NFPA 25 Chapter 6

6.1.1 Minimum Requirements.

6.1.1.1

This chapter shall provide the minimum requirements for the routine inspection, testing, and maintenance of standpipe and hose systems installed in accordance with NFPA 14 or other approved installation standard.

6.1.1.2

6.1.2

Inspection, testing, and maintenance activities required by this chapter shall be followed to determine that components are free of corrosion, foreign material, physical damage, tampering, or other conditions that adversely affect system operation.

6.1.3

Common components and valves shall be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with Chapter 13.

6.1.4

The procedures outlined in Chapter 14 shall be followed where there is a need to conduct an obstruction investigation.

6.1.5

Where the inspection, testing, and maintenance of standpipe and hose systems results or involves a system that is out of service, the impairment procedures outlined in Chapter 15 shall be followed.

6.1.6

Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, existing hose shall be permitted to be removed and shall not be recorded as a deficiency.

6.2 Inspection.

6.2.1 Components.

Components of standpipe and hose systems shall be visually inspected annually or as specified in Table 6.1.1.2.

6.2.2 Hydraulic Design Information Sign.

The hydraulic design information sign for standpipe systems shall be inspected annually to verify that it is provided, attached securely, and legible.

6.2.2.1

A hydraulic design information sign that is missing or illegible shall be replaced.

6.2.2.2

A standpipe system that was not sized by hydraulic design shall have a hydraulic design information sign that reads “Pipe Schedule System.”

6.2.3 Hose Connections.

6.2.3.1

Hose connections shall be inspected annually for the following conditions:

1.      Valve cap(s) missing or damaged

2.      Fire hose connection damaged

3.      Valve handles missing or damaged

4.      Cap gaskets missing or deteriorated

5.      Valve leaking

6.      Visible and physical obstructions to hose connections

7.      Pressure restricting device missing

8.      Manual, semiautomatic, or dry standpipe valve does not operate smoothly

9.      Valve threads damaged

6.2.3.2

Where any deficiency is noted, the appropriate corrective action shall be taken.

6.2.4 Piping.

6.2.4.1

Piping shall be inspected annually for the following conditions:

1.      Damaged piping

2.      Damaged control valves

3.      Missing or damaged pipe support device (i.e., missing or damaged hanger or seismic brace)

4.      Damaged supervisory signal initiating device

6.2.4.2

Where any deficiency is noted, the appropriate corrective action shall be taken.

6.2.5 Hose.

6.2.5.1

Hose shall be inspected annually for the following conditions as required by NFPA 1962:

1.      Mildew, cuts, abrasions, and deterioration

2.      Couplings hose threads damaged

3.      Gaskets missing or deteriorated

4.      Incompatible threads on coupling

5.      Hose not connected to hose rack nipple or valve

6.      Hose test outdated

6.2.5.2

Where any deficiency is noted, the appropriate corrective action shall be taken.

6.2.6 Hose Nozzle.

6.2.6.1

Hose nozzles shall be inspected annually for the following conditions:

1.      Hose nozzle missing

2.      Gasket missing or deteriorated

3.      Obstructions

4.      Does not operate smoothly

6.2.6.2

Where any deficiency is noted, the appropriate corrective action shall be taken.

6.2.7 Hose Storage Device.

6.2.7.1

Hose storage devices shall be inspected annually for the following conditions:

1.      Difficult to operate

2.      Damaged

3.      Visible or physical obstruction

4.      Hose improperly racked or rolled

5.      Nozzle clip not in place and nozzle not correctly contained

6.      Hose rack enclosed in cabinet not swinging out at least 90 degrees

6.2.7.2

Where any deficiency is noted, the appropriate corrective action shall be taken.

6.2.8 Cabinet.

6.2.8.1

Cabinets shall be inspected annually for the following conditions:

1.      Overall for corroded or damaged parts

2.      Difficult to open

3.      Cabinet door not opening fully

4.      Door glazing cracked or broken

5.      Lock on break glass–type cabinet not functioning properly

6.      Glass break device missing or not attached

7.      Not properly identified as containing fire equipment

8.      Visible or physical obstructions

9.      All valves, hose, nozzles, fire extinguishers, and so forth, easily accessible

6.2.8.2

Where any deficiency is noted, the appropriate corrective action shall be taken.

6.3 Testing.

Where water damage is a possibility, an air test shall be conducted on the system at 25 psi (1.7 bar) prior to introducing water to the system.

6.3.1 Flow Tests.

6.3.1.1

A flow test shall be conducted every 5 years on all automatic standpipe systems to verify that the required flow and pressure are available at the hydraulically most remote hose valve outlet(s) while flowing the standpipe system demand.

6.3.1.1.1

Where a flow test of the hydraulically most remote outlet(s) is not practical, the authority having jurisdiction shall be consulted for the appropriate location for the test.

6.3.1.1.2

Pressure gauges maintained in accordance with 8.3.3.5.2 shall be provided for the test.

6.3.1.2

Class I and Class III standpipe system demand shall include 500 gpm (1892 L/min) for the most remote standpipe and 250 gpm (946 L/min) for each additional standpipe until the total system demand is simultaneously flowing.

6.3.1.2.1

The 250 gpm (946 L/min) required from each additional Class I and Class III standpipe shall be allowed to be flowed from the most convenient hose valve on that standpipe.

6.3.1.2.2

Where the 250 gpm (946 L/min) cannot be flowed from each additional Class I and Class III standpipe, the authority having jurisdiction shall determine where the additional flow can be taken.

6.3.1.3

Class II standpipe system demand shall include 100 gpm (379 L/min) for the most remote standpipe connection.

6.3.1.4

The standpipe system demand shall be based on the design criteria in effect at the time of the installation.

6.3.1.4.1

Where the standpipe system demand cannot be determined, the authority having jurisdiction shall determine the standpipe system demand.

6.3.1.4.2

The actual test method(s) and performance criteria shall be discussed in advance with the authority having jurisdiction.

6.3.1.5

Standpipes, sprinkler connections to standpipes, or hose stations equipped with pressure-reducing valves or pressure-regulating valves shall have these valves inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 13.

6.3.1.6

A main drain test shall be performed on all standpipe systems with automatic water supplies in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 13.

6.3.1.6.1

The test shall be performed at the low point drain for each standpipe or the main drain test connection where the supply main enters the building (when provided).

6.3.1.6.2

Pressure gauges maintained in accordance with Chapter 13 shall be provided for the test.

6.3.2 Hydrostatic Tests.

6.3.2.1

Hydrostatic tests of not less than 200 psi (13.8 bar) pressure for 2 hours, or at 50 psi (3.4 bar) in excess of the maximum pressure, where maximum pressure is in excess of 150 psi (10.3 bar), shall be conducted every 5 years on manual standpipe systems and semiautomatic dry standpipe systems, including piping in the fire department connection.

6.3.2.1.1

Manual wet standpipes that are part of a combined sprinkler/standpipe system shall not be required to be tested in accordance with 6.3.2.1.

6.3.2.2

The hydrostatic test pressure shall be measured at the low elevation point of the individual system or zone being tested.

6.3.2.2.1

The standpipe piping shall show no visible signs of leakage.

6.3.2.2.2

A drop in gauge pressure of 5 psi (0.3 bar) or less shall not be considered a failure.

6.3.3 Waterflow Alarm and Supervisory Alarm Devices.

6.3.3.1

Where provided, waterflow alarm and supervisory alarm devices shall be tested in accordance with 13.2.3 and 13.3.3.5.

6.3.3.2

Where freezing conditions necessitate a delay in testing, tests shall be performed as soon as weather allows.

6.4 Maintenance.

6.4.1

Maintenance and repairs shall be in accordance with 6.1.3 and Table 6.1.1.2.

6.4.2

Equipment that does not pass the inspection or testing requirements shall be repaired and tested again or replaced.

6.5 Component Action Requirements.

6.5.1

6.5.2

Where the original installation standard is different from the cited standard, the use of the appropriate installing standard shall be permitted.

6.5.3

These actions shall not require a design review, which is outside the scope of this standard.