Recent Sprinkler Code Changes by State: Wisconsin Recently, the Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR) adopted the updated International Building Code (IBC). “Adopting the updated IBC, including sprinkler provisions, will ensure that Wisconsin’s building codes reflect best practices, the use of new technologies, and most of all, safety in built environments for our citizens,” stated Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Aaron D. Oliver. JCRAR took a staged approach to the new multi-family dwellings that will require automatic sprinklers. New multi-family dwellings with more than eight units built after March 1, 2008 must have automatic sprinklers. New multi-family dwellings with three to seven units must have automatic sprinklers after January 1, 2011. These schedules comply with current provisions of the IBC. The new rules specify sprinkler coverage for three- and four-unit dwellings served by private wells. Such buildings can use a sprinkler system conforming to private well capacity while protecting lives and property from fire. Automatic sprinkler systems need not be installed in townhouses with fewer than three stories containing fewer than 20 units, comprising less than 16,000 square feet, and meeting certain other criteria. The updated IBC enjoys strong support from the fire service, fire chiefs and firefighters. It also has gained the approval of Wisconsin’s code advisory councils.

This is the first of a three-part series introducing the new publication, Fire Sprinkler Systems Monitoring Application Guide. Supervisory switches are the focus of this article. Subsequent articles will feature waterflow detectors and pressure switches.

Supervision Assures Operation

Sprinkler systems are one of the most important fire protection tools in use today. Monitoring these systems is not only wise, but in most cases, it is required by code. Supervisory switches fill this requirement by monitoring the open position of valves in a fire sprinkler system and prevent tampering with sprinkler system valves.

Installing supervisory devices in sprinkler systems requires familiarity with applicable codes and standards, including, the National Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 72; the Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA13; and the Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection. Other applicable codes include NPFA 101, NFPA 5000, and the International Building Code. If a valve is closed one-fifth of its total travel distance, the supervisory switches are required to send a signal to the control panel. Hence, any valve that can affect the flow of water in a fire sprinkler system must be monitored.

The Basics

There are three main types of valves used in fire sprinkler systems: 1. outside screw and yoke (OS&Y), 2. butterfly (BFV), and 3. post indicator valves (PIV). In turn, there are corresponding supervisory switches available for monitoring the open position of these valves. System Sensor supervisory switches, OSY2, and PIBV2, are typically equipped with dual SPDT (Form C) synchronized switches for activation of a supervisory signal at a panel or auxiliary device.

OS&Y type supervisory switches are designed to monitor the open position of outside screw and yoke gate valves. A large hand wheel with a threaded shaft controls the position of the valve. The shaft moves when the valve’s position changes. The switch is equipped with an actuator rod, which sits in a groove filed into the shaft or provided by the valve manufacturer.

As the turning of the hand wheel closes the valve, the actuator rod slides out of the groove in the shaft. This causes the switches to operate and sends a supervisory/trouble signal. A signal also sounds if the tamper switch is removed from the valve.

OS&Y supervisory switches, suitable for indoor or outdoor use, can be mounted vertically or horizontally.

PIBV type supervisory switches monitor the open position of butterfly, pressure reducing, wall post indicator, and yard post indicator valves.

[more]

Pages: 1 2

Tags: Fire sprinklers

Posted in Building Codes, Design and Installation, Residential, Sprinkler Systems Monitoring, Summer 2008

To receive more information about the content within this issue, fill out this Online Response Card.