing, and maintenance required by

this standard and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, shall be coordinated so that the system operates as intended.

1.1.1.2* All inspections, testing, and maintenance required by NFPA 72 shall conform to NFPA 72, and all inspections, testing, and maintenance required by this standard shall conform to this standard.

520B73D4-A0E1-47A7

1.1.2 Types of Systems.

1.1.2.1 The types of systems addressed by this standard in-

clude, but are not limited to, sprinkler, standpipe and hose, fixed water spray, private fire hydrants, water mist, and foam water.

1.1.2.2 Also included in this standard are water supplies that are part of these systems, such as private fire service mains and appurtenances, fire pumps and water storage tanks, and valves that control system flow.

1.1.3 This standard addresses the operating condition of

fire protection systems as well as impairment handling and reporting and applies to fire protection systems that have been properly installed in accordance with generally ac-cepted practice.

1.1.3.1* This standard does not require the inspector to verify the adequacy of the design of the system.

1.1.4 Corrective action needed to ensure that a system oper-

ates in a satisfactory manner shall be in accordance with the appropriate installation standard.

1.1.5 This standard shall not apply to sprinkler systems de-

signed, installed, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two- Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes.

1.2* Purpose.

1.2.1 The purpose of this document is to provide require-

ments that ensure a reasonable degree of protection for life and property from fire through minimum inspection, test-ing, and maintenance methods for water-based fire protec-tion systems.

1.2.2 In those cases where it is determined that an existing

situation involves a distinct hazard to life or property, the au-thority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to require in-spection, testing, and maintenance methods in excess of those required by the standard.

1.3* Application.

1.3.1 It is not the intent of this document to limit or restrict the use of other inspection, testing, or maintenance programs that provide an equivalent level of system integrity and perfor-mance to that detailed in this document.

1.3.2 The authority having jurisdiction shall be consulted

and approval obtained for such alternative programs.

1.4* Units. Metric units of measurement in this standard are in accordance with the modernized metric system known as the International System of Units (SI).

1.4.1 If a value for measurement as given in this standard is followed by an equivalent value in other units, the first stated shall be regarded as the requirement. A given equivalent value shall be considered to be approximate.

1.4.2 SI units have been converted by multiplying the quan-

tity by the conversion factor and then rounding the result to the appropriate number of significant digits. Where nominal or trade sizes exist, the nominal dimension has been recog-nized in each unit.

25–6 INSPECTION, TESTING, AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER-BASED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

7- Chapter 2 Referenced Publications

2.1 General. The documents or portions thereof listed in this chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be con-sidered part of the requirements of this document.

2.2 NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.

NFPA 11, Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam, 2010 edition.

NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2010 edition.

NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, 2010 edition.

NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2010 edition.

NFPA 15, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protec-tion, 2007 edition.

NFPA 16, Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems, 2007 edition.

NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, 2010 edition.

NFPA 22, Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection, 2008 edition.

NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances, 2010 edition.

NFPA72®, National FireAlarm and Signaling Code, 2010 edition.

NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2010 edition.

NFPA 307, Standard for the Construction and Fire Protection of

Marine Terminals, Piers, and Wharves, 2011 edition.

NFPA 409, Standard on Aircraft Hangars, 2011 edition.

NFPA 1962, Standard for the Inspection, Care, and Use of Fire

Hose, Couplings, and Nozzles and the Service Testing of Fire Hose, 2008 edition.

2.3 Other Publications.

2.3.1 ASTM Publications. ASTM International, 100 Barr Har-

bor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM D 3359, Standard Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test, 2008.

2.3.2 Other Publications.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, Merriam-Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2003.

2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.

NFPA 11, Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion

Foam, 2010 edition.

NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2010 edition.

NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose

Systems, 2010 edition.

NFPA 15, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protec-tion, 2007 edition.

NFPA 16, Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems, 2007 edition.

NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for

Fire Protection, 2010 edition.

NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service

Mains and Their Appurtenances, 2010 edition.

NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of

Commercial Cooking Operations, 2011 edition.

NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems, 2010 edition.

{520B73D4-A0E1-47A 2011 Edition NFPA 820, Standard for Fire Protection in Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facilities, 2008 edition.

NFPA 1141, Standard for Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land Development in Suburban and Rural Areas, 2008 edition.

Chapter 3 Definitions

3.1 General. The definitions contained in this chapter shall

apply to the terms used in this standard. Where terms are not defined in this chapter or within another chapter, they shall be defined using their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context in which they are used. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily accepted meaning.

3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.

3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdic-tion.

3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). 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.

3.2.3* Listed. Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the au-thority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evalu-ation of services, and whose listing states that either the equip-ment, material, or service meets appropriate designated stan-dards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.

3.2.4 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.

3.2.5 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is

advised but not required.

3.2.6 Standard. A document, the main text of which contains

only mandatory provisions using the word “shall” to indicate requirements and which is in a form generally suitable for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for adop-tion into law. Nonmandatory provisions shall be located in an appendix or annex, footnote, or fine-print note and are not to be considered a part of the requirements of a standard.

3.3 General Definitions.

3.3.1* Alarm Receiving Facility. The place where alarm or su-pervisory signals are received.

3.3.2* Automatic Detection Equipment. Equipment that auto-matically detects heat, flame, products of combustion, flam-mable gases, or other conditions likely to produce fire or ex-plosion and cause other automatic actuation of alarm and protection equipment.

3.3.3* Automatic Operation. Operation without human inter-vention.

3.3.4* Deficiency. For the purposes of inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, a condition in which a system or portion thereof is damaged, inoperable, or in need of service, but does not rise to the level of an impairment.

3.3.4.1 Critical Deficiency. A deficiency that, if not cor-

rected, can have an effect on the performance of the fire pro-tection system.

25–7DEFINITIONS

3.3.4.2 Noncritical Deficiency. A deficiency that does not

have an effect on the performance of the fire protection system, but correction is needed for the proper inspection, testing, and maintenance of the system(s).

3.3.5 Discharge Device. A device designed to discharge water

or foam-water solution in a predetermined, fixed, or adjustable pattern. Examples include, but are not limited to, sprinklers, spray nozzles, and hose nozzles. [16, 2007]

3.3.6 Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA). This assembly

consists of two internally loaded check valves, either spring-loaded or internally weighted, installed as a unit between two tightly closing resilient-seated shutoff valves as an assembly, and fittings with properly located resilient-seated test cocks.

3.3.7 Drain.

3.3.7.1 Main Drain. The primary drain connection located

on the system riser and also utilized as a flow test connection.

3.3.7.2 Sectional Drain. A drain located beyond a sectional

control valve that drains only a portion of the system (e.g., a drain located beyond a floor control valve on a multi-story building).

3.3.8 Fire Department Connection. A connection through

which the fire department can pump supplemental water into the sprinkler system, standpipe, or other system furnishing water for fire extinguishment to supplement existing water supplies.

3.3.9* Fire Hydrant. A valved connection on a water supply system having one or more outlets and that is used to supply hose and fire department pumpers with water. [1141, 2008]

3.3.9.1* Dry Barrel Hydrant (Frostproof Hydrant). A type of hydrant with the main control valve below the frost line between the footpiece and the barrel.

3.3.9.2* Monitor Nozzle Hydrant. A hydrant equipped with a monitor nozzle capable of delivering more than 250 gpm (946 L/min).

3.3.9.3* Wall Hydrant. A hydrant mounted on the outside of a wall of a building, fed from interior piping, and equipped with control valves located inside the building that normally are key-operated from the building’s exterior.

3.3.9.4* Wet Barrel Hydrant. A type of hydrant that some-times is used where there is no danger of freezing weather.

Each outlet on a wet barrel hydrant is provided with a valved outlet threaded for fire hose. [24, 2010]

3.3.10* Foam Concentrate. A concentrated liquid foaming agent as received from the manufacturer. [11, 2010]

3.3.11 Foam Discharge Device. Any device that, when fed with

a foam-water solution, produces foam. These devices are per-mitted to be non-air-aspirating (e.g., sprinklers, water nozzles) or air-aspirating (e.g., foam-water sprinklers, directional foam-water nozzles, foam nozzles). All discharge devices have a spe-cial pattern of distribution peculiar to the particular device.

3.3.12 Hose Connection. A combination of equipment pro-

vided for connection of a hose to the standpipe system that includes a hose valve with a threaded outlet. [14, 2010]

3.3.13* Hose House. An enclosure located over or adjacent to a hydrant or other water supply designed to contain the necessary hose nozzles, hose wrenches, gaskets, and spanners to be used in fire fighting in conjunction with and to provide aid to the local fire department.

520B73D4-A0E1-47A7

3.3.14 Hose Nozzle. A device intended for discharging water

for manual suppression or extinguishment of a fire.

3.3.15 Hose Station. A combination of a hose rack, hose

nozzle, hose, and hose connection. [14, 2010]

3.3.16 Hose Storage Devices.

3.3.16.1* Conventional Pin Rack. A hose rack where the hose is folded vertically and attached over the pins.

3.3.16.2* Horizontal Rack. A hose rack where the hose is connected to the valve, then stack-folded horizontally to the top of the rack.

3.3.16.3* Hose Reel. A circular device used to store hose.

3.3.16.4* Semiautomatic Hose Rack Assembly. The same as a “conventional” pin rack or hose reel except that, after the valve is opened, a retaining device holds the hose and water until the last few feet are removed.

3.3.17* Impairment. A condition where a fire protection sys-tem or unit or portion thereof is out of order, and the condi-tion can result in the fire protection system or unit not func-tioning in a fire event.

3.3.17.1 Emergency Impairment. A condition where a

water-based fire protection system or portion thereof is out of order due to an unexpected occurrence, such as a rup-tured pipe, an operated sprinkler, or an interruption of the water supply to the system.

3.3.17.2 Preplanned Impairment. A condition where a

water-based fire protection system or a portion thereof is out of service due to work that has been planned in ad-vance, such as revisions to the water supply or sprinkler system piping.

3.3.18 Inspection. A visual examination of a system or por-

tion thereof to verify that it appears to be in operating condi-tion and is free of physical damage. [820, 2008]

3.3.19 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Service. A service program provided by a qualified contractor or qualified prop-erty owner’s representative in which all components unique to the property’s systems are inspected and tested at the required times and necessary maintenance is provided. This program includes logging and retention of relevant records.

3.3.20 Maintenance. In water-based fire protection systems, work performed to keep equipment operable or to make re-pairs.

3.3.21 Manual Operation. Operation of a system or its com-

ponents through human action.

3.3.22 Nozzle.

3.3.22.1* Monitor Nozzle. A permanently mounted device specifically designed with a high flow rate to provide a far-reaching stream for locations where large amounts of water need to be available without the delay of laying hose lines.

3.3.22.2* Water Spray Nozzle. An open or automatic water discharge device that, when discharging water under pres-sure, will distribute the water in a specific, directional pattern.

3.3.23 Orifice Plate Proportioning. This system utilizes an

orifice plate(s) through which passes a specific amount of foam concentrate at a specific pressure drop across the ori-fice plate(s).

25–8 INSPECTION, TESTING, AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER-BASED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

3.3.24* Pressure-Regulating Device. A device designed for the purpose of reducing, regulating, controlling, or restricting wa-ter pressure. [14, 2010]

3.3.25 Pressure-Restricting Device. A valve or device designed for the purpose of reducing the downstream water pressure un-der flowing (residual) conditions only. [14, 2010]

3.3.26* Pressure Vacuum Vent. A venting device mounted on atmospheric foam concentrate storage vessels to allow for con-centrate expansion and contraction and for tank breathing during concentrate discharge or filling.

3.3.27* Proportioner.

3.3.27.1* Bladder Tank Proportioner. A system that is similar to a standard pressure proportioner, except the foam con-centrate is contained inside a diaphragm bag that is con-tained inside a pressure vessel.

3.3.27.2* In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioner. A system that is similar to a standard balanced pressure system, ex-cept the pumped concentrate pressure is maintained at a fixed preset value.

3.3.27.3* Line Proportioner. A system that uses a venturi pickup-type device where water passing through the unit creates a vacuum, thereby allowing foam concentrate to be picked up from an atmospheric storage container.

3.3.27.4* Standard Balanced Pressure Proportioner. A system that utilizes a foam concentrate pump where foam concen-trate is drawn from an atmospheric storage tank, is pressur-ized by the pump, and passes back through a diaphragm balancing valve to the storage tank.

3.3.27.5* Standard Pressure Proportioner. A system that uses a pressure vessel containing foam concentrate where water is supplied to the proportioner, which directs an amount of the supply downward onto the contained concentrate, thereby pressurizing the tank.

3.3.28 Qualified. A competent and capable person or com-

pany that has met the requirements and training for a given field acceptable to the AHJ. [96, 2011]

3.3.29 Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assem-

bly (RPBA). Two independently acting check valves together with a hydraulically operating, mechanically independent pres-sure differential relief valve located between the check valves and below the first check valve. These units are located between two tightly closed resilient-seated shutoff valves, as an assembly, and are equipped with properly located resilient-seated test cocks.

3.3.30 Sprinkler.

3.3.30.1* Control Mode Specific Application (CMSA) Sprinkler.

A type of spray sprinkler that is capable of producing char-acteristic large water droplets and that is listed for its capa-bility to provide fire control of specific high-challenge fire hazards. [13, 2010]

3.3.30.2 Corrosion-Resistant Sprinkler. A sprinkler fabri-

cated with corrosion-resistant material, or with special coat-ings or platings, to be used in an atmosphere that would normally corrode sprinklers. [13, 2010]

3.3.30.3 Dry Sprinkler. A sprinkler secured in an extension

nipple that has a seal at the inlet end to prevent water from entering the nipple until the sprinkler operates. [13, 2010]

{520B73D4-A0E1-47A 2011 Edition

3.3.30.4 Early Suppression Fast-Response (ESFR) Sprinkler.

A type of fast-response sprinkler that meets the criteria of 3.6.1(a)(1) of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and is listed for its capability to provide fire suppres-sion of specific high-challenge fire hazards. [13, 2010]

3.3.30.5 Extended Coverage Sprinkler. A type of spray sprin-

kler with maximum coverage areas as specified in Sections

8.8 and 8.9 of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprin-kler Systems. [13, 2010]

3.3.30.6 Nozzles. A device for use in applications requiring

special water discharge patterns, directional spray, or other unusual discharge characteristics. [13, 2010]

3.3.30.7 Old-Style/Conventional Sprinkler. A sprinkler that

directs from 40 percent to 60 percent of the total water initially in a downward direction and that is designed to be installed with the deflector either upright or pendent. [13, 2010]

3.3.30.8 Open Sprinkler. A sprinkler that does not have ac-

tuators or heat-responsive elements. [13, 2010]

3.3.30.9 Ornamental/Decorative Sprinkler. A sprinkler that

has been painted or plated by the manufacturer. [13, 2010]

3.3.30.10 Pendent…