Acceptance Testing

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
 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
• 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
 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”
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
 …essentially…

Anyone with a vested interest in the

system performing as intended
 Listed

3.2.2* “Equipment, materials, or

services included in a list
published by an organization
that is acceptable to the
authority having jurisdiction”….
 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……..
 …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
• 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….
 Report repeat
offenders to the
State Fire
Marshal’s office!!!
 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
 Shall
3.2.4 “Indicates a mandatory
requirement.”

Should
3.2.5 “Indicates a recommendation
or that which advised but not
required.”
 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.
 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”
• 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
Things to watch at Hydro
• Need to know expected pump
churn pressure and expected
system working pressure, are
PRV’s required?
• Hydrostatic test pressure is taken
at the bottom of the system, not
the top (Section 24.2.1.8)
• 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.
• 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
• 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
 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.
• 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.
 Things to Keep in Mind
• FDC piping is often overlooked- Needs
to be tested @ 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.
 Add and Relocates
• 24.2.1.4- “Modifications affecting
20 or fewer sprinklers shall not
require testing in excess of
system working pressure”
• 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
 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
contractor’s material and test
certificate”
• Use the bottom gauge
• 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!
 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.
 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”
 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”
• 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
 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
Alarm Initiating Devices
 Testing Alarm Switches
• Inspector’s 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
• 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
Valve Tamper Switches
 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:”
(1) Central station, proprietary, or
remote station signaling at a
constantly attended point
(2) Local signaling service that will
cause the sounding of an audible
signal at a constantly attended point
(3) Valves locked in the correct position
(4) Valves in fenced enclosures under
the owner’s control
 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
24.2.4- Pressure
Reducing Valves
 Common
Misinterpretation
• PRV’s should be a Pressure
Reducing Valve- NOT Restricting or
Relief Valve
• True PRV’s 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
 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”
FHV’s pressure shall be limited to 100
psi- 1-1/2” valves can be of regulating
type
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.
• 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 PRV’s
for flow tests at sprinkler demand
 Acceptance Testing
PRV’s
• 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
• 24.2.4.3- The results of the flow
test of each PRV shall be
recorded on the contractor’s
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
 Standpipe Hose Valve
PRV’s- 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
 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
• 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
 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
 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 …
• 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.
 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
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
Wet System
 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.
Wet System Riser Reqt’s
• 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
Dry Pipe System

For Non-Heated Buildings

 Commercial
 Industrial
 Parking Garages
 Building Exteriors
Dry Pipe System
 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.
 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
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 inspector’s test connection.
• Verify it is per 7.2.3.6 and record it
on the Contractor’s Material and
Test Certificate
 Water Delivery per
NFPA 13- 2007
Table 7.2.3.6.1 Dry System Water Delivery

Number of Most Maximum Time of

Hazard
Remote Sprinklers Water Delivery
Initially Open
Residential 1 15 seconds
Light 1 60 seconds
Ordinary I 2 50 seconds
Ordinary II 2 50 seconds
Extra I 4 45 seconds
Extra II 4 45 seconds
High piled 4 40 seconds
 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
Dry System Riser Reqt’s
• 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
Pre Action System

For Environmentally
Sensitive Areas
 Computer Rooms
 Surgical Suites
 Tele-Data Switch Rooms
 Fine Art Storage Rooms
Pre Action System
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.
 Preaction Systems Also
Require
• Test the preaction valve operation in accordance with the
manufacturer’s 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
• 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.
 Preaction Riser Reqt’s
• 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
Deluge System

For Highly
Flammable Areas
 Aircraft Hangers
 Solvent Processing
 Dynamite Plants
Deluge System
 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.
 Deluge Systems Also
Require
• Test the deluge valve operation in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions- ask for literature if there is any
questions on operation
• Test manual and remote control activation- this can be
electric, pneumatic or hydraulic
• 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
 Deluge Riser Reqt’s
• 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
Standpipe System

For Multi-level
Buildings
 Per AHJ
Stand Pipe System
 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.
• 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
• Open and close each valve
manually- make sure hose caps
are on prior to testing
• Check for proper signage
Fire Pump
 Fire Pump Tests and
Requirements
• Per NFPA 20- 2007 Edition
Chapter 14
• Piping to be hydrostatically
tested per NFPA 13 req’s
• All piping sizes to be verified per
table 5.25 (a) by rated pump flow
• 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
• 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 it’s factory
specs.
• 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
• 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.
Example 1- Pump is rated for 750
GPM @ 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
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.
 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
• Test fire alarm signals in Fire
Pump control panel
– Pump Run
– A/C Power Fail
– Phase Reversal
– Normal power and alternate power
 State Requirements

• What does 28 TAC §§ 34.700 –

The Fire Sprinkler Rules require
for new systems and system
modifications?
• White Original Installation Tag
• 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.
• Blue Inspection Testing and
Maintenance Tag
• 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.
• Blue Service Tag
• 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.
Contractor’s 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.
 Hydraulic Placard

• Used in future work on system

• Often lost over the years
• Should be metal and permanently
marked per NFPA 13- 07
Design Criteria

• NFPA Codes: 13, 13R, 13D, 14, 20, 22, 24, 25 & 101
• UBC
• IBC
• IFC
• Local AHJ’s
• Other Jurisdictions – Architect, Engineer & Owner
• Insurance Underwriter
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