City of BirminghamMunicipalBuilding Fire Protection Alterations06/04

Copyright 2000 (R 03/02), The American Institute of Architects (AIA)

SECTION 13915 - FIRE-SUPPRESSION PIPING

This Section uses the term "Architect." Change this term to match that used to identify the design professional as defined in the General and Supplementary Conditions.

Verify that Section titles referenced in this Section are correct for this Project's Specifications; Section titles may have changed.

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1RELATED DOCUMENTS

  1. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and Division1 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.

1.2SUMMARY

  1. This Section includes the following fire-suppression piping inside the building:
  2. Wet-pipe sprinkler systems.
  3. Dry-pipe sprinkler systems.
  4. Preaction sprinkler systems.

1.3SYSTEM DESCRIPTIONS

Retain paragraph below only for combined systems. If retaining, also retain one or more standpipe system paragraphs and one or more sprinkler system paragraphs further below.

  1. Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System: Automatic sprinklers are attached to piping containing water and that is connected to water supply. Water discharges immediately from sprinklers when they are opened. Sprinklers open when heat melts fusible link or destroys frangible device. Hose connections are included if indicated.
  2. Dry-Pipe Sprinkler System: Automatic sprinklers are attached to piping containing compressed air. Opening of sprinklers releases compressed air and permits water pressure to open dry-pipe valve. Water then flows into piping and discharges from opened sprinklers.
  3. Preaction Sprinkler System: Automatic sprinklers are attached to piping containing air. Actuation of fire-detection system in same area as sprinklers opens deluge valve, permitting water to flow into piping and to discharge from sprinklers that have opened.

1.4PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

  1. Standard Piping System Component Working Pressure: Listed for at least 175 psig.

Delete two paragraphs and associated subparagraphs below if system designs have been approved by authorities having jurisdiction.

  1. Fire-suppression sprinkler system design shall be approved by authorities having jurisdiction.
  2. Minimum Density for Automatic-Sprinkler Piping Design:

Edit first six subparagraphs below to suit authorities having jurisdiction. Values indicated should provide minimum required total flow for each hazard and group.

  1. Ordinary-Hazard, Group1 Occupancy: 0.15 gpm over 1500-sq.ft. area.
  1. Maximum Protection Area per Sprinkler: Per UL listing.

Retain subparagraph above or subparagraph and associated subparagraphs below. Do not retain both.

Revise or delete subparagraph and associated subparagraphs below as required to suit authorities having jurisdiction.

1.5SUBMITTALS

  1. Product Data: For the following:
  2. Piping materials, including sprinkler specialty fittings.
  3. Pipe hangers and supports.
  4. Valves, including listed fire-protection valves, and specialty valves and trim.
  5. Air compressors, including electrical data.
  6. Sprinklers, escutcheons, and guards. Include sprinkler flow characteristics, mounting, finish, and other pertinent data.
  7. Alarm devices, including electrical data.
  8. Shop Drawings: Diagram power, signal, and control wiring.

Delete paragraph below unless report is specified in Part3 "Preparation" Article.

Delete first paragraph below if design by Contractor is not specified in "Performance Requirements" Article.

  1. Approved Sprinkler Piping Drawings: Working plans, prepared according to NFPA13, that have been approved by authorities having jurisdiction, including hydraulic calculations, if applicable.
  2. Field Test Reports and Certificates: Indicate and interpret test results for compliance with performance requirements and as described in NFPA13. Retain first paragraph below if procedures for welder certification are retained in "Quality Assurance" Article.
  3. Field quality-control test reports.
  4. Operation and Maintenance Data: For sprinkler specialties to include in emergency, operation, and maintenance manuals.

1.6QUALITY ASSURANCE

Delete paragraph and subparagraphs below if Contractor is not required to assume responsibility for design of fire-suppression systems.

  1. Installer Qualifications:

Delete subparagraph below if Contractor is not required to assume responsibility for engineering.

  1. Installer's responsibilities include designing, fabricating, and installing fire-suppression systems and providing professional engineering services needed to assume engineering responsibility. Base calculations on results of fire-hydrant flow test.

Delete subparagraph below if Contractor is not required to engage a qualified professional engineer.

Delete first paragraph below if no welding. Retain "Welding certificates" Paragraph in "Submittals" Article if retaining below.

  1. NFPA Standards: Fire-suppression-system equipment, specialties, accessories, installation, and testing shall comply with the following:
  2. NFPA13, "Installation of Sprinkler Systems."

1.7COORDINATION

Edit this Article to delete or add types of construction that penetrate or are supported by ceilings.

  1. Coordinate layout and installation of sprinklers with other construction that penetrates ceilings, including light fixtures, HVAC equipment, and partition assemblies.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1MANUFACTURERS

See Editing Instruction No.1 in the Evaluations for cautions about naming manufacturers and products.

Edit this Article with other Part2 articles in which manufacturers are named. See Division1 Section "Product Requirements" for an explanation of the terms "Available Manufacturers" and "Manufacturers" and the effect these terms have on "Comparable Product" and "Product Substitution" requirements.

  1. In other Part2 articles where titles below introduce lists, the following requirements apply to product selection:
  2. Manufacturers: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide products by one of the manufacturers specified.

See "Writing Guide" Article in the Evaluations for a discussion of this Section's organization and the most efficient way to edit this Section.

2.2STEEL PIPE AND FITTINGS

Steel pipes in this Article are arranged in order of decreasing wall thickness.

  1. Threaded-End, Standard-Weight Steel Pipe: ASTMA53/A53M, ASTMA135, or ASTMA795, with factory- or field-formed threaded ends.
  2. Cast-Iron Threaded Flanges: ASMEB16.1.
  3. Malleable-Iron Threaded Fittings: ASMEB16.3.
  4. Gray-Iron Threaded Fittings: ASMEB16.4.
  5. Steel Threaded Pipe Nipples: ASTMA733, made of ASTMA53/A53M or ASTMA106, Schedule40, seamless steel pipe. Include ends matching joining method.
  6. Steel Threaded Couplings: ASTMA865.
  7. Grooved-End, Standard-Weight Steel Pipe: ASTMA53/A53M, ASTMA135, or ASTMA795, with factory- or field-formed, square-cut- or roll-grooved ends.
  8. Grooved-Joint Piping Systems:

Coordinate first subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

  1. Manufacturers:

1)Central Sprinkler Corp.

2)Star Pipe Products; Star Fittings Div.

3)Victaulic Co. of America.

4)Ward Manufacturing.

  1. Grooved-End Fittings: UL-listed, ASTMA536, ductile-iron casting with OD matching steel-pipe OD.
  2. Grooved-End-Pipe Couplings: UL213 and AWWAC606, rigid pattern, unless otherwise indicated; gasketed fitting matching steel-pipe OD. Include ductile-iron housing with keys matching steel-pipe and fitting grooves,prelubricated rubber gasket listed for use with housing, and steel bolts and nuts.
  1. Threaded-End, Schedule30 Steel Pipe: ASTMA135 or ASTMA795, with wall thickness less than Schedule40 and equal to or greater than Schedule30; or ASTMA795 and ASMEB36.10M, Schedule30 wrought-steel pipe; with factory- or field-threaded ends.
  2. Cast-Iron Threaded Flanges: ASMEB16.1.
  3. Malleable-Iron Threaded Fittings: ASMEB16.3.
  4. Gray-Iron Threaded Fittings: ASMEB16.4.
  5. Steel Threaded Pipe Nipples: ASTMA733, made of ASTMA53/A53M or ASTMA106, Schedule40, seamless steel pipe. Include ends matching joining method.
  6. Steel Threaded Couplings: ASTMA865.
  7. Grooved-End, Schedule30 Steel Pipe: ASTMA135 or ASTMA795, with wall thickness less than Schedule40 and equal to or greater than Schedule30; or ASTMA795 and ASMEB36.10M, Schedule30 wrought-steel pipe; with factory- or field-formed, roll-grooved ends.
  8. Grooved-Joint Piping Systems:

Coordinate first subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

  1. Manufacturers:

1)Central Sprinkler Corp.

2)Star Pipe Products; Star Fittings Div.

3)Victaulic Co. of America.

4)Ward Manufacturing.

  1. Grooved-End Fittings: UL-listed, ASTMA536, ductile-iron casting with OD matching steel-pipe OD.
  2. Grooved-End-Pipe Couplings: UL213 and AWWAC606, rigid pattern, unless otherwise indicated; gasketed fitting matching steel-pipe OD. Include ductile-iron housing with keys matching steel-pipe and fitting grooves,prelubricated rubber gasket listed for use with housing, and steel bolts and nuts.

Coordinate first subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

Coordinate first subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

Caution: Some manufacturers' literature lists lightwall pipe as being threadable. This Section follows the terminology in the "Steel Pipe Schedule" in FMG's "Fire Protection Approval Guide" that lists thinwall pipe for threading and prohibits threading of lightwall pipe.

Coordinate first subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

Coordinate below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

2.3SPRINKLER SPECIALTY FITTINGS

  1. Sprinkler specialty fittings shall be UL listed or FMG approved, with 175-psig (1200-kPa) minimum working-pressure rating, and made of materials compatible with piping.
  2. Sprinkler Drain and Alarm Test Fittings: Cast- or ductile-iron body; with threaded or locking-lug inlet and outlet, test valve, and orifice and sight glass.

Coordinate subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

  1. Manufacturers:
  2. Central Sprinkler Corp.
  3. Fire-End and Croker Corp.
  4. Viking Corp.
  5. Victaulic Co. of America.
  1. Sprinkler Branch-Line Test Fittings: Brass body with threaded inlet, capped drain outlet, and threaded outlet for sprinkler.

Coordinate subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

  1. Manufacturers:
  2. Elkhart Brass Mfg. Co., Inc.
  3. Fire-End and Croker Corp.
  4. Potter-Roemer; Fire-Protection Div.
  1. Sprinkler Inspector's Test Fitting: Cast- or ductile-iron housing with threaded inlet and drain outlet and sight glass.

Coordinate subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

  1. Manufacturers:
  2. AGF Manufacturing Co.
  3. Central Sprinkler Corp.
  4. Triple R Specialty of Ajax, Inc.
  1. Dry-Pipe-System Fittings: UL listed for dry-pipe service.

2.4LISTED FIRE-PROTECTION VALVES

  1. Valves shall be UL listed or FMG approved, with 175-psigminimum pressure rating.
  2. Ball Valves: Comply with UL1091, except with ball instead of disc.
  3. NPS1-1/2and Smaller: Bronze body with threaded ends.
  4. NPS2 and NPS2-1/2: Bronze body with threaded ends or ductile-iron body with grooved ends.
  5. NPS3: Ductile-iron body with grooved ends.

Coordinate subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

  1. Manufacturers:
  2. NIBCO.
  3. Victaulic Co. of America.
  1. Butterfly Valves: UL1091.
  2. NPS2and Smaller: Bronze body with threaded ends.

Coordinate first subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

  1. Manufacturers:

1)Global Safety Products, Inc.

2)Milwaukee Valve Company.

  1. NPS2-1/2and Larger: Bronze, cast-iron, or ductile-iron body; wafer type or with flanged or grooved ends.

Coordinate subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

  1. Manufacturers:

1)Central Sprinkler Corp.

2)Global Safety Products, Inc.

3)Mueller Company.

4)NIBCO.

5)Victaulic Co. of America.

  1. Check Valves NPS2and Larger: UL312, swing type, cast-iron body with flanged or grooved ends.

Coordinate subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

  1. Manufacturers:
  2. Central Sprinkler Corp.
  3. Crane Co.; Crane Valve Group; Crane Valves.
  4. Crane Co.; Crane Valve Group; Jenkins Valves.
  5. Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation.
  6. Grinnell Fire Protection.
  7. Hammond Valve.
  8. Mueller Company.
  9. NIBCO.
  10. Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
  11. Star Sprinkler Inc.
  12. Stockham.
  13. Victaulic Co. of America.
  14. Watts Industries, Inc.; Water Products Div.
  1. Gate Valves: UL262, OS&Y type.
  2. NPS2 and Smaller: Bronze body with threaded ends.

Coordinate first subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

  1. Manufacturers:

1)Crane Co.; Crane Valve Group; Crane Valves.

2)Hammond Valve.

3)NIBCO.

  1. NPS2-1/2 and Larger: Cast-iron body with flanged ends.

Coordinate subparagraph and list below with Part2 "Manufacturers" Article. Retain "Available" for nonproprietary and delete for semiproprietary specifications.

  1. Manufacturers:

1)Crane Co.; Crane Valve Group; Crane Valves.

2)Crane Co.; Crane Valve Group; Jenkins Valves.

3)Hammond Valve.

4)Milwaukee Valve Company.

5)Mueller Company.

6)NIBCO.

2.5CONTROL PANELS

Retain this Article only for combination dry-pipe and preaction- or deluge-sprinkler piping; delete if controls are specified in Division13 Section "Fire Alarm."

  1. Description: Dual-area cross-zoned type control panel as indicated, including NEMAICS6, Type1 enclosure, detector, alarm, and solenoid-valve circuitry for operation of deluge valves. Panels contain power supply; battery charger; standby batteries; field-wiring terminal strip; electrically supervised solenoid valves and polarized fire alarm bell; lamp test facility; single-pole, double-throw auxiliary alarm contacts; and rectifier.
  2. Panels: UL listed and FMG approved when used with thermal detectors and ClassA detector circuit wiring. Electrical characteristics are 120-V ac, 60 Hz, with 24-V dc rechargeable batteries.
  3. Manual Control Stations: Electric operation, metal enclosure, labeled "MANUAL CONTROL STATION" with operating instructions and a cover held closed by breakable strut.

2.6SPRINKLERS

Coordinate this Article with Part3 "Sprinkler Applications" Article. Delete sprinklers not required.

  1. Sprinklers shall be UL listed or FMG approved, with 175-psig (1200-kPa) minimum pressure rating.
  2. Manufacturers:
  3. Central Sprinkler Corp.
  4. Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation.
  5. Grinnell Fire Protection.
  6. Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
  7. Star Sprinkler Inc.
  8. Victaulic Co. of America.
  9. Viking Corp.
  10. Automatic Sprinklers: With heat-responsive element complying with the following:

Retain one or more of three subparagraphs below. Add other standards if applicable.

  1. UL199, for nonresidential applications.
  1. Sprinkler Types and Categories: Nominal 1/2-inch orifice for "Ordinary" temperature classification rating, unless otherwise indicated or required by application.

Retain subparagraph below for deluge-sprinkler piping.

  1. Open Sprinklers: UL199, without heat-responsive element.

Add other orifice sizes and K factors to two subparagraphs below to suit Project.

  1. Orifice: 1/2 inch, with discharge coefficientK between 5.3 and 5.8.
  2. Orifice: 17/32 inch, with discharge coefficientK between 7.4 and 8.2.
  1. Sprinkler types, features, and options as follows:

Delete sprinkler types below not required.

  1. Concealed ceiling sprinklers, including cover plate.
  2. Pendent sprinklers.
  3. Pendent, dry-type sprinklers.
  4. Upright sprinklers.
  1. Sprinkler Finishes: Chrome plated, bronze, and painted.
  2. Sprinkler Escutcheons: Materials, types, and finishes for the following sprinkler mounting applications. Escutcheons for concealed, flush, and recessed-type sprinklers are specified with sprinklers.
  3. Ceiling Mounting: Plastic, white finish, one piece, flat.
  4. Sprinkler Guards: Wire-cage type, including fastening device for attaching to sprinkler.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1PREPARATION

Delete this Article if fire-hydrant flow test is not required or if Owner has provided flow information.

  1. Perform fire-hydrant flow test according to NFPA13 and NFPA291. Use results for system design calculations required in Part1 "Quality Assurance" Article.
  2. Report test results promptly and in writing.

3.2SPRINKLER SYSTEM PIPING APPLICATIONS

If more than one type of material and joining method is used for a particular pipe size, identify materials on Drawings and show points of transition from one material to another.

  1. Standard-Pressure, Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System, 175-psig Maximum Working Pressure:

Delete subparagraph below if not permitted.

Caution: Steel pipe smaller than NPS8 (DN200) with wall thickness less than Schedule40 must not be threaded unless approved by authorities having jurisdiction and threads are checked by a ring gage and comply with ASMEB1.20.1.

Retain 1 or more of 16 subparagraphs below. Grooved-end-pipe couplings for steel piping are also available from some manufacturers in NPS1 to NPS1-1/2 (DN25 to DN40).

  1. NPS1-1/2 and Smaller: Threaded-end black, standard-weight steel pipe; cast- or malleable-iron threaded fittings; and threaded joints.
  2. NPS1-1/2and Smaller: Threaded-end black, Schedule30 steel pipe; cast- or malleable-iron threaded fittings; and threaded joints.

Retain 1 or more of 22 subparagraphs below.

  1. NPS2: Threaded-end black, standard-weight steel pipe; cast- or malleable-iron threaded fittings; and threaded joints.
  2. NPS2: Grooved-end black, standard-weight steel pipe; grooved-end fittings; grooved-end-pipe couplings; and grooved joints.
  3. NPS2: Threaded-end black, Schedule30 steel pipe; cast- or malleable-iron threaded fittings; and threaded joints.
  4. NPS2: Grooved-end black, Schedule30 steel pipe; grooved-end fittings; grooved-end-pipe couplings; and grooved joints.

Retain 1 or more of 17 subparagraphs below.

  1. NPS2-1/2 to NPS3: Threaded-end black, standard-weight steel pipe; cast- or malleable-iron threaded fittings; and threaded joints.
  2. NPS2-1/2 to NPS3: Grooved-end black, standard-weight steel pipe; grooved-end fittings; grooved-end-pipe couplings; and grooved joints.
  3. NPS2-1/2 to NPS3: Threaded-end black, Schedule30 steel pipe; cast- or malleable-iron threaded fittings; and threaded joints.
  4. NPS2-1/2 to NPS3: Grooved-end black, Schedule30 steel pipe; grooved-end fittings; grooved-end-pipe couplings; and grooved joints.

Retain 1 or more of 15 subparagraphs below.

  1. NPS4 to NPS6: Threaded-end black, standard-weight steel pipe; cast- or malleable-iron threaded fittings; and threaded joints.
  2. NPS4 to NPS6: Grooved-end black, standard-weight steel pipe; grooved-end fittings; grooved-end-pipe couplings; and grooved joints.
  3. NPS4 to NPS6: Threaded-end black, Schedule30 steel pipe; cast- or malleable-iron threaded fittings; and threaded joints.
  4. NPS4 to NPS6: Grooved-end black, Schedule30 steel pipe; grooved-end fittings; grooved-end-pipe couplings; and grooved joints.
  1. Standard-Pressure, Dry-Pipe Sprinkler System, 175-psig Maximum Working Pressure:

Delete subparagraph below if not permitted.