Purpose:
Standpipe systems are a vital element of fire protection systems and therefore, their installation must be subjected to acceptance testing to ensure that the installation and fire flow of these systems adequately meets the applicable standards and requirements. These guidelines are established to aid the inspector in the proper testing procedures of such systems.
Policy:
I. General Requirements
A. All standpipe systems shall be subjected to an acceptance test and their installation approved prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). It shall be the sole responsibility of the inspector in charge of issuing the CO to coordinate these tests.
B. Approved drawings showing the details and arrangement of the standpipe system shall be furnished to the fire official prior to the acceptance test. The drawings shall show the location, arrangement, water supply, equipment and all other details necessary to establish compliance with the North Carolina State Fire Code, NFPA 13 and NFPA 14.
C. For buildings not required to meet the High-Rise Code, the approved drawing shall include the required system demand (i.e. sprinkler system demand).
D. Prior to beginning the acceptance tests, the inspector shall:
1. Have the person authorizing the tests sign the Charlotte Fire Department release form titled " Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Test Release Form".
2. Verify that all system components, (FDC, hose connection threads, etc.), meet the requirements of the fire department, North Carolina State Fire Code and applicable NFPA standards.
E. All tests will require the use of an engine company to supply the standpipe system. The inspector conducting the test shall make arrangements to have an engine company on-site to assist in conducting the acceptance test.
F. If it is determined that the roadway may be blocked by hose due to the location of the hydrant used for the test, the inspector shall make proper arrangements with the City's Department of Transportation and CMPD.
II. Equipment Required
A. The following equipment is required to properly conduct acceptance testing of standpipe systems:
1. Hose Monster fitted with 1-¾ inch insert, or deck gun with a smooth bore nozzle with a 1-¾ inch tip.
2. A minimum of one 50-foot section of 2-½ inch hose. It highly is recommended to make a site visit to the building prior to the test to determine the amount of hose that may be needed).
III. Testing of Dry/Wet Standpipe Systems (no fire pump or fire pump off)
A. The fire inspector shall direct the crew of the engine company to connect to the nearest fire hydrant and to supply the fire department connection with two-2-½ inch hoses.
B. A minimum of one 50-foot section of 2-½ inch hose shall be connected to the farthest remote standpipe hose connection and connected to either a deck gun or hose monster.
C. The fire inspector should direct the engineer of the engine/ladder company to supply the system. The beginning pump outlet pressure should be set to 100 psi.
D. Once the system has been charged, the fire inspector should direct the sprinkler company representative to open the standpipe valve to initiate water flow.
E. After the system has been flushed of rocks and other possible debris, the outlet pressure on the truck should be increased to 150 psi. At this point, note the discharge nozzle pressure.
F. The following flow requirements shall be used as a guide in determining if the system meets the required fire flow:
1. High-rise systems shall provide a minimum of 500gpm at the most remote hose connection, plus an additional 250gpm for each additional standpipe to a maximum of 1250gpm.
2. For buildings not classified as "high-rise", the system must provide sufficient flow to meet the demand of the sprinkler system.
G. If the system is not providing the needed fire flow at the beginning pump outlet pressure of 150psi, the CFD engineer may increase the pump pressure at intervals of 25 psi until the system provides the required flow.
H. If it is determined by the CFD engineer that his pump has reached its maximum capacity and the system is still not supplying the minimum flow required, it shall be considered as a "failed test" and the system installer shall be consulted to determine possible reasons (i.e. system obstructions, improperly installed check-valves, available water supply, etc.).
IV. Testing of Wet Standpipe Systems With a Fire Pump
A. When testing standpipe systems with a fire pump, the systems must be tested and approved:
1. Utilizing the building's fire pump without the use of the CFD engine company's pump.
2. Utilizing the CFD engine company's pump while bypassing the building's fire pump.
B. Prior to beginning the test, the building's fire pump must be on permanent power and certified by the pump installer/manufacture. The fire inspector may request the proof of certification prior conducting the acceptance test.
C. A minimum of one, 50-foot section of 2-½ inch hose shall be connected to the remote standpipe hose connection and connected to either a deck gun or hose monster.
D. The fire inspector shall direct the sprinkler company representative to open the standpipe valve to initiate water flow. The fire pump should turn on automatically resulting from the drop in pressure.
E. After the system is flushed of rocks and other possible debris, the discharge pressure at the nozzle should be noted. In most cases, a fire pump cannot be adjusted during the test. If the required flow is not obtained, the test should end and it should be noted that the test failed.
F. After completing the acceptance test with the building's fire pump, the procedure shall be repeated following the steps in section III above for utilizing the CFD engine company.
V. Documentation
A. For all tests, the inspector shall complete an inspection report and indicate which tests were performed and the results.
B. Upon completion of all tests, the inspector shall be provided with all necessary installation and test certificates (i.e. Contractor's Material and Test Certificates for both above and belowground piping, Fire Pump Test Certificate, etc.).
