Unfortunately NFPA-25 - 2002 actually says 12.4.4.3.3* Low points in dry pipe sprinkler systems shall be drained after each operation and before the onset of freezing weather conditions. It does not say as needed which would be an improvement. Technically the wording says you can drain system in late April for the following winter. 25 is also replacing low point drain with auxiliary drains in dry systems.
The 2007 edition will say "Auxiliary drains in dry pipe sprinkler systems shall be drained after each operation of the system, and before the onset of freezing weather conditions and continuing as needed." REASON FOR CHANGE - Proper maintenance of low point drains is a major problem leading to freeze ups and system impairments. This language helps to clarify proper draining of low point drains during freezing periods. Note the table in Chapter 5 refers to "annually prior to freezing and as needed." Change "low point" to "auxiliary drain". Auxiliary drains in dry pipe sprinkler systems shall be drained after each operation of the system, and before the onset of freezing weather conditions and continuing as needed. Guidance on draining dry system is needed. Top Myers Myers Risk Services 961 Pottstown Pike Chester Springs, PA 19425 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web http://www.myersrisk.com P- 610-321-2415 X219 C- 610-952-0965 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Scott A. Futrell Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 2:30 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Drum drip (condensate trap) maintenance in dry system Robert, Based on the rest of the story, I'd go farther. Empty them daily and record the amounts. Then go to weekly. You may find that you are putting too moist of air in and it isn't going to get better... NFPA 25 (2002) says in part, "Annually prior to freezing and as needed." Good luck, Scott (763) 425-1001 Office (612) 759-5556 Cell -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Robert Tarrall Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 12:52 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Drum drip (condensate trap) maintenance in dry system "Scott A. Futrell" wrote: -> NFPA 25 gives the basic inspection and testing frequency. However, -> experience teaches us that they are all different. Some systems will -> have more water or condensation than others. So, you need to check them -> frequently at first, and frequently after water has been introduced -> (system trip, testing, etc.), then less frequently until you get a feel -> for how much water is there and how long it takes it to accumulate. -> Some systems are dry all the time, others there can be ounces to cups of -> water (or more) each time you check. -> -> They freeze and break nicely if they aren't properly maintained. Thanks to all for the great answers. I don't have NFPA 25; would be curious to know what it says. Summing up everyone's feedback I think the above is the way we'll go, modified some for the weather (no point trying to drain 'em when it's below freezing.) I've been logging which traps are damp so hopefully can get a feel for which ones need the most attention. Here's what prompted the question: original sprinkler system (I think from the mid-80's) had no provision for drainage, tended to freeze and trip (surprise) and the fire dept was getting annoyed at all the calls (big surprise). Pinhole leaks developed which I'm sure accelerated this process. So, we completely replaced the system this summer; work was completed in Aug I think. First decent cold spell we had (end of Nov, 10F lows) 7 out of the 30 drum drips blew. Installer says our fault, they have to be drained weekly. Seemed to think this was just obvious - everyone knows you drain drum drips weekly. Don't get me wrong... we live over this garage and wouldn't want to be without the sprinklers. But we sure would've liked to know about draining it *before* it blew, and getting invoiced to repair a system we just bought was a bit of a slap in the face. (Had a great time deicing the garage too. Pour that much water into a garage that's mostly ramps and you've got a great luge run. Wish I had a video camera with me to tape the guy that walked out there in flat-soled dress shoes.) Anyway, thanks again to all for the responses. I wasn't sure whether the contractor just failed to properly drain the system after install & test and was now trying to cover his butt, or whether his (post-failure) explanation that we need to drain it weekly for the life of the system was really a standard that we as owners were morons to not know. Sounds like the answer is neither - weekly isn't the general standard(?) but a good idea in this area at least till we get the system dry, and we should probably ask them to write us up an O&M manual so we can find out if there are any other maintenance items we're neglecting. -Robert.- _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum
