Don’t Get Burned by Sprinkler System Freeze-Ups from Page 24
While the process is simple, it is very important to follow the
proper sequence and make sure that the two valves of the drum drip are not open at the same time or else the dry valve will trip, filling the system with water, sensing there is a fire to fight. It is important to realize that the condensation collector’s design con- figuration is set up to allow for moisture to be removed from the system without tripping the dry valve; it is not designed to accommodate the collection of an acceptable amount of moisture, because even the smallest amount of condensation in the drum drip can and will freeze, potentially causing a system fracture. Drum drips are required to be marked with signage identify-
ing them as an auxiliary drain. These collectors can be site-built by the installing contractor, or a number of manufacturers supply purpose-built units. Some of these manufactured units fulfill the basic requirements, while others offer more elaborate features such as lockouts to prevent vandalism, anti-trip designs to pre- vent the accidental discharge of water into the system, and water- sensing alarms to alert to the presence of moisture in the system. As explained above, maintaining the system by monitoring
and emptying accumulated moisture is a simple process that can be easily accomplished by existing staff with just a little training. Many of the manufactured drum drips actually have their oper- ating instructions printed directly on them. Others are designed to prevent accidental tripping by untrained personnel. And a few have built-in moisture sensors to notify those responsible that the system requires maintenance attention. As the weather starts to cool, a regularly scheduled monitor- ing program with a detailed parking structure plan identifying
all auxiliary drain locations will be your best defense for prevent- ing costly sprinkler system repair charges. So remember, if you allow your sprinkler system to become
out of sight – and out of mind – you will find yourself paying out of pocket and potentially end up out of profits.
Rich Pancoast, Marketing Director for AGF Manufacturing, can be reached at
rpancoast@testandrain.com.
For more information regarding the requirements for installation of fire sprinkler systems in parking structures, please refer to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards: NFPA 88A Standard for Parking Structures (2011 Edition); NFPA 13 Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems (2010 Edition); NFPA Standard for Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems (2010 Edition); NFPA 25 Standard for Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems (2011 Edition); along with other applicable Standards and Publications. – Rich Pancost
PT
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Affinity Partner E 26
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