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Fire
Protection Manual Chapter 4, testing procedures |
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Appendix 11: Examining the Full-Flow
Trip Test of the Preaction Water Sprinkler System |
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1.0
Purpose
Improper priming water levels can adversely affect the operation of supervisory air within preaction water sprinkler systems. This document provides a procedure to conduct a full-flow trip test of a pre-action water sprinkler system, which is required by NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water Based Fire Protection Systems, Chapter 13, Section 13.4.3.2.
2.0
Scope
This test shall be performed on each preaction water sprinkler system within three years of the last test during a scheduled shutdown.
3.0 Planning
Notify the facility work coordinator using the approved electronic work control notification procedure. Allow one week for approval of the requested work; be prepared to reschedule the requested work to satisfy the area’s production schedule.
Testing requirements include:
· 3 staff members
· 4 hours of time
· equipment
o Manufacturer’s Manual (see Section 8.0)
o Full-Flow Trip Test Data Sheet
4.0
Test
Preparation
4.1
Ensure
access to the necessary equipment is available and does not interfere with
accelerator operation.
4.2
Use Chapter 5: Fire Protection System Impairment Procedure
for detailed instructions on work planning, advanced notification, and
administrative controls.
4.3
Post
the Fire
Alarm Systems Testing in Progress sign(s).
4.4
Notify
the technical representative (TR) to witness the test.
4.5
Evacuate
the hazard area of all personnel.
4.6
Disconnect
the building audible alarms at the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP).
4.6.1
Station
a knowledgeable technician at the FACP at all times that the audible alarms are
disconnected.
4.6.2
This
technician is to remain attentive at the FACP at all times that the audible
alarms are reconnected.
4.6.3
In
the unlikely event an unanticipated fire alarm signal is received on the FACP,
the technician shall reconnect the building audible devices and join the
building evacuation.
4.7
Disconnect
the preaction water sprinkler system and tag out.
5.0 Test the Priming Water Level
5.1
Open
the priming level test valve.
5.2
If
water flows, drain it.
5.3
Observe
the water discharge patterns from all open spray nozzles or sprinklers to
ensure the following:
· patterns are not impeded by plugged nozzles,
· nozzles are correctly positioned, and
· obstructions do not prevent discharge
patterns from wetting surfaces to be protected.
5.4
Close
the valve when water stops flowing and air discharges.
5.5
If
air discharges when the valve is opened, the priming water level could be too
low. To add priming water, refer to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
5.6
If
obstructions are found, perform the following steps until all obstructions are
clear and the discharge pattern is unimpeded:
5.6.1
Clean
the piping and sprinklers or nozzles.
5.6.2
Retest
the system.
6.0 System Restoration
6.1
Reconnect
the preaction water sprinkler system; remove the lock
out tag out.
6.2
Reconnect
the building audible alarms at the suppression control panel.
6.3
Dismiss
assisting technician at the FACP.
6.4
Remove
the Fire Alarm Systems Testing in
Progress notification signs previously posted.
6.4.1
Notify
the TR when the tests are complete and the system is on-line and
operational. Allow the TR to verify normal
operating conditions of the system.
6.4.2
Allow
personnel to return to the area previously designated as hazardous.
7.0
Conclusion
Upon completion of the procedure, the preaction water sprinkler system is on-line and
operational.
8.0
References
·
Manufacturer’s Manual
· NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection
9.0
Revision
History
|
rev |
summary |
date |
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1.0 |
triennial
review - updated - header and footer per discussion with T. Minga, 05.05.2022; - 9.0 per footer dates, as well as format of 9.0; - made general edits and format updates (e.g., bullets, spacing, etc.) - corrected
acronyms and abbreviations (e.g., SOTR to TR) - replaced previous
red-boxed links with more up-to-date red-outlined box links (see below) |
05.19.2022 |
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0.1 |
periodic review; no
changes per TPOC |
06.02.2019 |
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periodic review; no
changes per TPOC |
06.02.2016 |
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minor reference clarification |
04.23.2015 |
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0.0 |
initial release |
06.16.2011 |
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ISSUING
AUTHORITY |
AUTHOR |
APPROVAL
DATE |
NEXT REVIEW
DATE |
rev |
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Fire Protection Department |
05.19.2022 |
05.19.2025 |
1.0 |
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