Category: Resources

Prevent Freezing: Your Auxiliary Drains Need Drained NOW!

With cold weather coming, even southern areas that usually don’t freeze need to prepare their fire sprinkler systems. It’s important to take action now. For dry and pre-action sprinkler systems, one of the most common vulnerabilities during extreme cold is auxiliary drains. Neglecting to properly maintain and drain these components can lead to costly damage and system failure.

What Are Auxiliary Drains?

Auxiliary drains, called drum drips or low point drains, are important parts of dry and pre-action fire sprinkler systems. They collect condensation that forms inside pipes, preventing it from pooling and causing corrosion or blockages. When temperatures drop below freezing, water in the auxiliary drain can freeze. This ice can expand and may crack the drain or the system’s pipes.

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How to Select the Correct PSI for your Fire Sprinkler Pressure Relief Valve

FAQ – Which PSI???

Pressure relief valves are critical components in fire sprinkler systems,

Model 7000L Lockable Pressure Relief Valve

safeguarding the system by relieving excess pressure caused by supply surges or temperature fluctuations. Since the 2010 edition of NFPA 13, these valves have

been mandatory for all wet pipe systems. Selecting the correct pressure relief valve for a specific system requires careful planning to ensure compliance and optimal performance.

 

Understanding NFPA 13 Requirements

NFPA 13 outlines the necessity of pressure relief valves to maintain system integrity:

  • Relief Valve Specifications: Wet pipe systems must include a listed relief valve of at least 1/2 inch in size. The valve should operate at either 175 psi or 10 psi above the maximum system pressure, whichever is greater.
  • Listing Requirements: A “listed” valve must meet standards set by third-party organizations like UL or FM, ensuring the valve’s reliability and suitability for fire sprinkler systems.
  • Exception Clause: Relief valves are not required if auxiliary air reservoirs are installed to absorb pressure increases.

Continue reading How to Select the Correct PSI for your Fire Sprinkler Pressure Relief Valve →

Is an Inspector’s Test the Same as a Test and Drain Valve?

Choosing and placing valves carefully is important for fire sprinkler systems

Inspectors test valve and a test and drain valve

to meet code requirements. The Inspector’s Test Valves and Test and Drain Valves are frequently confused. This is because they perform similar functions but have distinct characteristics and applications. Understanding the differences between these valves is crucial to ensure their proper usage.

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Fire Sprinkler System Freeze Protection: How to Maintain Auxiliary Drains

Fire sprinkler system freeze prevention is vital for facility managers as temperatures drop. Compromised life safety, facility damage, and more plague facilities with poor maintenance plans.

Proper auxiliary drain maintenance is key to preventing freezing on dry sprinkler systems. Facilities can save thousands each winter with these key steps:

      1. Locate Auxiliary Drains
      2. Perform Preventative Maintenance
      3. Use Correct Service Frequency
      4. Simplify the Plan

So how do you maintain auxiliary drains, and what are they? Let’s dive in.

Continue reading Fire Sprinkler System Freeze Protection: How to Maintain Auxiliary Drains →

Which States Require Air Vents? NFPA 13 (2016) Adoption Map

NFPA 13 (2016) and later editions require air vents on all wet pipe fire sprinkler systems utilizing metallic pipe. Jurisdictions across the US have been adopting these editions on their own or by reference in an IBC 2018 adoption. This chart shows which states have NFPA 13 (2016) adoption (or later editions) and which states will be adopting soon.

*Please consult your AHJ to confirm local code requirements

AGF’s PURGEnVENT line of manual and automatic air vents make it simple to meet code requirements with flexible installation options. Plus, PURGEnVENT patented air vents help protect your system from corrosion by releasing trapped air.

For questions about NFPA 13 (2016) changes regarding air vents and corrosion or NFPA 13 (2016) adoption, please contact us to talk to a member of our technical staff.

What is K-Factor for Fire Sprinklers?

AGF’s TESTanDRAIN and Inspector’sTEST valves come in a range of k-factors to best meet your needs. But what is k-factor for fire sprinkler systems?

What is K-Factor?

K-factor helps to calculate the discharge rate from fire sprinkler heads. It’s calculated in imperial units for the United States by using the flow in gallons per minute (gpm) and the pressure in PSI. Metric calculations use the flow in liters per minute and pressure in bar.

Essentially, the k-factor is the orifice size needed for a particular flow and pressure. Low k-factors have a smaller diameter and restrict the flow while larger k-factors allow for more flow.

Meyer Fire offers a tool to compare pressure requirements and flow rates for different k-factors.

AGF offers a full range of orifice sizes to accommodate multiple k-factors for our TESTanDRAIN and Inspector’sTEST models.

Fractional Size vs K-Factor

The chart below shows the imperial and metric k-factor’s equivalent fractional size.

K-factor conversion chart
*Available on 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, & 2″ size units only **Available on 1-1/2″ and 2″ size units only

Do you have more questions about K-factor? Contact us at 610-240-4900 to speak with a member of our technical staff.