Appendix_B_9_Apr_14.pdf

APPENDIX B

Appendix B-1

Revised on 9 April 14

B. NFPA

B.1. Fire Detection and Alarm System (Chapter 10 of NFPA 72)

Visual inspections shall be performed to all components and be made to ensure that there are no changes that affect equipment performance.

Fire alarm systems and other systems and equipment that are associated with fire alarm systems and accessory equipment shall be tested according to the following table.

Device Method

1.

Control Equipment

(a) Functions

At a minimum, control equipment shall be tested to verify correct receipt of alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals (inputs), operation of evacuation signals and auxiliary functions (outputs), circuit supervision including detection of open circuits and ground faults, and power supply supervision for detection of loss of ac power and disconnection of secondary batteries.

(b) Fuses The rating and supervision shall be verified.

(c) Interfaced equipment Integrity of single or multiple circuits providing interface between two or more control panels shall be verified.

Interfaced equipment connections shall be tested by operating or simulating operation of the equipment being supervised. Signals required to be transmitted shall be verified at the control panel.

(d) Lamps and LEDs Lamps and LEDs shall be illuminated.

(e) Primary (main) power supply All secondary (standby) power shall be disconnected and tested under maximum load, including all alarm appliances requiring simultaneous operation. All secondary (standby) power shall be reconnected at end of test. For redundant power supplies, each shall be tested separately.

2.

Batteries — General Tests

Prior to conducting any battery testing, the person conducting the test shall ensure that all system software stored in volatile memory is protected from loss.

(a) Visual inspection Batteries shall be inspected for corrosion or leakage. Tightness of connections shall be checked and ensured. If necessary, battery terminals or connections shall be cleaned and coated. Electrolyte level in lead-acid batteries shall be visually inspected.

(b) Battery replacement Batteries shall be replaced in accordance with the recommendations of the alarm equipment manufacturer or when the recharged battery voltage or current falls below the manufacturer’s recommendations.

(c) Charger test Operation of battery charger shall be checked in accordance with charger test for the specific type of battery.

Appendix B-2

(d) Discharge test With the battery charger disconnected, the batteries shall be load tested following the manufacturer’s recommendations. The voltage level shall not fall below the levels specified.

(e) Load voltage test

With the battery charger disconnected, the terminal voltage shall be measured while supplying the maximum load required by its application.

The voltage level shall not fall below the levels specified for the specific type of battery. If the voltage falls below the level specified, corrective action shall be taken and the batteries shall be retested.

3.

Battery Tests (Specific Types)

(a) Primary battery load voltage test The maximum load for a No. 6 primary battery shall not be more than 2 amperes per cell. An individual (1.5-volt) cell shall be replaced when a load of 1 ohm reduces the voltage below 1 volt. A 6-volt assembly shall be replaced when a test load of 4 ohms reduces the voltage below 4 volts.

(b) Lead-acid type

i. Charger test With the batteries fully charged and connected to the charger, the voltage across the batteries shall be measured with a voltmeter. The voltage shall be 2.30 volts per cell ±0.02 volts at 25°C (77°F) or as specified by the equipment manufacturer.

ii. Load voltage test Under load, the battery shall not fall below 2.05 volts per cell.

iii. Specific gravity

The specific gravity of the liquid in the pilot cell or all of the cells shall be measured as required. The specific gravity shall be within the range specified by the manufacturer. Although the specified specific gravity varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, a range of 1.205–1.220 is typical for regular lead-acid batteries, while 1.240–1.260 is typical for high-performance batteries. A hydrometer that shows only a pass or fail condition of the battery and does not indicate the specific gravity shall not be used, because such a reading does not give a true indication of the battery condition.

(c) Nickel-cadmium type

i. Charger test With the batteries fully charged and connected to the charger, an ampere meter shall be placed in series with the battery under charge. The charging current shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of battery used. In the absence of specific information, 1/30 to 1/25 of the battery rating shall be used.

ii. Load voltage test Under load, the float voltage for the entire battery shall be 1.42 volts per cell, nominal. If possible, cells shall be measured individually.

(d) Sealed lead-acid type

i. Charger test With the batteries fully charged and connected to the charger, the voltage across the batteries shall be measured with a voltmeter. The voltage shall be 2.30 volts per cell ±0.02 volts at 25°C (77°F) or as specified by the equipment manufacturer.

ii. Load voltage test Under load, the battery shall perform in accordance with the battery manufacturer’s specifications.

Appendix B-3

4.

Control Unit Trouble Signals

(a) Audible and visual Operation of panel trouble signals shall be verified as well as ring-back feature for systems using a trouble-silencing switch that requires resetting.

(b) Disconnect switches If control unit has disconnect or isolating switches, performance of intended function of each switch shall be verified and receipt of trouble signal when a supervised function is disconnected shall also be verified.

(c) Ground-fault monitoring circuit If the system has a ground detection feature, the occurrence of ground-fault indication shall be verified whenever any installation conductor is grounded.

(d) Transmission of signals to off-premises location An initiating device shall be actuated and receipt of alarm signal at the off-premises location shall be verified.

5.

Remote Annunciators

The correct operation and identification of annunciators shall be verified. If provided, the correct operation of annunciator under a fault condition shall be verified.

6.

Conductors — Metallic

(a) Stray voltage

All installation conductors shall be tested with a volt/ohmmeter to verify that there are no stray (unwanted) voltages between installation conductors or between installation conductors and ground. Unless a different threshold is specified in the system installed equipment manufacturer’s specifications, the maximum allowable stray voltage shall not exceed 1 volt ac/dc.

(b) Ground faults All installation conductors other than those intentionally and permanently grounded shall be tested for isolation from ground per the installed equipment manufacturer’s specifications.

(c) Short-circuit faults All installation conductors other than those intentionally connected together shall be tested for conductor-to-conductor isolation per the installed equipment manufacturer’s specifications. These same circuits also shall be tested conductor-to-ground.

(d) Loop resistance With each initiating and indicating circuit installation conductor pair short-circuited at the far end, the resistance of each circuit shall be measured and recorded. It shall be verified that the loop resistance does not exceed the installed equipment manufacturer’s specified limits.

(e) Supervision Introduction of a fault in any circuit monitored for integrity shall result in a trouble indication at the control unit. One connection shall be opened at not less than 10 percent of the initiating devices, notification appliances and controlled devices on every initiating device circuit, notification appliance circuit, and signaling line circuit.

7.

Conductors — Nonmetallic

(a) Circuit integrity Each initiating device, notification appliance, and signaling line circuit shall be tested to confirm that the installation conductors are monitored for integrity.

Appendix B-4

(b) Fiber optics

The fiber-optic transmission line shall be tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions by the use of an optical power meter or by an optical time domain reflectometer used to measure the relative power loss of the line.

This relative figure for each fiber-optic line shall be recorded in the fire alarm control panel. If the power level drops 2 percent or more from the value recorded during the initial acceptance test, the transmission line, section thereof, or connectors shall be repaired or replaced by a qualified technician to bring the line back into compliance with the accepted transmission level per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

(c) Supervision Introduction of a fault in any supervised circuit shall result in a trouble indication at the control unit. One connection shall be opened at not less than 10 percent of the initiating device, notification appliance, and signaling line circuit.

Initiating Devices

(a) Electromechanical releasing device

i. Nonrestorable-type link Correct operation shall be verified by removal of the fusible link and operation of the associated device. Any moving parts shall be lubricated as necessary.

ii. Restorable-type link3 Correct operation shall be verified by removal of the fusible link and operation of the associated device. Any moving parts shall be lubricated as necessary.

(b) Fire extinguishing system(s) or suppression system(s) alarm switch The switch shall be mechanically or electrically operated and receipt of signal by the control panel shall be verified.

(c) Fire–gas and other detectors Fire–gas detectors and other fire detectors shall be tested as prescribed by the manufacturer and as necessary for the application.

(d) Fire alarm boxes Manual fire alarm boxes shall be operated per the manufacturer’s instructions. Key-operated presignal and general alarm manual fire alarm boxes shall both be tested.

(e) Radiant energy fire detectors Flame detectors and spark/ember detectors shall be tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to determine that each detector is operative.

Appendix B-5

Flame detector and spark/ember detector sensitivity shall be determined using any of the following:

(1) Calibrated test method

(2) Manufacturer’s calibrated sensitivity test instrument

(3) Listed control unit arranged for the purpose

(4) Other approved calibrated sensitivity test method that is directly proportional to the input signal from a fire, consistent with the detector listing or approval.

If designed to be field adjustable, detectors found to be outside of the approved range of sensitivity shall be replaced or adjusted to bring them into the approved range.

Flame detector and spark/ember detector sensitivity shall not be determined using a light source that administers an unmeasured quantity of radiation at an undefined distance from the detector.

(f) Initiating devices, supervisory

i. Control valve switch Valve shall be operated and signal receipt shall be verified to be within the first two revolutions of the hand wheel or within one-fifth of the travel distance, or per the manufacturer’s specifications.

ii High- or low-air pressure switch Switch shall be operated. Receipt of signal obtained where the required pressure is increased or decreased a maximum 70 kPa (10 psi) from the required pressure level shall be verified.

iii. Room temperature switch Switch shall be operated. Receipt of signal to indicate the decrease in room temperature to 4.4°C (40°F) and its restoration to above 4.4°C (40°F) shall be verified.

iV. Water level switch

Switch shall be operated. Receipt of signal indicating the water level raised or lowered 76.2 mm (3 in.) from the required level within a pressure tank, or 305 mm (12 in.) from the required level of a nonpressure tank, shall be verified, as shall its restoral to required level.

V. Water temperature switch Switch shall be operated. Receipt of signal to indicate the decrease in water temperature to 4.4°C (40°F) and its restoration to above 4.4°C (40°F) shall be verified.

(g) Mechanical, electrosonic, or pressure-type waterflow device

Water shall be flowed through an inspector’s test connection indicating the flow of water equal to that from a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system for wet-pipe systems, or an alarm test bypass connection for dry-pipe, pre-action, or deluge systems in accordance with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.

Alarm Notification Appliances

(a) Audible

Sound pressure level shall be measured with sound level meter meeting ANSI S1.4a, Specifications for Sound Level Meters, Type 2 requirements. Levels throughout protected area shall be measured and recorded. The sound level meter shall be set in accordance with ANSI S3.41, American National Standard Audible Evacuation Signal, using the time-weighted characteristic F (FAST). Record the maximum output when the audible emergency evacuation signal is on.

Appendix B-6

(b) Audible textural notification appliances (speakers and other appliances to convey voice messages)

Sound pressure level shall be measured with sound level meter meeting ANSI S1.4a, Specifications for Sound Level Meters, Type 2 requirements. Levels throughout protected area shall be measured and recorded. The sound level meter shall be set in accordance with ANSI S3.41, American National Standard Audible Evacuation Signal, using the time-weighted characteristic F (FAST). Record the maximum output when the audible emergency evacuation signal is on.

(c) Visible

Test shall be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Appliance locations shall be verified to be per approved layout and it shall be confirmed that no floor plan changes affect the approved layout. Verify that the candela rating marking agrees with the approved drawings. It shall be confirmed that each appliance flashes.

B.2. Pre-Action & Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems (Chapter 5 of NFPA 25)

Inspections;

Control valves supervised with seals in correct (open or closed) position?

Valve enclosures maintaining at least 40°F?

Gauges in good condition and showing normal air and water pressure?

For freezer systems, is the gage near the compressor reading the same as the gage near the pre-action valve?

Control valves with locks or electrical supervision in correct (open or closed) position?

Valves free from physical damage, trim valves in appropriate (open or closed) position, no leakage from valve seat, and all electrical components in service?

Sprinkler wrench with spare sprinklers?

Hydraulic nameplate (calculated systems) securely attached to riser and legible?

Appendix B-7

Fire Department Connections: Visible, accessible, couplings and swivels not damaged and rotate smoothly, plugs or caps in place and undamaged, gaskets in place and in good condition, identification sign(s) in place, check valve is not leaking, clapper is in place and operating properly and automatic drain valve in place and operating properly?

Alarm devices free from physical damage? (If plugs or caps are not in place, inspect interior for obstructions.)

Proper number and type of spare sprinklers?

Visible sprinklers;

Free of corrosion and physical damage?

Free of obstructions to spray patterns?

Free of foreign materials including paint?

Liquid in all glass bulb sprinklers?

Visible pipe;

In good condition/not external corrosion?

No mechanical damage and no leaks?

Properly aligned and no external loads?

Visible pipe hangers and seismic braces not damaged or loose?

Preaction and deluge valves that need to be opened to be reset passed internal inspection?

Must be done before cold weather

1. Adequate heat in areas with wet piping?

Appendix B-8

2. Low temperature alarms functioning?

3. Pipe through freezers free of ice blockage?

Ensure no internal obstructions that can be caused by debris (e.g., rocks, mud, tubercles) in water supply piping and spray heads of each system.

Compressed air or nitrogen gas is recommended to use this inspection. This inspection shall be conducted to UV/IR deluge systems. Pre-action automatic sprinkler systems are exceptions.

Testing;

Mechanical waterflow alarm devices passed tests by opening the inspector’s test connection or bypass connection with alarms actuating and flow observed?

Post indicating valves opened until spring or torsion is felt in the rod, then closed back one-quarter turn?

Is the priming level correct and has the low air pressure signal passed its test?

Main drain test for system downstream:

1. Record static pressure and residual pressure.

2. Is flow observed?

3. Are results comparable to previous test?

Valve supervisory switches indicate movement?

Electrical waterflow alarm devices passed tests by opening the inspector’s test connection or bypass connection with alarms actuating and flow observed?

Main drain test;

Appendix B-9

1. Record static pressure and residual pressure.

2. Is flow observed?

3. Are results comparable to previous test?

Are all sprinklers dated 1920 or later?

Fast response sprinklers 20 or more years old replaced or successfully sample tested within last 10 years?

Standard response sprinklers 50 or more years old replaced or successfully sample tested within last 10 years?

Standard response sprinklers 75 or more years old replaced or successfully sample tested within last 5 years?

Dry-type sprinklers replaced or successfully sample tested within last 10 years?

All control valves operated through full range and returned to normal position?

Low temperature alarms passed test?

Full flow trip test: (Not required where water can’t be discharged)

(Test all systems together that will operate simultaneously.)

1. Discharge from all nozzles unimpeded?

2. Pressure reading at hydraulically most remote nozzle.

3. Residual pressure reading at valve.

4. Above readings comparable to design values?

5. Manual activation devices passed test?

Appendix B-10

Automatic air maintenance devices on dry-pipe and preaction systems passed test?

Perform full operational flow test.

B.3. Fire Pumps (Chapter 8 of NFPA 25)

Pump house/room proper temperature (at least 70°F for diesels without engine heaters or 40°F for others)?

Ventilating louvers free to operate?

Suction, discharge and bypass valve open?

Piping free from leaks?

Suction and system pressure gauges normal?

Suction reservoir, if provided, full?

Electric Motor Driven Pumps

1. Controller indicating power on, transfer switch indication normal situation and isolation switch closed?

2. Reverse phase alarm indicator off or normal phase rotation indicator on?

3. Oil level in vertical motor sight normal?

Circulation relief valve flowing water while pump churns?

Pressure relief valves operating with proper pressure downstream while pump is operational?

Appendix B-11

Electric Motor –Driven Pumps

1. Pump started automatically? Record starting pressure.

2. Pump run for at least 10 minutes? Record suction and discharge pressure while running.

3. Pump packing gland showing slight discharge?

4. Free from unusual noises or vibrations?

5. Packing boxes, bearings and pump casing free from overheating?

6. Record time for motor to accelerate to full speed.

7. For reduced voltage or reduced current starting, record time controller is on first step.

8. For automatic stop controllers, record time pump runs after starting.

9. All times and pressures of above acceptable?

Select method for annual pump running test from below and record each readings.

1. Discharge of flow through hose streams. Flow readings taken at each hose stream.

2. Discharge through by-pass flow meter to drain or suction reservoir. Flow readings taken by flow meter.

3. Discharge through by-pass flow meter directly returned to pump suction. Flow readings taken by flow meter.

Record suction pressure, discharge pressure, flow, electric voltage and current and pump speed under each condition such as no flow, rated flow and peak flow.

Appendix B-12

Are above readings acceptable?

No-flow (churn) test run for 30 min?

Circulation relief valve and pressure relief valve operated properly during all flow tests?

No alarm indicators or other visible abnormalities observed during no flow test?

Suction screens cleaned after flow?

Low Suction Throttling Device Test

1. Low suction pressure simulated? Free from abnormalities in throttling action?

2. Free from abnormalities in return to full flow?

Automatic Transfer Switch Test

1. Power failure simulated during peak flow? Connection made to alternate power source?

2. After termination of simulated power failure did motor reconnect to the normal power source?

All alarm conditions simulated? All alarm operated?

B.4. Fire Water Storage Tanks (Chapter 9 of NFPA 25)

Items during cold weather where tank is subject to freezing if tank is electronically supervised

1. Heating system operational?

Appendix B-13

2. Record water temperature. Is this reading acceptable?

Sealed valves in proper (open or closed) position?

Locked and supervised valves in proper (open or closed) position?

Gages in good condition, showing normal pressure?

Water level and condition correct?

Air pressure in pressure tanks correct?

Interior of tank, support structure, foundation, condition of water in tank, catwalks and ladders strong and free from obvious damage?

Area surrounding tank free from combustibles, materials which could accelerate corrosion and ice?

Tank vents clean?

Expansion joints not leaking or cracking?

Interior coating in good condition, center columns of tubular design not holding water, center columns not permanently attached to the floor, tanks on ring type foundations with sand in the middle have no voids beneath the floor, heating system components and piping in good condition, and anti-vortex plates in good condition?

Testing;

Low water temperature alarms passed test?

High temperature limit switches on tank hating system passed test?

High water level alarm passed test?

Low water level alarm passed test?

Appendix B-14

Valve supervisory devices indicate movement?

Tank heating system in proper working order?

B.5. Water Spray Fixed Systems (Chapter 11 of NFPA 25)

Deluge valve enclosures (without low temperature alarms) maintained at 40°F?

Sealed control valves and valves on backflow assemblies; In normal (open or closed) position, seals in place, accessible and free from external leaks and provided with appropriate identification?

Relief port on reduced pressure backflow prevention assemblies free of continuous discharge?

Gages on system in good condition and showing normal water pressure?

Deluge Valves: Enclosures (with low temperature alarms) maintained at 40°F, free from physical damage, trim valves in appropriate condition, and electrical components in service?

Low point drains are in good condition?

Rubber gasketed fittings are in proper location?

Water Spray Nozzles:

1. In proper location?

2. Aimed in proper direction?

3. Free from external loading and corrosion?

Appendix B-15

4. Capped or plugged (when required)?

Control valves and valves on backflow assemblies (with locks or electronic supervision):

1. In normal (open or closed) position?

2. Lock or supervision in place?

3. Accessible and free from external leaks?

4. Provided with appropriate wrenches?

5. Provided with appropriate identification?

Gages in good condition and showing normal pressure?

Heaters and supports in good condition, secured to structural supports and in proper location?

Drainage system in good condition?

Piping and fittings free from mechanical damage, corrosion, and misalignment?

Post indicator valves opened until spring or torsion is felt in the rod, then closed back one-quarter turn?

Mechanical Water Flow Alarm Test: Bypass connection opened, alarms actuated and flow observed?

Main drain test for system downstream of backflow or pressure reducing valve:

1. Record static and residual pressures.

Appendix B-16

2. Was flow observed?

3. Pressures comparable to those from last test?

Valve supervisory devices indicate movement?

Electrical Water Flow Alarm Test: Bypass connection opened, alarms actuated and flow observed?

System Main Drain Test:

1. Record static and residual pressures.

2. Was flow observed?

3. Pressure comparable to those from last test?

Operational Test: (Test all systems together which will operate simultaneously)

1. Record response time and discharge time.

2. Record pressure at most remote nozzle.

3. Record pressure at deluge valve.

4. Nozzle discharge is not impeded, area of operation is totally covered, and strainers are cleaned after the test?

5. Are above pressures and times acceptable?

6. Connection to riser flushed?

Manual actuation devices operated properly?

Control valves operated through full range and returned to normal position?

Appendix B-17

Pressure reducing valves passed partial flow test?

B.6. Dry Chemical Systems (Chapter 11 of NFPA 17)

Inspections and Testing;

The extinguishing system is in its proper location.

The manual actuators are unobstructed.

The tamper indicators and seals are intact.

The maintenance tag or certificate is in place.

The system shows no physical damage or condition that might prevent operation.

The pressure gauge(s), if provided, is in operable range.

The nozzle blowoff caps, where provided, are intact and undamaged.

Neither the protected equipment nor the hazard has been replaced, modified, or relocated.

A check to see that the hazard has not changed.

An examination of all detectors, expellant gas container(s), agent container(s), releasing devices, piping, hose assemblies, nozzles, signals, and all auxiliary equipment.

Verification that the agent distribution piping is not obstructed.

Examination of the dry chemical (If there is evidence of caking, the dry chemical shall be discarded and the system shall be recharged in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.)

Appendix B-18

Inspect agent container for condition.

Verify storage pressure of propellant.

Verify quantity and quality of agent.

Inspect detection devices (fusible links) for contamination.

Test actuation system without agent release.

Verify interfaces (gas shutoff, power shutoff) operate properly.

B.7. Wet Chemical Systems (Chapter 7 of NFPA 17A)

Inspections and Testing;

The extinguishing system is in its proper location.

The manual actuators are unobstructed.

The tamper indicators and seals are intact.

The maintenance tag or certificate is in place.

No obvious physical damage or condition exists that might prevent operation.

The pressure gauge(s), if provided, is in operable range.

The nozzle blowoff caps are intact and undamaged.

The hood, duct, and protected cooking appliances have not been replaced, modified, or relocated.

Appendix B-19

A check to see that the hazard has not changed.

An examination of all detectors, the expellant gas container(s), the agent container(s), releasing devices, piping, hose assemblies, nozzles, signals, all auxiliary equipment, and the liquid level of all nonpressurized wet chemical containers.

Verification that the agent distribution piping is not obstructed.

Inspect agent container for condition.

Verify storage pressure of propellant.

Verify quantity and quality of agent.

Inspect detection devices (fusible links) for contamination.

Test actuation system without agent release.

Verify interfaces (gas shutoff, power shutoff) operate properly.