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I checked the pressure at the beginning of the inspection (typically, the systems were pressurized the day before), checked the pressure part way through the inspection, and then again at the end of the inspection (I was also doing other inspections, so I was on-site for more than the 2 hours, and in addition to the other inspections I would check for leaks - sometimes there would be a leak part way through and they would need to release the pressure, drain the system, replace the leaking component(s), then start over at another inspection. Several took the pressure to 250 psi as I recall. All were over 200 psi (I suspect the installers did not want to fail the test by not-quite-being-at-the-200 psi pressure, so they increased the pressure higher. Pumping a 50-60 psi required system at 150 psi seems to me to be just significantly increasing the chance of failure while providing very little added fire protection benefit.I would estimate a 200 psi test will cover 98% of systems installed.Īll the other sprinkler systems I've tested (not that *I* as the inspector "test" them, but I check the pressure and look for pressure drop and leaks) have been for condo, from 2 story condo buildings which would otherwise be thought to be townhouses if you didn't know they were condos, to highrise buildings with standpipe systems. If the systems are requiring let's say in the 50-60 psi range for proper performance per NFPA, what is gained by pumping at 150 psi? Pumping at 100 psi would be more than sufficient. However, if not installed correctly, may fail at hydro or sometime in the future. If they are installed exaclty per manufacturers spec, yes, they will take 175 psi continuously. The sprinkler industry is having a problem with water damage claims from these systems due to them failing sometime after installation.
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I would review the water suply requirements for these type of systems in your area in gpm and pressure at the base of riser and then consider a SOP FDC pump pressure that provides some pressure over design, but possibly below 150 psi. pump pressure for the FDC for these systems. Personally, the strength of CPVC is a fraction of steel and these systems haven't been out there for long. Based on its listing, the CPVC should be able to take a continuous 175 psi pressure. The rated pressure is 175 psi, which is your standard rated pressure for the majority of fire protection system components. If the system pressure could exceed 150 psi, then the hydrotest would have to be conducted at a higher pressure in accordance with NFPA. The 200 psi is solely an acceptance hydrostatic test and is based on a maximum system pressure of 150 psi. Anyone out there with experience with the PVC Orange Pipe sprinklers? Thanks These sprinklers are going to be prevalant as time goes on. I have checked NFPA 13, and 13R and have not found any pressures or guide lines. I am affraid in a not too short period of time we will be over pumping our systems and blowing lines. I know everything deteriorates with age, and we have yearly temperature fluxuations of below zero in the winter into the 100's in the summer.
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I asked the job site manager what the systems are acceptance tested to and he stated 200 psi (air). Our Chauffeurs pump all sprinklers systems at the IFSTA recomended PDP of 150 PSI. The system is wet, but also has Fire Department Connections. The problem is that the sprinklers are of the orange pipe PVC with low temp heads. When I say they are wood construction, I mean EVERYTHING!.ĭuring our recent building surveys, we found that they are being protected with standpipes and sprinklers. My city is being inundated with large class five, lightweight 75 X 200, three story apartment complexes.