16- 219 C.M.R. ch. 4, § 4
4-1 Valves and Drains
4-1.1 Each system shall have a control valve. Control valve shall be an indicating type, locked, electrically monitored or sealed in the open position.
4-1.2 Each sprinkler system shall have a 1/2" or larger drain and test connection with valve on the system side of the control valve and flow alarm device. The test orifice size shall be equal to the sprinklers installed. Drain shall discharge to the atmosphere or to a suitable interior sanitary drain with air gap, as required by local/state plumbing codes.
4-1.3 A pressure gage shall be installed on the system side of the check valve or backflow prevention device, in an accessible and visible-location.
4-2 Pipe and fittings
4-2.1 Pipe or tube used in sprinkler systems shall be as permitted by NFPA #13. The use of Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride and Polybutylene tube capable of withstanding a working pressure of 175 p.s.i. shall be permitted provided that all such tubes are completely shielded from the occupied space by a minimum thickness of 1/2" gypsum board or equivalent fire-resistive materials as determined by the Fire Marshal.
4-2.2 CPVC listed for exposed systems may be installed with the following restrictions:
4-2.2.1 Listed residential sprinklers shall be used in conjunction with exposed CPVC pipe and fittings.
4-2.2.2 Exposed CPVC piping shall only be installed under flat ceiling construction.
4-2.2.3 Deflectors of sprinklers in systems with exposed CPVC pipe and fittings shall be located in accordance with Section 5-1.5 or special listing limitations, but never more than eight inches below the ceiling.
4-2.3 Whenever- the word pipe is used in this standard, it shall be understood to also mean tube.
4-2.4 Fittings used in sprinkler system shall be as permitted by NFPA #13.
4-2.5 Joints for the connection of copper tube may be soldered when used for wet pipe systems. Solder used shall conform to local plumbing codes.
4-2.6 Fittings for CPVC or Polybutylene tubing shall be compatible with, and capable of withstanding the same working pressure as the tubing being joined.
4-3 Piping Support
4-3.1 Piping shall be supported from structural members. This standard contemplates hanging methods comparable to those used in local plumbing codes.
4-3.2 Piping laid on open joists or rafters shall be secured to prevent lateral movement.
4-4 Sprinklers
4-4.1 Only residential/commercial quick response sprinkler heads tested and listed by a recognized testing agency shall be used.
4-4.2 The sprinklers shall have fusing temperatures not less than 35 degrees F above maximum expected ambient temperature.
4-4.3 Fused, damaged or painted sprinklers shall be replaced with sprinklers having the same performance characteristics as original equipment.
4-5 Alarms
4-5.1 Local water flow alarms shall be provided on all sprinkler systems. (See section 1-5 for definition of water flow alarm.)
4-6 Spare Sprinklers
4-6.1 At least 3 spare sprinklers of each type, temperature rating and orifice size used in the system should be kept on the premises. When fused sprinklers are replaced by the owner, Fire Department, or others, care should be taken to assure that the replacement sprinkler has the same operating characteristics.
4-7 Fire Department Connection
4-7.1 Each system shall include either a single or siamese 2 1/2" Fire Department Connection with threads acceptable to local fire officials. Such connection shall be installed in accordance with NFPA #13 and readily visible and accessible. The pipe connecting to the sprinkler system shall be the same size as the system main riser and control valve.
4-8 Electrical Wiring
4-8.1 All electrical wiring for pump motors, magnetic contactors, switches, circuit breakers, alarms, etc. shall be in accordance with all applicable Local, State and National codes. Pump motor bases shall be at least 6" above the floor. Starting loads and operating loads of pump motors must be considered in determining sizing of electrical feeds, breakers and starting devices.
4-9 Electrical Supervision/Pump, Motor
4-9.1 The pump power circuit shall be monitored.
4-9.2 Methods of monitoring the pump power circuit condition include, but are not limited to, the following:
4-9.2.1 Installation of a power alarm relay connected to the pump power circuit and to a separately controlled power circuit, in such a manner as to activate an audio/visual alarm in the event of interruption of the pump power circuit, which will be promptly noticed.
4-9.2.2 Interconnection of a frequently used light or appliance with the pump power circuit, so that interruption of the pump power circuit will be promptly noticed.
4-9.3 NOTE: In all cases the pump power failure alarm should be wired so that an alarm indicator must remain "ON" until the pump power is restored. A silencing switch which deactivates an audible alarm, but simultaneously activates a visual indicating light until the pump power is restored, is one means of accomplishing this objective.
16- 219 C.M.R. ch. 4, § 4