pipes with 1½-inch hose valves available for use by
trained personnel. The hose valves must limit the
outlet residual pressure to 100 psi.
NFPA 14 defines the requirements for imple-
menting pressure-regulating devices in standpipe
systems, including:
• The pressure-regulating device shall be
approved for the minimum and maximum flow
rates anticipated and shall be rated for the greatest
anticipated inlet pressure. Also, the device shall be
capable of limiting the static (no flow) and resid-
ual pressures to 175 psi. The manufacturer prod-
uct data sheets define the approved flow ranges and
pressure ranges for specific devices.
• A valved outlet for a pressure gauge must be
provided on the inlet and outlet of each pressure-
regulating device. Annex A of NFPA 14 states that high-pressure zone for upper levels and low-pres- FIGURE 3: Pilot-oper-
permanently affixed gauges are not required. Rath- sure zone regulated for lower levels). ated pressure-reducing
er, a valved outlet must be provided on each side A compliant PRVA includes: valves for an automatic
of the valve that permits easy installation of gauges • Two pressure-reducing valves installed in sprinkler system. Cour-
necessary for testing the respective device. series to provide redundancy assuring pressure tesy: Mobley Fire Pro-
• Each standpipe with pressure-regulating devic- downstream does not exceed 175 psi in the event tection Engineering LLC
es shall have a permanent drain riser located adja- one pressure-reducing valve fails. Most pressure-re-
cent to the standpipe. The drain must be sized to ducing valves require a minimum differential
accommodate the full flow required from the pres- pressure, depending on the valve manufactur-
sure-regulating device. Minimum 3-inch diam- er. A common differential pressure is 10 psi. For
eter drain piping is required for 2½-inch devices instance, if the desired pressure downstream is 175
and drain piping that serves larger devices must be psi then the inlet pressure must be no less than 185
equal to the discharge outlet of the device. Test con- psi. Therefore, to prevent exposing system compo-
‘
nections, of the same size as the device discharge nents to pressures exceed-
outlet, are required on at least every other floor. ing 175 psi where the static
The test connections must be equipped with inter- (no flow) pressure is 190
NFPA 14 defines the
nal threaded swivel fittings having National Hose psi, the first pressure-re- requirements for implementing
Standard threads with plugs. ducing valve, in series,
A PRVA, in accordance with NFPA 14 Section must be set to 175 psi and pressure-regulating devices in
7.2.4 (2019 edition), can be used near the water the second pressure-reduc-
’
source (e.g., downstream of the fire pump discharge ing valve, in series, must standpipe systems.
control valve) to limit pressure downstream while be set to 165 psi. This con-
avoiding the need for additional pressure-regu- figuration would limit the pressure downstream to
lating devices at hose valves and sprinkler system 175 psi, in the event a valve fails and permits the
floor control valve assemblies. The PRVA is benefi- second valve to operate correctly.
cial for applications that have a water supply capa- • The pressure-reducing valves shall be installed
ble of supplying the system demand without the with means to isolate either pressure-reducing
residual pressure exceeding 175 psi, but the static valve for maintenance, replacement or repair. Typi-
(no flow) system working pressure exceeds 175 psi. cally, each pressure-reducing valve is provided with
In short, the PRVA would be used to control the indicating control valves installed on the inlet and
static (no flow) pressure below 175 psi. Another outlet sides of the pressure-reducing valve.
useful application is using a PRVA to create stand- • Piping shall be configured to permit water to
pipe systems with multiple pressure zones (e.g., bypass either of the pressure-reducing valves in the
consulting-Specifying engineer— [Link] May/June 2024
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