CDS: Division 15-3

Capital Projects Home Page

Division 15 Mechanical

15-3	Fire Protection

A.	Water Supply For Fire Protection Systems

See Division 2.

B.	Automatic Fire Protection Systems

1.	Automatic fire sprinkler systems are required by the University for the following types of buildings:

a.	All new buildings.

b.	Existing campus buildings undergoing major remodeling.

c.	Newly purchased buildings that are to be renovated.

d.	Discuss small additions and minor remodeling projects with Capital Projects (CP).

2.	All design work shall be done by a licensed fire protection engineer using separate 1/8" = 1' 0" minimum scale drawings for fire sprinklers and fire alarm system. Before starting design work discuss the extent and type of fire protection system required with the Campus Fire Marshal. Design/build specifications will be considered for small remodeling projects only; discuss with Capital Projects (CP).

3.	In high-content-value areas, or where water damage must be kept to a minimum, consider the use of a dry pipe system with early alarm and pre-activated system charging control, on-off cycling heads or on-off cycling system. See Division 16 and discuss with Capital Projects (CP) and Campus Fire Marshal.

4.	Specify a separate maintenance air compressor for any dry pipe sprinkler system. To check for excessive air compressor operating time, install a digital operating time clock reading to minimum of 999 hours, together with a recorder capable of totaling the frequency of operation up to 999 cycles in motor electric service. Mount time clock adjacent to compressor in a visible location. Where available, provide a cross connection, with pressure reducing and check valve to the building compressed air system. Set for the minimum low pressure in the sprinkler system. Install discharge filter for oil and water removal ahead of pressure regulating valve.

5.	Discuss type of protection and alarm system for special areas such as computer rooms, tape storage areas, free access floor systems, paint or solvent storage rooms, transformer vaults, etc., with Capital Projects (CP) and Campus Fire Marshal.

6.	Coordinate location of each sprinkler head with reflected ceiling plan, including lighting and diffuser/grille layout.

7.	Coordinate the location, signage, keying, and access of fire sprinkler shutoff and zone valves with Capital Projects (CP) and the Campus Fire Marshal. Access and signage shall be obvious. Visibility shall not be blocked by equipment.

8.	Show a Gamewell, model PRS, or equivalent, water flow switch for each floor or sprinkler zone where a shunt type box is used. Switch shall have one normally open and one normally closed contact. Specify alarm wiring in Division 16.

9.	Show a test valve and drain piping for each flow switch. Terminate drain pipe at an approved receptor. Show the receptor on the plumbing and sprinkler plans.

10.	Coordinate location of drains shown on plumbing drawings with requirements of fire sprinkler system. Show drain locations on fire sprinkler drawings.

11.	Guards shall be installed on any heads subject to possible damage.

12.	For fire alarms and signal system components, see Division 16.

13.	For alarm identification, see Division 16.

C.	Fire Hose Racks And Cabinets

1.	Space and locate fire hose racks/cabinets so that all building areas may be reached with 75' maximum hose length.

2.	Specify flush mounting cabinets for fire hose racks, with wire plate glass doors and space for a 2-1/2 gallon fire extinguisher. Door shall have chrome plated piano-type hinges and chrome plated handle, that shall not be painted.

3.	Specify racks complete with wall flange, hose, fog nozzle, hose coupling, 1-1/2" valve, and spanner. Finish shall be chrome plate. Both ends of racks shall lie in the same horizontal plane with a maximum tolerance of +/-1/8".

4.	Specify 1-1/2" Underwriters' yellow label, unlined linen hoses, 75' long fitted with fog type nozzle.

5.	Specify National Standard Hose Thread, for valve and hose, as adopted by the NFPA.

D.	Standpipes

1.	Provide wet and dry standpipes in all buildings where required by code.

2.	Install dry standpipe and fire sprinkler pumper connections together at locations approved by the Campus Fire Marshal.

3.	Specify National Standard hose threads, as adopted by NFPA, for all hose valves.

E.	Standpipe Testing

1.	Wet and dry standpipes shall be hydrostatically tested and proved tight under 200 psi of water or to actual pressure if higher than 200 psi.Test must be maintained a minimum of two hours and shall be witnessed by the Campus Fire Marshal. Where any pipe connections are concealed, the tests shall be conducted before covering.

2.	Prior to testing, all systems shall be thoroughly flushed of foreign material. Start flushing at the highest point in the system to lowest drain point. All portions of the system shall be backflushed.

3.	Provide piping and valving as necessary to facilitate full flow testing. Test discharge water shall be directed to prevent water damage.

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