This might help to clairfy the issue, the full forward flow test can also be accomplished by removing the claper from the FDC check valve and holding open the checks in the FDC itself.
NFPA 13, Section 8.16.4.6.1 Backflow Prevention Valves Means shall be provided downstream of all backflow prevention valves for flow tests at system demand. The full flow test of the backflow prevention valve can be performed with a test header or other connection downstream of the valve. When flow to a visible drain cannot be accomplished, closed loop flow can be acceptable if a flow meter or site glass is incorporated into the system to ensure flow. For backflow preventers sized 2" and under, the forward flow test shall be acceptable to conduct without measuring flow, where the test outlet is of a size to flow the system demand All backflow preventers installed in fire protection system piping shall be tested annually in accordance with the following: (1) A forward flow test shall be conducted at the designed flow rate, including hose stream demand, of the system, where hydrants or inside hose stations are located downstream of the backflow preventer. (2) A backflow performance test, as required by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be conducted at the completion of the forward flow test. FRANK J. HERRICK CITY OF LEAWOOD FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE FIRE MARSHAL -----Original Message----- From: Roland Huggins [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 11:56 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: forward flow test problem sounds like you hit much of it. Look at 13:A.23.2.1. It is a tough dance to be competitive and dot all your i's. IT certainly helps IF the water purveyor and the AHJ are helping to define these variables (and just as important, looking for their application on all submittals) Roland On Dec 22, 2009, at 8:55 AM, Dewayne Martinez wrote: > Roland, > Is there a specific section that lists these variables or were you > just > talking in general? > I thought I was thorough in my water system evaluation. I verified > through the city engineer > that no valves were closed, no pumps were off, no main breaks at > time of > BFP test, and that the > water tower was not lowered for winter conditions. Anything else I > should have checked? > The kicker is when you get a water flow test from the water > department, > there is a disclaimer > that the readings may be off by +/- 15PSI! Too bad the fire > department > only requires a 5PSI or 10% > cushion, whatever is greater. It is hard to be competitive if we have > to design to a 15PSI cushion for this city. > Thanks, > Dewayne _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.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)
