We have an AHJ requiring a 50 psi test on CPVC piping, we think that is
excessive, and have always used 20 psi max. I know the best practice is to do a
hydrostatic test, but thanks to the polar vortex we are having freezing
temperatures and the builder needs to close up his walls. Right now we
Most CPVC manufacturers advise against air testing a CPVC piping system since
pipe failures usually are very dangerous because of the plastic fragments
produced by the pipe failure. There is a lot of energy store in a pipe system
being tested with air. The stored energy is capable of causing a
From Spears
http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102520706304-39/FG+Air+Test+Provision.pdf
Peter Schwab
VP of Purchasing Engineering Technologies
Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers Inc.
222 Capitol Court
Ocoee, Fl 34761
Mobile: (407) 468-8248
Direct: (407) 877-5570
Fax:
For what's its worth, I have performed air tests in the past on CPVC systems.
A few times with more air pressure than I'd like to admit here. It usually
does not help locate any unglued joints. I've witnessed tests with where it
held air pressure for an hour, but at 20lbs of water, the
I've always air tested cpvc to 50# for an hour prior to hydro at the rough
stage of installation, regardless of manufacturer's caution. Some dry fits can
hold almost that much unglued when the pipe is properly supported and braced
allowing little room for slipping. I hydro with premix
NFPA 13 2010
A.10.10.2.2.1 might be worth pointing out, specifically:
When systems having rigid thermoplastic piping such as CPVC are pressure
tested, the
sprinkler system should be filled with water. The air should be bled from the
highest and farthest
sprinklers. Compressed air or compressed
I fail to see the connection between closing walls and doing a hydro test or
substitute air test. Closing the walls is about is the pipe installed, hangars
right, size right. Yep it's all there, close it up and test later. Nothing
I know of that requires exposed testing.
If it leaks as
I think all you guys using 50 psi to test plastic are crazy. I also think
that guys that pipe shop air in plastic are crazy. That said I know it's
done all the time without mishap. Puff test for holes. Water test for
pressure holding ability.
And what the hell is a polar vortex. Sounds like
Ron,
It's all in their mind. Hasn't anyone read about 'Global Warming'? Don't
you know we are all going to die of extreme heat unless we are taxed to
death first!
And for Mr. Muncy's benefit, be careful with the air tests!
Cliff Whitfield, SET
President
Fire Design, Inc.
Ph: 719-488-3479
I have a situation where some sidewalls sprinklers are obstructed by ductwork.
Would it be acceptable to install additional pendents under the ductwork to
alleviate the issue?
Todd G Williams, PE
Fire Protection Design/Consulting
Stonington, CT
www.fpdc.com
860-535-2080 (ofc)
The inspector wants to see an air test we give him an air test within reason.
23° at job site were not putting water in the system under any condition.
Richard L. Mote
Rowe Sprinkler Systems, Inc.
7994 Route 522, Suite 1
PO Box 407
Middleburg, PA 17842
P 570-837-7647
F 570-837-6335
Check the forecast and do it when the ambient temp remains constant...like the
climate (good luck with that). Don't forget your common gas law, P1V1/T1 =
P2V2/T2 if the pressure drops as it may be fun trying to prove the entire
pressure drop was due to the inverse relationship to a temperature
That's normally what we do, but we are dealing with this inspector at this
borough so we have to make him happy.
Richard L. Mote
Rowe Sprinkler Systems, Inc.
7994 Route 522, Suite 1
PO Box 407
Middleburg, PA 17842
P 570-837-7647
F 570-837-6335
-Original Message-
From:
Now, now Ron, play nice. The polar vortex is the thingy that they install
on the fire pumps up north to keep the swirly water in check. Duh
Thank you,
Bob Knight, CET III
208-318-3057
www.firebyknight.com
-Original Message-
From: sprinklerforum-boun...@lists.firesprinkler.org
Heck if I know what a polar vortex is, that's what the weather dude called it.
Richard L. Mote
Rowe Sprinkler Systems, Inc.
7994 Route 522, Suite 1
PO Box 407
Middleburg, PA 17842
P 570-837-7647
F 570-837-6335
-Original Message-
From: sprinklerforum-boun...@lists.firesprinkler.org
Todd, Can the Sidewalls be lowered? Or is the duct to deep?
Regards,
G. Tim Stone
G. Tim Stone Consulting, LLC
NICET Level III Engineering Technician
Fire Protection Sprinkler Design
and Consulting Services
117 Old Stage Rd. - Essex Jct., VT. 05452
CELL: (802) 373-0638 TEL:
Can't lower them because we would then be too far down
Todd G Williams, PE
Fire Protection Design/Consulting
Stonington, CT
www.fpdc.com
860-535-2080 (ofc)
On Feb 25, 2014, at 4:11 PM, G. Tim Stone tston...@comcast.net wrote:
Todd, Can the Sidewalls be lowered? Or is the duct to deep?
I would contact the manufacturer rep and ask for his recommendations in writing
and then send that to the AHJ
Forest Wilson
Fire Sprinkler Contractor
937-736-0425
Notice:
This message is confidential. It may also be privileged or otherwise protected
by work product immunity or other legal
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