Mike quoted the new language that was included in the 2022 edition of NFPA 13. However, it is one option. There are other methods to comply with this requirement. 16.14.5.1.3 allows other methods. My thought is as long as you show the method (as required by Section 28.1.3(18) of NFPA 13), the AHJ approves it, and you prove it as part of the acceptance testing as required by Section 29.2.5 of NFPA 13, you are good to go.
16.14.5* <https://link.nfpa.org/publications/13/2022/annexes/A/groups/16#ID000130005751> Backflow Devices. 16.14.5.1* <https://link.nfpa.org/publications/13/2022/annexes/A/groups/16#ID000130008195> Backflow Prevention Valves. A test connection shall be provided downstream of all backflow prevention valves for the performance of forward flow tests required by this standard and NFPA 25at a minimum flow rate of the system demand including hose allowance where applicable. ENHANCED CONTENT Expand 16.14.5.1.1 A 2 1⁄2 in. (65 mm) hose valve shall be provided downstream of the backflow prevention valve for every 250 gpm (950 L/min) of flow rate required by the system demand including hose allowance where applicable. A.16.14.5.1 System demand refers to flow rate and pressure. This test is only concerned with testing at the proper flow rate. 16.14.5.1.2* <https://link.nfpa.org/publications/13/2022/annexes/A/groups/16#ID000130009999> Existing hose connections downstream of the backflow prevention valve shall be allowed to be utilized. A.16.14.5.1.2 Hose connections on a standpipe or on a fire pump test header can be utilized for the full flow test. 16.14.5.1.3* <https://link.nfpa.org/publications/13/2022/annexes/A/groups/16#ID000130010001> Other means shall be permitted as long as the system doesn't require modification to perform the test and it is sized to meet the system demand. A.16.14.5.1.3 Providing another means is at the discretion of the designer in consultation with the owner or developer. Any number of arrangements would be acceptable as long as the flow through the backflow prevention valve can be measured to verify it is equal to or greater than the system demand. One example is the use of the fire department connection as long as it will accommodate the required flow and the check valve has a bypass with a shut-off valve provided for this purpose. *The above is my opinion and has not been processed as a formal interpretation in accordance with the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects. This is provided with the understanding that the AFSA assumes no liability for this opinion or actions taken on it and they are not to be considered the official position of the **AFSA, and/or NFPA or its technical committees.**AFSA cannot provide design or consulting engineering services, and this opinion should therefore not be considered, nor relied upon, as such.* Thanks, John John August Denhardt, PE *Vice President, Engineering and Technical Services* *American Fire Sprinkler Association* m: p: 301-343-1457 214-349-5965 ext 121 w: firesprinkler.org *Expand Your Design Department!* Learn design with AFSA’s popular Beginning Design School. Our technical experts teach the basics of system layout based on the 2019 edition of NFPA 13. The August 2023 school is presented in traditional format with two weeks of in-person instruction at AFSA headquarters. Enroll now at https://www.firesprinkler.org/design. On Thu, Jul 13, 2023 at 10:34 AM Mike Morey <[email protected]> wrote: > > _________________________________________________________ > SprinklerForum mailing list: > https://lists.firesprinkler.org/list/sprinklerforum.lists.firesprinkler.org > To unsubscribe send an email to > [email protected] > NFPA 13 2021: > 16.14.5.1.1 > > A 2 1∕ 2 in. (65 mm) hose valve shall be provided downstream of the > backflow prevention valve for every 250 gpm (950 L/min) of flow rate > required by the system demand including hose allowance where applicable. > > > *Mike Morey* > > *CFPS 3229 • NICET S.E.T. 123677* > > *Project Manager* • Fire Protection Group > * Shambaugh & Son, LP **an EMCOR Company* > > 7614 Opportunity Drive • Fort Wayne, IN • 46825 > > *direct *260.487.7824* / cell *260.417.0625* / fax *260.487.7991 > * email *[email protected] > > [image: Image] > > ------------------------------ > *From:* Prahl, Craig <[email protected]> > *Sent:* Wednesday, July 12, 2023 4:37:01 PM > *To:* Discussion list on issues relating to automatic fire sprinklers < > [email protected]> > *Subject:* [Sprinklerforum] Forward Flow testing valve arrangements > > Providing an array of 2. 5” hose valves as a test header for testing the > backflow preventer. Sprinkler System demand is around 1800 gpm. So, here’s > the debate, when determining how many valves you need do you consider each > valve capable of 250 > ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerStart > Be Careful With This Message > The sender's identity could not be verified and someone may be > impersonating the sender. > > ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerEnd > > Providing an array of 2.5” hose valves as a test header for testing the > backflow preventer. Sprinkler System demand is around 1800 gpm. > > > > So, here’s the debate, when determining how many valves you need do you > consider each valve capable of 250 gpm or 500 gpm flow? > > > > Nothing in NFPA 13, the debate goes on…………. > > > > Craig Prahl | Jacobs | Fire Protection SME – Special Hazards | > [email protected] | www.jacobs.com > <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.jacobs.com/__;!!KZTdOCjhgt4hgw!-_khxU8gU0_6jc895I7kRbnU8JghRDsWgqOblZ4jr7Qp2IVbR30VYw_hWvNFtphnl0uWpB9KIvbYi1pvZz4$> > > 1041 East Butler Road Greenville, South Carolina 29606 > > CONTACT BY: Phone 1-864-676-5252, Email or MS TEAMS > > > > ------------------------------ > > NOTICE - This communication may contain confidential and privileged > information that is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any > viewing, copying or distribution of, or reliance on this message by > unintended recipients is strictly prohibited. If you have received this > message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message > and deleting it from your computer. > This message is for the named person's use only. It may contain > confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No > confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If > you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all > copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the > sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, > print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended > recipient. >
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