4.29.3 Devices in Suction Piping. Where located in the suction pipe of the 
pump, check valves and backflow prevention devices or assemblies shall be 
located a minimum of 10 pipe diameters from the pump suction flange.

Per the wording in NFPA 20, I’d have to say yes, the 10X rule applies.

It all comes back to laminar versus turbulent flow.  The check valves can 
create turbulence.  The water flow needs time to “smooth out” before hitting 
the pump.


Craig Prahl | Jacobs | Fire Protection SME – Special Hazards | 
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> | 
www.jacobs.com<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.jacobs.com/__;!!KZTdOCjhgt4hgw!-_khxU8gU0_6jc895I7kRbnU8JghRDsWgqOblZ4jr7Qp2IVbR30VYw_hWvNFtphnl0uWpB9KIvbYi1pvZz4$>
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From: Fpdcdesign <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, October 7, 2023 10:16 AM
To: Discussion list on issues relating to automatic fire sprinklers 
<[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [Sprinklerforum] Distance to fire pump suction

I have a system with a 6” backflow preventer, which reduces to 4” immediately 
after. There is approximately 48” of 4” pipe to the suction flange on a 4 x 3 
pump. All elbows are turning correctly. Is this sufficient? Does the 10x rule 
apply to the size of the backflow preventer or the fitting directly attaching 
to the pump?

Todd G Williams, PE
Fire Protection Design/Consulting
Stonington, CT
860-535-2080<tel:860-535-2080> (ofc)
860-554-7054<tel:860-554-7054>  (fax)
860-608-4559<tel:860-608-4559> (cell)

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