An Overview of the Scope and Purpose of NFPA 25

An Overview of the Scope and Purpose of NFPA 25

Russ is the Chairman and CEO of Telgian, Inc. whose subsidiaries include Fire Materials Group and TVA Fire and Life Safety. He holds a degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a Level IV certification from NICET in Fire Sprinkler Layout. He is a licensed contractor in 40 states and has 25 years of experience in the design, installation, and testing of fire protection systems. Telgian provides a wide range of fire protection and life safety services including fire systems engineering and design, code consulting, loss control engineering, installation, and the inspection and testing. Russ has worked on projects throughout North America, Central and South America, the Far East, and Europe. He serves as a principal on the NFPA 25 technical committee and theNFPA 5000 (building code) correlating committee. Russ conducts seminars throughout North America for Authorities Having Jurisdiction, Contractors, and Engineers on a variety of subjects and is a member of AFSA, NFPA, NFSA, and SFPE.

Russ Leavitt, S.E.T.

Telgian, Inc2615 S Industrial Park Ave.

Tempe, AZ 85282

PH: (480) 753-5444Email: Rleavitt@telgian.com

Russ Leavitt, S.E.T.

Telgian, Inc2615 S Industrial Park Ave.

Tempe, AZ 85282

PH: (480) 753-5444Email: Rleavitt@telgian.com

NFPA 13AFirst published in 1940Last edition 1987No mandatory language

NFPA 25Technical committee appointed in 1990First edition 1992

NFPA 13AFirst published in 1940Last edition 1987No mandatory language

NFPA 25Technical committee appointed in 1990First edition 1992

LET’S REVIEW WHYLET’S REVIEW WHY

80% of System Failures can be attributed to a lack of

maintenance!

80% of System Failures can be attributed to a lack of

maintenance!

Leading causes of failures:System shut off (66%)Lack of other Maintenance (10%)Damaged Component (2%)

Leading causes of failures:System shut off (66%)Lack of other Maintenance (10%)Damaged Component (2%)

NFPA 25 2008 EditionNFPA 25 2008 Edition

Two-thirds of all failures are because of a shut water control valve!

Think about it—We could eliminate 2/3 of failures by simply keeping control valves open!

Two-thirds of all failures are because of a shut water control valve!

Think about it—We could eliminate 2/3 of failures by simply keeping control valves open!

NFPA 25 2008 EditionNFPA 25 2008 Edition

The Objective of NFPA 25 is to eliminate the failures that

are caused by the lack of maintenance.

The Objective of NFPA 25 is to eliminate the failures that

are caused by the lack of maintenance.

NFPA 25 is widely adopted.

NFPA 25 is not widely enforced.

NFPA 25 is widely misinterpreted by both

contractors and jurisdictions.

NFPA 25 is widely adopted.

NFPA 25 is not widely enforced.

NFPA 25 is widely misinterpreted by both

contractors and jurisdictions.

The objective of this seminar to create a greater awareness regarding the scope and purpose of NFPA 25

The objective of this seminar to create a greater awareness regarding the scope and purpose of NFPA 25

Let’s take a Look Let’s take a Look

Chapter 1 – AdministrationChapter 2 – Referenced PublicationsChapter 3 – DefinitionsChapter 4 – General RequirementsChapter 5 – Sprinkler SystemsChapter 6 – Standpipe and Hose SystemsChapter 7 – Private Fire Service Mains

Chapter 1 – AdministrationChapter 2 – Referenced PublicationsChapter 3 – DefinitionsChapter 4 – General RequirementsChapter 5 – Sprinkler SystemsChapter 6 – Standpipe and Hose SystemsChapter 7 – Private Fire Service Mains

Chapter 8 – Fire PumpsChapter 9 – Water Storage TanksChapter 10 – Water Spray Fixed SystemsChapter 11 – Foam-Water Sprinkler SystemsChapter 12 - Water Mist SystemsChapter 13 – Valves, Valve Components, TrimChapter 14 - Obstruction InvestigationChapter 15 - ImpairmentsAnnexes/Supplements

Chapter 8 – Fire PumpsChapter 9 – Water Storage TanksChapter 10 – Water Spray Fixed SystemsChapter 11 – Foam-Water Sprinkler SystemsChapter 12 - Water Mist SystemsChapter 13 – Valves, Valve Components, TrimChapter 14 - Obstruction InvestigationChapter 15 - ImpairmentsAnnexes/Supplements

Minimum requirementsWater-based systemsCoordinate with NFPA 72Covers systems installed in accordance with generally accepted practicesNot intended to reveal installation flaws or code of compliance violationsDoes not apply to 13D systems

Minimum requirementsWater-based systemsCoordinate with NFPA 72Covers systems installed in accordance with generally accepted practicesNot intended to reveal installation flaws or code of compliance violationsDoes not apply to 13D systems

Ensure reasonable degree of protection for life and propertyEnsure reasonable degree of

protection for life and property

Chapter 2Chapter 2

Chapter 3Chapter 3

NFPA Official Definitions (3.2)“Approved”“AHJ”“Listed”“Shall”“Should”

NFPA Official Definitions (3.2)“Approved”“AHJ”“Listed”“Shall”“Should”

Inspection (3.3.18)Testing (3.3.34)Maintenance (3.3.20)Qualified (3.3.28)

Inspection (3.3.18)Testing (3.3.34)Maintenance (3.3.20)Qualified (3.3.28)

Chapter 4Chapter 4

Owner shall provide ready access (4.1.1)Owner responsible for maintaining system (4.1.2)Tasks performed by competent personnel (4.1.2.2)Owner shall notify all parties as required before testing or shutting down system (4.1.3)

Owner shall provide ready access (4.1.1)Owner responsible for maintaining system (4.1.2)Tasks performed by competent personnel (4.1.2.2)Owner shall notify all parties as required before testing or shutting down system (4.1.3)

Owner shall make repairs promptly (4.1.4)All tasks to be performed by qualified personnel

(4.1.2.2 and 4.1.4.1)

Owner shall make repairs promptly (4.1.4)All tasks to be performed by qualified personnel

(4.1.2.2 and 4.1.4.1)

Owner shall evaluate all changes to occupancy, use, or materials stored (4.1.5)Where changes occur, owner shall contract with qualified consultant and the AHJ to evaluate systems (4.1.6)Correct any deficiency found (4.1.6.1)

Owner shall evaluate all changes to occupancy, use, or materials stored (4.1.5)Where changes occur, owner shall contract with qualified consultant and the AHJ to evaluate systems (4.1.6)Correct any deficiency found (4.1.6.1)

Owner shall ensure responsible occupants know how to shut system down (4.1.7) Information signs (4.1.8) Note: This is a retroactive requirement!When system is returned to service following an impairment is shall be verified to be working properly (4.2.2)

Owner shall ensure responsible occupants know how to shut system down (4.1.7) Information signs (4.1.8) Note: This is a retroactive requirement!When system is returned to service following an impairment is shall be verified to be working properly (4.2.2)

Made available to the AHJ upon request (4.4.1)Maintained by owner (4.4.3)Original records kept for life of building (4.4.4)Subsequent records kept for a period of one year after next scheduled task (4.4.5)

Made available to the AHJ upon request (4.4.1)Maintained by owner (4.4.3)Original records kept for life of building (4.4.4)Subsequent records kept for a period of one year after next scheduled task (4.4.5)

Performance testing allowed if approved by the AHJ (4.6.1.1.1)If water supplies, including pumps are taken out of service during testing and maintenance impairment procedures must be followed unless under constant attendance by qualified personnel (4.6.3)Test results are compared to original test or most recent test results (4.6.4)

Performance testing allowed if approved by the AHJ (4.6.1.1.1)If water supplies, including pumps are taken out of service during testing and maintenance impairment procedures must be followed unless under constant attendance by qualified personnel (4.6.3)Test results are compared to original test or most recent test results (4.6.4)

Chapter 5Chapter 5

Table 5.1 Summary of Sprinkler System Inspection, Testing, and

Maintenance

Table 5.1 Summary of Sprinkler System Inspection, Testing, and

Maintenance

Inspection of Sprinklers From the floor (5.2.1.1)Omit areas above ceilings (5.2.1.1.4)Condition of sprinklers (5.2.1.1.2)

PaintedCorroded or LoadedDamagedOrientation

Inspection of Sprinklers From the floor (5.2.1.1)Omit areas above ceilings (5.2.1.1.4)Condition of sprinklers (5.2.1.1.2)

PaintedCorroded or LoadedDamagedOrientation

Inspection of Sprinklers Glass bulbs (5.2.1.1.3)Recalled Sprinklers (5.2.1.1.6)Obstructions limited to clearance below the sprinkler (5.2.1.2)

Inspection of Sprinklers Glass bulbs (5.2.1.1.3)Recalled Sprinklers (5.2.1.1.6)Obstructions limited to clearance below the sprinkler (5.2.1.2)

Inspection of Pipe and FittingsFrom the floor (5.2.2)Omit areas above ceilings (5.2.2.3)Condition of pipe and fittings (5.2.2.1)

DamageLeakage and Corrosion

Inspection of Pipe and FittingsFrom the floor (5.2.2)Omit areas above ceilings (5.2.2.3)Condition of pipe and fittings (5.2.2.1)

DamageLeakage and Corrosion

Inspection of Pipe and Fittings

External loads (5.2.2.2)

Inspection of Pipe and Fittings

External loads (5.2.2.2)

Inspection of Hangers and Braces

From the floor (5.2.3)Omit areas above ceilings (5.2.3.3)Condition of hangers and braces (5.2.3.1)

DamagedLoose

Inspection of Hangers and Braces

From the floor (5.2.3)Omit areas above ceilings (5.2.3.3)Condition of hangers and braces (5.2.3.1)

DamagedLoose

Inspection of other componentsSpare sprinklers (5.2.1.3)Gauges (5.2.4.)Buildings for freeze protection (5.2.5)Alarm Devices (5.2.6)Hydraulic Nameplate (5.2.7)

Inspection of other componentsSpare sprinklers (5.2.1.3)Gauges (5.2.4.)Buildings for freeze protection (5.2.5)Alarm Devices (5.2.6)Hydraulic Nameplate (5.2.7)

Testing of componentsSprinklersGauges replaced or tested with calibrated gauge every 5 years (5.3.2)

Testing of componentsSprinklersGauges replaced or tested with calibrated gauge every 5 years (5.3.2)

MaintenanceReplacement sprinklers must have the required characteristics for the application (5.4.1)Only new sprinklers shall be used (5.4.1.2)Dry sprinkler replacement (5.4.1.4.2.1)

MaintenanceReplacement sprinklers must have the required characteristics for the application (5.4.1)Only new sprinklers shall be used (5.4.1.2)Dry sprinkler replacement (5.4.1.4.2.1)

MaintenanceDry pipe systems shall be kept dry at all times (5.4.2)Compressors maintained in accordance with manufacturers instructions (5.4.2.3)

MaintenanceDry pipe systems shall be kept dry at all times (5.4.2)Compressors maintained in accordance with manufacturers instructions (5.4.2.3)

MaintenanceComponent Action Requirements

Table 5.5.1 Summary of Component Replacement Action RequirementsMain drain test required if upstream valves were operated (5.5.1.2)Design review not required

(5.5.1.3)

MaintenanceComponent Action Requirements

Table 5.5.1 Summary of Component Replacement Action RequirementsMain drain test required if upstream valves were operated (5.5.1.2)Design review not required

(5.5.1.3)

All remaining system chapters are organized

in a similar format.

All remaining system chapters are organized

in a similar format.

Chapter 13Chapter 13

Table 13.1InspectionsTestingMaintenance

Table 13.1InspectionsTestingMaintenance

General ProvisionsAll valves shall be protected from damage (13.2.3)Verify for adequate drainage beforeopening valve or drain (13.2.4)

General ProvisionsAll valves shall be protected from damage (13.2.3)Verify for adequate drainage beforeopening valve or drain (13.2.4)

General ProvisionsMain drain test shall be conducted annually (13.2.5)Main drain test shall be conducted quarterly where sole water supply is through a backflow preventer or pressure reducing valve (13.2.5.1)10 percent reduction in residual requires investigation (13.2.5.2)

General ProvisionsMain drain test shall be conducted annually (13.2.5)Main drain test shall be conducted quarterly where sole water supply is through a backflow preventer or pressure reducing valve (13.2.5.1)10 percent reduction in residual requires investigation (13.2.5.2)

CONTROLCONTROL VALVESVALVES

Control ValvesSystems with more than one control valve shall have a sign on each valve referring to the existence and location of the other valves (13.3.1.1) Retroactive

Control ValvesSystems with more than one control valve shall have a sign on each valve referring to the existence and location of the other valves (13.3.1.1) Retroactive

Control ValvesAll valves shall be inspected monthly if supervised or weekly if not (13.3.2.1 and 13.3.2.1.1)All valves must be operated annually (13.3.3.1)Valve supervisory switches shall be tested semi-annually (13.3.3.5.1)

Control ValvesAll valves shall be inspected monthly if supervised or weekly if not (13.3.2.1 and 13.3.2.1.1)All valves must be operated annually (13.3.3.1)Valve supervisory switches shall be tested semi-annually (13.3.3.5.1)

Chapter 14Chapter 14

InspectionInternal inspection at 5 year intervals by opening the end of one main and removing a sprinkler toward the end of one branch line (14.2.1)When uncorrected conditions exist (14.2.2) the system shall receive a four point inspection every 5 years (14.2.3.2)

InspectionInternal inspection at 5 year intervals by opening the end of one main and removing a sprinkler toward the end of one branch line (14.2.1)When uncorrected conditions exist (14.2.2) the system shall receive a four point inspection every 5 years (14.2.3.2)

InspectionPipe passing into freezer or cold storage rooms shall be internally inspected annually (14.3)Alternative nondestructive examinations are permitted (14.2.1.1 and 14.3.1)

InspectionPipe passing into freezer or cold storage rooms shall be internally inspected annually (14.3)Alternative nondestructive examinations are permitted (14.2.1.1 and 14.3.1)

Chapter 15Chapter 15

Coordinator (15.2)Tagging (15.3)Preplanned Impairments (15.5)

Coordinator (15.2)Tagging (15.3)Preplanned Impairments (15.5)

Emergency Impairments (15.6)Restoring the system to service (15.7)

Emergency Impairments (15.6)Restoring the system to service (15.7)

Questions and AnswersQuestions and Answers