Issue Number: 208 Issued: April 19, 2011

Q & A for the 2011 Edition of NFPA 25

The 2011 edition of NFPA 25 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, was officially issued in August of 2010. Fire codes based on the 2006 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC) reference the use of the 2002 edition of NFPA 25, and codes based on the 2009 edition of the IFC reference the 2008 edition of the standard. The 2011 edition, however, can be considered the state of the art. Here are some recent questions relative to the new edition and answers provided by NFSA: Q: What is the most controversial change to the new 2011 edition of NFPA 25? A: The reduction in required minimum frequency of operation of electric driven pumps from weekly to monthly. A new research effort is getting under way to investigate the effect on pump performance reliability. The requirement to run diesel-driven pumps weekly remains in place, and the minimum operating times of operation of 10 minutes for electric pumps and 30 minutes for diesel also remain, and have been also copied in the annual pump test requirements.

Q: Are those minimum fire pump annual run times required to be at churn or can the time performing the flow test be included? A: The minimum run times of 10 minutes for electric pumps and 30 minutes for diesel-driven pumps in the annual tests are total run times, so all tests can be completed within those times if possible. Q: Weve heard that the new 2011 introduces levels of deficiencies. How will this work? A: A deficiency has been defined as 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. Definitions have also been introduced for critical deficiency vs. noncritical deficiency, depending on whether or not the deficiency will have an impact on the performance of the fire protection system. This opens the door to better enforcement by AHJs, since they can require more significant problems to be remedied promptly, while allowing more time for less significant problems. A new Annex E presents an example of a classification system for the various problems that an inspector might encounter. Q: Is a missing escutcheon considered a deficiency? Most sprinklers are listed without trim, so wouldnt the presence of a cover plate or semi-recessed skirt be simply considered cosmetic? A: In many cases the ceiling material is a part of a horizontal fire-resistive assembly, even suspended ceiling tiles. Building codes permit specific exceptions to allow sprinkler penetration of such membranes, but require that the annular space be covered by an escutcheon. As an example, Section 712.3.2 of the 2006 International Building Code requires that Where walls or ceilings are required to have a fire-resistance rating, recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required fire resistance will not be reduced. Exception 3 to the requirement allows The annular space created by the penetration of a fire sprinkler, provided it is covered by a metal escutcheon plate. Unless the sprinkler system inspector

has specific knowledge of the required fire resistance ratings of the building components, every escutcheon should be considered a required escutcheon. The new Annex E, however, would consider a missing escutcheon as a noncritical deficiency, now defined as a deficiency that does not have an effect on the performance of the fire sprinkler system, but correction is needed for the proper inspection, testing and maintenance of the system(s).

Q: Do you have to recharge an antifreeze system with premixed solution, or can a straight solution be mixed? A: Per the emergency amendment (TIA) issued to NFPA 25 in March of 2011, only factory pre-mixed solutions are now allowed to be introduced into sprinkler systems. More information is available at www.nfpa.org/antifreeze.

Q: With regard to the new annex language advising that sprinklers can now be cleaned so long as they are not touched, is it allowed to use a can of compressed nitrogen such as a "dust off" product to remove loose dust from a loaded head versus "compressed air"? A: Since this is advisory material only, the allowance to use compressed air cannot be viewed as a rigid specification. Keeping in mind that nitrogen is the primary component of air, this should be no problem provided that the application of the product does not harm the sprinkler through extremes of temperature or pressure.

Q: Section 4.1.2 addresses accessibility. Is a situation in which valves are accessible only by a ladder acceptable? What about a 12-ft ladder or a scissor lift? What if the owner has a scissor lift on site at all times? Strip malls seem to leave zone valves up high at the deck, sometimes 30 ft high, during base building installs. A: The reference to accessibility in Section 4.1.2 is viewed mainly as a matter of access to all building areas for purposes of inspection. The issue of positioning valves and other system components is addressed through the sprinkler system installation standards. At its meeting last month the NFPA Automatic Sprinkler Technical Correlating Committee directed the various committees under it to examine the various places where the sprinkler standards require components to be readily accessible and to try to develop more enforceable language.

Q: What is the minimum alarm time allowed when NFPA 72 and NFPA 25 are applicable? A: NFPA 25 would generally default to the NFPA 13 requirement that an alarm sound within 5 minutes of the flow of water (Section 6.9.1 in the 2010 edition of NFPA 13). However, NFPA 72 requires the alarm signal within 90 seconds and would take precedence where NFPA 72 also applies.

Q: Can you give examples of where NFPA 72 would and would not apply when discussing the time to alarm signal? A: While there are exceptions for 13D systems and other special cases, building and fire codes now require that sprinkler system valves and other key components be electrically supervised, including flow switches. Where a building has a fire alarm system, actuation of the sprinkler system is required to actuate the alarm system. These requirements create a tie to NFPA 72. However, within NFPA 13 there is still recognition (Section 6.9.4 in the 2010 edition) that electrical alarm connections can be provided in accordance with NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, rather than NFPA 72 where such alarms are not part of a required protective signaling system. NFPA 72 requirements are not applicable to many older buildings with sprinkler systems.

Q: The new wording of Section 4.1.7 drops the requirement that the occupants be given instruction on the location and operation of control valves in favor of new wording that the location of shutoff valves shall be identified. What does that mean? Verifying that valve tags are present? Creating a building drawing with valve locations identified? A: The new wording was created when building owner groups were successful in overturning the previous wording. The submitters substantiation for the requirement contained within the NFPAs Report on Comments indicates this new

wording leaves the requirement but changes it to simply require that signage be provided to identify and locate valves, rather than require the owner to make the occupant aware of its location. Tenants generally have nothing to do with the owners responsibility for performing ITM services and thus have no reason to know where valves are located or their respective shutdown procedures. ITM service personnel can obtain valve shutdown procedures from owners or whomever service personnel have contracted with.

Q: The new wording of Section 13.6.2 appears to delete the requirement that backflow preventers be given an annual backflow performance test, leaving only the forward flow test requirements for backflow preventers. Is this the case? A: Yes. While the Committee is not indicating that annual testing of backflow performance is unimportant, it is simply acknowledging that it is outside the scope of this standard. NFPA 25 is more concerned with the performance of the backflow preventer in a fire event, so it wants to make sure there is an annual test to check on the ability of the check valves within the device to fully open and accommodate a large flow of water. Newer systems are provided with means of testing downstream in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 13. Section 13.6.2.2 of NFPA 25 states that where connections do not permit a full flow test, the forward flow test can be conducted at the maximum flow rate possible.

Q: Are we required to inspect free-standing FDC check valves and, if so, what if the check valve is buried? A: There was no change to Section 13.7 - Fire Department Connections in the 2011 edition. All FDCs are required to be inspected quarterly, including those that are free-standing. One of the inspection requirements is that the check valve is not leaking. Obviously, a buried check valve cannot be inspected. We recommend that consideration be given to sending a separate letter to the owner following a system inspection to advise of this condition, and that the letter include a proposal for a modification to the system that would remedy the situation.

Q: What are the 2011 requirements for frequency of flow alarms and tamper testing? A: Those requirements have not changed from the 2008 edition. Section 5.3.3 requires that mechanical water flow devices such as water motor gongs be tested on a quarterly basis. Vane-type and pressure switch-type electrical alarm devices, along with supervisory switches, are to be tested semi-annually. Q: Doesnt the new guidance on draining dry system low points in A.13.4.4.3.2 only work during non-freezing conditions? If water in the pipes freezes it won't drain out in several days. A: That is correct the new annex guidance for owners to continue to drain the low points daily following a trip assumes that there are times during the day when it is warm enough for water to flow and drain. Following a trip of a dry system in freezing weather there is a special need to get the water out of the piping before returning the system to service, even if it means providing temporary heat to usually unheated areas. If some water remains frozen up in the system there is the potential for it to flow and accumulate in low points when warmed, leading to the potential for system damage if it refreezes.

Q: I have a dry pendent head in my truck in a box for the last 6 years. It has been through very cold and hot weather; though not installed. Does this head only have a 4 year life? A: Technically, the sprinkler is still new until installed. However, unless you have been extremely careful with the packaging and other protection it is questionable whether the manufacturer would stand behind the warranty for such a sprinkler if it is ever installed. And, since the date stamped on the sprinkler is usually the main indicator of the year of installation, a subsequent inspector would most likely be forced to assume it would be in need of sample testing in a few years.

Q: Do dry pendent heads not installed in harsh environments have to be tested every 10 years?

A: Yes, the 10-year sample test requirement applies to all dry pendent, dry upright and dry sidewall sprinklers.

Upcoming NFSA Technical Tuesday Seminar April 26th

Topic: Pipe Stands Instructor: Victoria B. Valentine, P.E., NFSA Director of Product Standards Date: April 26, 2011 Pipe stands can be used to support water-based fire protection system piping where it cannot be hung. Some criteria have been in NFPA 15 for the past few editions. The guidelines have been modified for the next edition. These rules can also be applied to sprinkler system piping where it may need to be supported from the floor.

To register or for more information, click HERE or contact Michael Repko at (845) 878-4207 or e-mail to seminars@nfsa.org. Additional training opportunities through the NFSA Engineering Department include the following

Layout Technician Training Course (2-week course)

Orlando, FL May 2-13, 2011 Fishkill, NY October 17-28, 2011 For more information, contact Nicole Sprague using Sprague@nfsa.org or by calling 845-878-4200 ext. 149 or click HERE.

Upcoming In-Class Training Seminars

The NFSA training department also offers in-class training on a variety of subjects at locations across the country, and in recognition of the current recession has adopted a new reduced fee structure. Here are some seminars scheduled for 2011: Apr 26-28 Apr 26 Apr 27 Apr 28 Apr 28 May 2 May 3 May 3 May 4 May 5 May 10-12 May 17-18 May 19 Stow, MA Willoughby, OH Willoughby, OH Willoughby, OH Willoughby, OH Colorado Springs, CO Colorado Springs, CO Colorado Springs, CO Colorado Springs, CO Colorado Springs, CO Nanuet, NY Brea, CA Brea, CA Inspection & Testing for the Sprinkler Industry (3-Day) Sprinkler Protection for General Storage Sprinkler Protection for Special Storage Flammable & Combustible Storage (1/2 day a.m.) Compacted Storage (1/2 day p.m.) Inspection, Testing & Maintenance Underground Piping (1/2 day a.m.) Fire Pump Layout & Sizing (1/2 day p.m.) Pumps for Fire Protection Hydraulics for Fire Protection Inspection & Testing for the Sprinkler Industry (3-Day) Two-day NFPA 13 Overview Hydraulics for Fire Protection

These seminars qualify for continuing education as required by NICET, and meet mandatory Continuing Education Requirements for Businesses and Authorities Having Jurisdiction. To register for these in-class seminars, click HERE. Or contact Michael Repko at (845) 878-4207 or e-mail to seminars@nfsa.org for more information.

NFSA Tuesday eTechAlert is c. 2011 National Fire Sprinkler Association, and is distributed to NFSA members on Tuesdays for which no NFSA Technical Tuesday Online Seminar is scheduled. Statements and conclusions are based on the best judgment of the NFSA Engineering staff, and are not the official position of the NFPA or its technical committees or those of other organizations except as noted. Opinions expressed herein are not intended, and should not be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. Please send comments to Russell P. Fleming, P.E. fleming@nfsa.org.

About the National Fire Sprinkler Association Established in 1905, the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) is the voice of the fire sprinkler industry. NFSA leads the drive to get life-saving and property protecting fire sprinklers into all buildings; provides support and resources for its members fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers and suppliers; and educates authorities having jurisdiction on fire protection issues. Headquartered in Patterson, N.Y., NFSA has regional operations offices throughout the country. www.nfsa.org.