§912-01 Periodic Testing of Standpipe and Sprinkler Systems With Fire Department Connections

   (a)   Scope. This section sets forth standards, requirements and procedures for testing standpipe systems and sprinkler systems that have fire department connections.

   (b)   General Provisions.

      (1)   Periodic testing. Upon order of the Commissioner, but at least once every five (5) years, the following tests shall be conducted, at the owner's risk, by his or her representative before a representative of the Department:

            (A)   The entire standpipe system shall be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test and a flow test to demonstrate its suitability for Fire Department use.

            (B)   Standpipe system and sprinkler system fire department connections shall be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test to demonstrate their suitability for Fire Department use.

      (2)   The contractor shall have the system ready for test at the time of the appointment and shall have sufficient personnel present to conduct the test in a proper manner.

      (3)   All defects noted during the test must be corrected before the test can be approved.

   (c)   Standpipe Pressure and Flow Tests. Standpipe systems shall be tested in accordance with the following procedures:

      (1)   Hydrostatic test.

            (A)   A pressure of 50 psi in excess of static pressure shall be applied to the entire system before replacing clappers in fire department connection check valves. Where intermediate tanks are provided, static pressure must be calculated from the roof tank.

            (B)   The test connection shall be made at the fire department connection.

            (C)   Standpipe systems shall not be tested using air or other pneumatic methods.

      (2)   Flow test.

            (A)   No flow test shall be conducted when the outdoor ambient temperature is below 32°F.

            (B)   Shut off supply to system (gravity tank or street supply).

            (C)   Drain system at lowest outlet available.

            (D)   Remove all lower check valve clappers and then replace the bonnet.

            (E)   Connect a control valve to each fire department connection. The contractor shall provide a hose or make other provisions for draining of the water, so arranged as to hold the fire department connection clapper in an open position.

            (F)   Open the tank control valve or the street control valve and fill the entire system.

            (G)   Stretch the hose to curb or to a drain, and flush each fire department connection until water runs clear. Shut the water off as soon as it runs clear.

      (3)   System restoration.

            (A)   Restore the system by replacing clappers in check valve, opening all control valves and filling the system.

            (B)   Properly vent all dead ends.

            (C)   Inspect drips after protection is restored, to check if the lower check valves are leaking.

            (D)   The contractor shall endeavor to ensure that the standpipe system is not out of service overnight. If it is impracticable to restore the system for Fire Department use, the certificate of fitness holder shall notify the owner or building manager and the Department, by telephoning the Department communications office (dispatcher) for the borough in which the premises is located. If the certificate of fitness holder is not present, the contractor shall make such notifications.

   (d)   Sprinkler System Pressure Test.

      (1)   The fire department connections for a sprinkler system shall be hydrostatically pressure tested by applying a hydrostatic pressure of 100 psig directly to each fire department connection and satisfactorily maintaining such pressure for not less than 20 minutes. Fire department connections may be isolated from the sprinkler system in accordance with the following procedures:

            (A)   If the fire department connection check valve is of the flange type, a blind gasket or blank disc shall be installed between the flanges at the inlet (dry side) of check valve.

            (B)   If the fire department connection check valve is the screw type valve without flanges, the line at the dry side of check valve [;must]; shall be cut and the end capped.

            (C)   When the test is completed, the blind gasket or blank disc shall be removed and flange gasket replaced. If the pipe was cut to conduct the test, it shall be provided with flanges after the test so that it can be used when future tests are conducted.

            (D)   After blind gaskets or blank disc are removed and piping is properly reconnected, a final test equal to city main pressure shall be applied to the fire department connection header to check that the flange connection is water tight.

            (E)   When the test is completed, the fire department connection header shall be drained and the drip valve left in good working order.

            (F)   When the fire department connections for perforated pipe systems are tested, the perforated branch lines shall be backed out and openings plugged.

      (2)   Pneumatic testing. Sprinkler system fire department connections shall not be tested using air or other pneumatic methods.

      (3)   System restoration.

            (A)   If the fire department connection is isolated during the hydrostatic testing, the system shall be restored by removing plugs and reconnecting branch lines.

            (B)   The contractor shall endeavor to ensure that the sprinkler system is not out of service overnight. If it is impracticable to restore the system for Fire Department use, the certificate of fitness holder and/or impairment coordinator supervising such testing shall comply with the out-of-service fire protection system requirements of FC901.7, including notification to the Department by telephoning the Department communications office (dispatcher) for the borough in which the premises is located. If the certificate of fitness holder or impairment coordinator is not present, the contractor shall notify the owner or building manager and the Department.