We specialize and do houses in the Vancouver, Canada area. Since 1994 they have mandated a passive purge system here. Basically we run a blazemaster sprinkler system with the most remote toilet connected to the sprinklers. The low flow to a toilet does not set off the sprinkler flow switch regardless of the timing, we set our switches here to around 20 secs and do not get false alarms. We also use a dual check backflow (Watts 07S-rated for fire protection) that is a backflow, but is not a testable device. 6 psi loss at 40 gpm I believe. We leave a cap for the toilet water supply and the plumber hooks up when he installs the toilets. A separate PRV is required for the toilet supply line if the pressure is over 80 psi in the sprinkler system. Plumbers typically use a Watts P60, 1/4" brass one on the supply line.
This was started for a couple reasons that I am aware of. One is the elimination of a testable backflow requiring service every year. In the old days when we used a standalone backflow with valves, owners that were not educated were worried of a total house flood, and would just shut the sprinklers off. The passive purge keeps the system water relatively fresh and prevents them from turning the water off if they want to use the toilet we have connected to. That toilet effectively monitors the valves in the system and ensures they remain open. Still a stand alone sprinkler system and therefore installed by sprinkler fitters. I think this system has worked well here. Thanks Dave Killey Fire Busters Inc 7887 114A St., Delta, B.C. V4C 5L8 604-599-4499-Ph 604-599-4319-Fax [email protected] NOTICE: The information in this email is for the intended recipient only. Information is personal and confidential, and shall not be shared with anyone other than the recipients of this email. If you receive this email in error, please contact the writer immediately. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Thomas Watt Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2009 4:01 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Residential systems in California "To address the issue of backflow prevention, one discussion the committee is having is the viability of placing a toilet on the hydraulic end of the sprinkler system ..." Great. Now I have to learn to install toilets. Will this function as the inspectors test too? Won't the alarm sound whenever you flush? What is the definition of Task Force anyhow? Thomas _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.10.25/1957 - Release Date: 02/19/09 10:48:00 _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
