Collier County Fire Prevention and Protection Code POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL

ARTICLE NUMBER:  FSK99-02

EFFECTIVE DATE:  July 1, 1999

SUBJECT:  Hydrostatic Pressure Testing of Fire Sprinkler Systems

OBJECTIVE:  Clarify and Establish Performance Criteria for Testing

CPVC Systems Having Pendent Heads

BACKGROUND:

A severe impediment to the proper operation of CPVC piped fire sprinkler systems may be created by the pre-fabrication and simultaneous glued installation of pendent fire sprinkler heads and nipples.  This can create glue plugs which effectively obstruct the sprinkler head orifice, thus disabling the proper application of water during a fire emergency. For this reason, nipples/head adapters shall be glued in place, cleared and dried prior to hydrostatic testing.

POLICY/PROCEDURE:

All CPVC piped fire sprinkler systems having pendent heads shall be tested using one of the following procedures:

1.      Rough and Hydro inspections done together – Shall be tested with nipples and nipple plugs only.

2.      Separate rough and hydro inspections – Rough inspection requires that ALL glued fittings be installed.  Hydro inspection may then be completed with the heads in place.

ATTACHMENTS:

None.

DISTRIBUTION: Big Corkscrew Island Fire District; East Naples Fire District; Golden Gate Fire District; Immokalee Fire District; Isle of Capri Fire District; North Naples Fire District; Ochopee Fire District; City of Marco Island Fire Department; Building Director, Collier County Community Development; Chief Inspectors, Collier County Community Development; Collier County Community Development Records; Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA); Subscribers

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