Fire Prevention Coffee Break Training February 2016
Agenda Flow Tests Phelan Submittals - Phelan Inspection & Testing Dooley Questions and Answers Open Forum
Change in Flow Test Policy The responsible and reasonable use of flow test data has recently become a problem with sprinkler submittals. Designs are being based upon flow tests that are 20-30 years old. Given the rate of development within the city it s unreasonable to expect old data to accurately reflect the supply and demand to the system currently.
Change in Flow Test Policy Flow testing has been a topic of study and discussion within the Fire Protection community for a considerable time. Most recently a study was completed by Hopkins et al. for SFPE with a goal of providing a recommendation for flow tests such as a recommended safety factor and/or a procedure for ensuring the flow test reflects accurately the demand in the area. The study was inconclusive, but is useful in framing the conversation.
Change in Flow Test Policy Importantly, this study along with recent experience, pointed out that the previously authored policy on flow test data is inconsistent with NFPA 13 requirements for flow test data and best industry practice.
Change in Flow Test Policy NFPA 13 2010 contains the following requirement for flow tests. 22.2.1.1* Where a water flow test is used for the purposes of system design, the test shall be conducted no more than 12 months prior to working plan submittal.
Change in Flow Test Policy Questions? Practicality? Input? Concerns?
Submittal Review Resubmittal Inspection Testing Process Overview
Plan submittal Plans and calculations should be submitted as early in the construction/renovation project as possible. While the goal of the FPB is to return initial review comments or approval within 10 business days of submittal that is frequently not possible due to record construction volume over the past 2 years. Also, construction and occupation timelines often fail to contemplate the frequent need for resubmittals and re-testing.
Expediting Plans The DMFD does not have a fee based mechanism for expediting plans. Informally, we have a process where a contractor can request to have a submittal reviewed in place of their next submittal due to be reviewed.
Resubmittals This fee is 1/2 the permit fee. The fee will be applied when any substantive item is not included in the submittal or requires correction or modification.
Expediting Plans The DMFD does not have a fee based mechanism for expediting plans. Informally, we have a process where a contractor can request to have a submittal reviewed in place of their next submittal due to be reviewed.
Installation Prior to Receiving a Permit This fee is equal to the permit fee. This fee can be applied to any system installed prior to the issuance of a permit.
All Submittals Drawing Size. Drawings shall be submitted on sheets no less than 24x36 inches and shall be drawn to ⅛ =1 scale. Where ⅛ scale is not large enough to show pertinent details, then a ¼ =1 scale shall be used in a detail drawing. Other scales may be accepted on an as-needed basis, please contact the DMFD Fire Protection Engineer if you have questions regarding the use of different scales. Number of Drawing Sets. One set of fire alarm plans shall be submitted. To accommodate existing storage arrangements in our office only folded plans will be accepted.
All Submittals Cut Sheets/Specifications. One set of the manufacture s product information (cut sheets) shall be provided for review, they may be provided electronically. This is to include the information on all devices that are part of, or being connected to, the fire protection system. When cut sheets show multiple models/type of devices, the specific item being installed shall be highlighted. As an example, the use of multi-candela horn/strobes shall have the specific model number highlighted and the current draws associated with that model and candela rating highlighted. Cut sheets shall be stapled, bound, placed in a binder or otherwise neatly organized when submitted. Self Addressed Stamped Envelope. Approved plans and permits will be returned in this envelope. If an envelope is not included, the plans and permit will be available for pick up.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provision of the IFC, and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as determined by the DMFD. Refer to the attachments within this packet for a checklist of items to be included on construction drawings.
RESUBMITTALS When a resubmittal is required; plans, cutsheets, and calculations shall be clouded with an attached explanation of the changes made to the plans. Only documents required to be altered for the resubmittal shall be resubmitted. 1 set of the required documents shall be provided for review.
Upon Permit Approval Two full-size hard copy sets of the final approved documents including drawings and calculations and one electronic copy along with payment for the permit shall be submitted to receive the permit. The hardcopy documents will be stamped at the time of payment and retained by the contractor for their records and for use onsite.
Sprinkler Systems Hydraulic Calculations. One set of hydraulic calculations for all remote areas, including standpipes will be included. They may be submitted electronically. Design area Reduction Calculations. When utilizing the design area reduction allowances allowed by reduced ceiling heights and Quick Response sprinklers, be sure to justify your percent reduction by including the calculation procedure.
Fire Alarm Submittal Specifics Secondary Power Calculations (Battery Calculations). One set of the secondary power (battery) calculations shall be provided for all power supplies being installed within the system for review. This is to include the voltage and amperage information on all batteries being installed within the main panel and any supplemental power panels being provided. One copy of the battery calculations will be returned to the contractor and must remain with the approved plans, on the job site. Battery calculations shall include the following information: a. Standby and Alarm current draws for each device/appliance connected to the fire alarm system. b. The Model number of each device/appliance. c. Description of each device/appliance. d. Standby time (i.e. 24 hours, 60 hours, etc.) e. Alarm time (i.e. 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 60 minutes etc.) f. Total current draw of the system. g. Batteries provided, size of batteries and whether wired in series or parallel.
Fire Alarm Submittal Specifics Voltage Drop Calculations. Two (2) sets of voltage drop calculations shall be submitted with the plans. Sample calculations may be obtained from the DMFD Fire Protection Engineer. One copy of the voltage drop calculations will be returned to the contractor and must remain with the approved plans, on the job site. These calculations are to include the following information: a. The total number of devices on each wiring circuit. b. The current draw of each device. c. The maximum length of wire utilized on each circuit. d. The wire size being used. e. The voltage remaining at the last device. f. Intelligent Horn/Strobes must show the manufactures information of how the voltage drops shall be calculated. g. Adjustable Multi-Candela Horn/Strobes - the battery calculations shall be calculated according to the candela rating on the fire alarm plans. For example, if the fire alarm plans indicate the candela rating is 110, the battery calculation shall be calculated for 110 candela.
Fire Alarm Submittal Specifics Sequence of Operations. The sequence of operation of the fire alarm system shall be provided in matrix format. An example of the typical input/output matrix format is located in the 2002 edition of NFPA 72: Figure A.10.6.2.3(9). The sequence of operations shall be specific to each submittal and shall not include functions that do not pertain to the specific submittal.
Fire Alarm Submittal Specifics Other stuff that is frequently forgotten Ceiling heights Smoke detector above the panel Voice Acoustically Distinguishable Spaces Intelligibility Test Locations
Testing No system testing will be conducted prior to the issuance of a permit. Some preliminary inspection of the system may be accomplished prior to issuance of a permit, for example sprinkler rough-in. However, this would likely mean the application of the fee for installation prior to a permit. If you call for a test be prepared with your permit number. Tests will not be scheduled without a permit number.
Testing If the GC wants to schedule a test they will be required to complete a newly developed form, available on our website. This form includes the basics about the job, scope, and contact information for the appropriate sub-contractors. It also includes blanks for the system permit numbers. This form shall be completed in its entirety prior to scheduling a test. All tests must be requested by email, call, or voice mail to Captain Dooley s office phone. Requests for scheduling made to any mobile phone will not be honored.
Sprinkler Testing Receive Permit. Schedule test by providing permit number.
Sprinkler Testing Sprinkler type and location Pipe and sprinkler support Occupancy and Use Design placard Monitoring Standpipe Full fire pump flow test Standpipe flow test Flow switches
Fire Alarm Testing Receive Permit. Schedule test by providing permit number. NFPA 72 record of submittal submitted at least 24 hours in advance or test may be cancelled.
Fire Alarm Testing Candela Setting Wire Gauge Circuit routing Notification appliance settings and layout Occupancies and uses Notification devices synced Audibility & Intelligibility Any or all initiating devices Monitoring and loss of signal Battery Backup Pull station location
Fire Alarm Testing Receive Permit. Schedule test by providing permit number. NFPA 72 record of submittal submitted at least 24 hours in advance or test may be cancelled. Tests may include but are not limited to the following:
Kitchen Hood Testing Appliance Layout Pull station Detection Line Lines Clear (Balloon/Cap blow off test) Electrical/Gas shutoff Nozzle Aim Points Make up and Exhaust air operation Fire alarm interconnection
Clean Agent Testing Witnessed door fan tests are required
Questions and Discussion What else do we need to talk (more) about?