Not as much now as they used to. They can fail for a number of reasons but the majority fail due to lack of flow and pressure from the FDV. The pipe's too small, in a nutshell is the case. Our Building Code calls for these to deliver 500 GPM @ 100 PSI with flat 150 PSI at the FDC, and of course additional 250's for the others up to 1000 or 1250. The inspectors will accept 155-160 PSI but that's it. Most after failing once, aside from the embarrassment, but with the failure causing no occupancy and having to pay for an engine, 4 firefighters and an officer plus to inspectors and maybe a cop; make sure it passes the second time (and pay again) and most do. They used to look at me cross-eyed when I'd ask if they hydraulically sized the pipe but they're coming around and realizing it's an important calculation to run. I can go into how I do them if you want me to, but I think I've posted this before. I can write you of various systems that failed and the reasons and steps taken to correct them, if you like.
What's interesting for me these days is the older systems. I do a lot when we were 65 PSI but I've also done some from the 70's when there wasn't a number. The client asks "Did we pass?", I turn to the inspector and ask the same and he returns "You tell me.". :P Tom -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of R Richardson Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 12:16 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Testing of Dry Manual Standpipes We too are evaluating the on-off enforcement of this requirement. I would be very interested in your experience with these tests, do they fail often and what is the source of failure? Rich Richardson Seattle Fire Department >>> "Tom Duross" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 01/19/08 7:09 AM >>> Every single standpipe installed in Boston gets tested. If no pump, then an engine and paid detail. I do a lot of them with flowmeters and hose to the roof or down the stairs to grade. If it's below freezing and we can't get to a catchbasin and hydrant on the same side of the street, it's scheduled for warmer weather and a condition of acceptance. If we have to cross a street for a hydrant or drain, they need a police detail and temporarily shut down the street and/or redirect traffic and people. Tom Our FD is more then glad to hook up an engine, handline and flow them. (Except in the dead of winter) Its a win-win-win, contractor gets it tested without having the greater expense of renting his own equipment, AHJ gets his flow test and the FD gets to work with the system and gain confidence in it. John Drucker _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
