I came across this letter regarding the antifreeze situation. "The XXXXXX Residence incorporated an automatic sprinkler system in response to a variance approved by the XXXXXX zoning authority. This automatic sprinkler system was designed in accordance with NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes. The scope of the system included sprinklers in residential areas as well as in certain utility areas. A storage tank with a pumping system provided the water supply and pressure. Because of a concern for freezing conditions in the attic space, a 50% propylene glycol antifreeze solution was added to the piping (copper). In addition, attic sprinkler piping was to be covered with insulating material and also routed remotely from the eaves.
After a fire incident (resulting in a fatality and a serious injury to another person) involving a sprinkler system with an antifreeze solution, NFPA initiated a fire research project to assess the hazard of such systems. The NFPA Safety Alert is enclosed for your information. Please note that although new residential antifreeze systems are not to be designed or installed until final regulations are issued, guidelines for existing systems should be followed as described. In view of the NFPA action it is necessary to advise the client that the automatic sprinkler system should be assessed and the antifreeze solution changed to a maximum 40% propylene glycol concentration. This concentration would satisfy the NFPA guidelines and also provide protection from freezing down to a temperature of -30 F. This should be adequate for all but the most extreme conditions when the home might be left without power and heat for an extended period. XXXXXXX (sprinkler company name) has been notified that this information would be provided to you. Although a maintenance contract should be in place for this system, the NFPA Safety Alert would also be brought to the Owner's attention by their maintenance contractor. Let me know if I can be of any assistance to you in resolving this potential safety issue." Bill Brooks William N. Brooks, P.E. Brooks Fire Protection Engineering Inc. 372 Wilett Drive Severna Park, MD 21146-1904 410-544-3620 410-544-3032 FAX 412-400-6528 Cell _______________________________________________ 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)
