NFPA Water Based Standards

May 22, 2018 Philadelphia, PA
AFAA 2018 Annual Meeting and Codes Conference
The Impact that Changes to

NFPA Water-Based Standards
Will Have on Fire Alarm Systems
Presenter: Terry L Victor

Senior Manager of Industry Relations
JCI Regional Coordinator for Codes and Standards, US
Johnson Controls / Grinnell Fire Protection Solutions
Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Presentation Outline
• Changes to the 2019 editions of NFPA 13,
13R, 14, and 20
• Changes to the 2020 edition of NFPA 25
• Automated Inspection and Testing
• Distance Monitoring
• Potential conflicts with NFPA 72
• What’s in the Future?
• TIA 25-2-17

Changes to the Water-
Based Standards

Changes to NFPA 13-2019
8.2.5.4.2 Low Differential Dry Pipe Valve.
Protection against accumulation of water above the clapper shall be
provided for low differential dry pipe valves in accordance with 8.2.5.4.3.
8.2.5.4.3 High Water Level Device.
An automatic high water level signaling device or an automatic drain shall
be permitted.
3.3.207.4.1 Differential Dry Pipe Valve.

A valve that is held in the closed position by the system gas pressure
exposed to the larger surface area on the air/nitrogen side of the clapper
where it is at least 5 times that of the surface area on the water supply
side.

W
NE
8.3.1.2.1 Actuator Supervision.
Effective January 1, 2021, removal of an electric actuator from the
preaction or deluge valve that it controls shall result in an audible
and visual indication of system impairment at the system releasing
control panel.

W
NE
16.9.4 Automated Valves.
16.9.4.1 A listed indicating valve with automated controls shall be
permitted.
16.9.4.2 A listed automated water control valve assembly with a
reliable position indication connected to a remote supervisory
station shall be permitted.
16.9.4.3 An automated water control valve shall be able to be
operated manually as well as automatically.

W
NE
27.3 Automated Inspection and Testing Devices and Equipment.
27.3.1 Automated inspection and testing devices and equipment
installed on the sprinkler system shall be tested to ensure the
desired result of the automated inspection or test is realized.
27.3.1.1 Automated inspection devices and equipment shall be
shown to be as effective as a visual examination.
27.3.1.2 Automated testing devices and equipment shall produce
the same action required by this standard to test a device.
27.3.1.2.1 The testing shall discharge water where required by this
standard and NFPA 25.

W
NE
27.3.2 Failure of automated inspection and testing devices and
equipment shall not impair the operation of the system unless
indicated by an audible and visual trouble signal in accordance with
NFPA 72.
27.3.3 Failure of a system or component to pass automated
inspection and testing devices and equipment shall result in an
audible and visual trouble signal in accordance with NFPA 72.
equipment shall result in an audible and visual trouble signal in
accordance with NFPA 72.Actuator Supervision.

28.2.3.1 Waterflow Devices. Waterflow detecting devices including

the associated alarm circuits shall be flow tested through the
inspector’s test connection and shall result in an audible alarm on
the premises within 5 minutes after such flow begins and until such
flow stops.
28.2.3.1.1 Where a fire alarm system is monitoring waterflow, an
alarm signal shall activate in accordance with the requirements of
the adopted fire alarm code.

NFPA 14-2019 2nd Revisions
W
NE
4.1.4 Automated Inspection, Testing, and Distance Monitoring
Devices, Meters, and Equipment.
4.1.4.1* Where provided, devices, meters, and equipment utilized
to perform automated inspection and testing procedures that are
not subjected to system pressure shall not be required to be listed.
A.4.1.4.1 Certain devices, meters, and equipment that can be used
to perform inspection and testing procedures from a distant
location are not integral to the system and don’t affect system
performance. Automated inspection and testing devices and
equipment, such as a digital camera, can be in the riser room or
attached to the system externally but are not an integral part of the
system. Such devices do not need to be listed.

W
NE
4.1.4.2* Where provided, devices, meters, and equipment utilized
to perform distance monitoring of system or component status that
are not subjected to system pressure shall not be required to be
listed.
A.4.1.4.2 Certain devices and equipment that can be used to
monitor system or component status from a distance are not
integral to the system and don’t affect system performance.
Distance monitoring devices, such as an external thermometer, can
be attached to the system externally and therefore are not
subjected to system pressure. Such devices do not need to be listed.

W
NE
4.5.3 Automated Valves. A listed indicating valve with an automatic
means to operate the valve shall be permitted.
4.5.3.1 A listed water control valve assembly with an automatic
means to operate the valve shall be connected to a remote
supervisory station.
means to operate the valve shall include a visual position indicator.
means to operate the valve shall be able to be operated manually
as well as automatically.

W
NE
11.7 Automated Inspection and Testing Devices and Equipment.
11.7.1 Automated inspection and testing devices and equipment
installed on the standpipe system shall be tested to ensure the
desired result of the automated inspection or test is realized.
11.7.1.1 Automated inspection devices and equipment shall prove
to be as effective as a visual examination.
11.7.1.2 Automated testing devices and equipment shall produce
the same action required by this standard to test a device.
11.7.1.2.1 The testing shall discharge water where required by this
standard and NFPA 25 .

W
NE
equipment shall not impair the operation of the standpipe system
unless indicated by an audible and visual trouble signal in
accordance with NFPA 72 .
11.7.3 Failure of a system or component to pass automated
inspection and testing devices and equipment shall result in an
audible and visual trouble signal in accordance with NFPA 72 .
equipment shall result in an audible and visual trouble signal in
accordance with NFPA 72 .

4.3 Pump Operation.

4.3.1* In the event of fire pump operation, Means shall be provided
for qualified personnel shall respond to the fire pump location to
determine that the fire pump is operating in a satisfactory manner
during pump operation .
A.4.3.1 Determination of satisfactory operation can be made by
either having a qualified person go to the pump room and monitor
conditions in person, or having video, measurement, and sensor
equipment installed in the pump room so that a qualified individual
can determine satisfactory operation remotely.

W
NE
4.15.5.2 Valve Closure Time.
4.15.5.2.1 Listed indicating valves shall not close in less than 5
seconds when operated at maximum possible speed from the fully
open position.
4.15.5.2.2 Valves with an automatic means to operate the valve
shall not close in less than 5 seconds when operated at maximum
possible speed from the fully open position.

W
NE
4.15.5.3 Automated Valves.
4.15.5.3.1 A listed indicating valve with automated controls shall be
permitted.
4.15.5.3.2 The automated water control valve assembly shall meet
the following criteria:
(1) Include a reliable position indication
(2) Include a valve supervisory switch and be connected to a
remote supervisory station
(3) Operate manually as well as automatically

NFPA 25-2020 First Revisions
1.1.1 Coordination with NFPA 72 Testing Requirements. This standard
does not address all of the inspection, testing, and maintenance of the
electrical components of the automatic fire detection equipment used to
activate preaction and deluge systems that are addressed by NFPA 72 .
1.1.1.1 The inspection, testing, and maintenance required by this
standard and NFPA 72 shall be coordinated so that the system operates as
intended.
1.1.1.2* All inspections, testing, and maintenance required by NFPA 72
shall conform to NFPA 72, and all inspections, testing, and maintenance
required by this standard shall conform to this standard.
1.1.1.3 This standard does not address all of the inspection, testing, and
maintenance of the electrical components of the automatic fire detection
equipment used to activate preaction and deluge systems that are
addressed by NFPA 72.

A.1.1.1.2 There are This standard does not address all of the
inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements of the
electrical components of a water-based fire protection system
that are addressed by NFPA 72 . However, there are times
when a single inspection or test can meet the requirements of
both NFPA 25 and NFPA 72 (e.g., operation of a tamper
switch). This standard does not necessarily require that two
separate inspections or tests be conducted on the same
component, provided the inspection or test meets the
requirements of both standards and the individual performing
the inspection or test is qualified to perform the inspection or
test required by both standards.

W
NE
13.4.3.2.4* Preaction valve flow tests shall incorporate full
functionality of the system as a unit, including automatic and
manual activation.

W
NE
A.13.4.3.2.4 It is necessary that the full flow test incorporate the
full functionality of the system, which would include any solenoid
valves or other actuation devices. It was common practice in the
past to test the detection system or manual pull station up to the
solenoid valve or actuator and to separately test the preaction valve
and system after the solenoid valve or actuator. The detectors on
the system can be tested separately as long as the functional test
includes activation of the actuator or solenoid when it receives an
actual or simulated signal.

Automated Inspection
and Testing & Distance
Monitoring

Automated Inspection & Testing
Definitions
W
• NFPA 14 & 20 (as submitted)
NE • The performance of inspections and tests at a distant
location from the system or component being inspected
or tested …
• NFPA 13 & 25
• The performance of inspections and tests at a distance
from the system or component being inspected or tested
…
… through the use of electronic devices or

equipment installed for the purpose.
Distance Monitoring
NE
W Definitions
The monitoring of various conditions of a system
or component from a location distant from the …
• NFPA 14
… system or component through the use of electronic devices,
meters, or equipment installed for that purpose.
• NFPA 13
… component through the use of electronic devices, meters,
or equipment installed for the purpose.
• NFPA 20 (as submitted)
… system or component through the use of electronic devices,
meters, or equipment installed for the purpose.

4.6.6* Automated Inspection and Testing.
-------
4.6.6.6 Automated test devices and equipment shall be listed
for the purpose of the test being conducted.
4.6.6.7* Devices and equipment utilized to perform
automated inspection and testing procedures that are not
subjected to system pressure or are not integral to the
operation of the system during a fire event shall not be
required to be listed.

W
NE
A.4.6.6.7 Certain devices, meters, and equipment that can be
used to perform inspection and testing procedures from a
distant location are not integral to the system and don’t affect
system performance. Automated inspection and testing
devices and equipment, such as a digital camera, can be in the
riser room or attached to the system externally but are not an
integral part of the system. Such devices do not need to be
listed.

4.9.6* Electrical Safety.

4.9.6.1 Legally required precautions shall be taken when
testing or maintaining electric controllers for motor-driven fire
pumps.
4.9.6.2 At a minimum, the provisions of NFPA 70E or
equivalent shall be applied.

8.3.2.7 Qualified personnel shall be in attendance whenever

the pump is in operation unless automated inspection and
testing is performed in accordance with 8.3.2.10 including the
provision for automated engine shutdown indicated in
8.3.2.10.3 for diesel engine drives .

W
NE
8.3.2.10 Remotely Monitored Automated Testing.
8.3.2.10.1 Remotely monitored automated testing performed in
accordance with 4.6.6 shall be permitted for the no-flow test.
8.3.2.10.2 All of the pertinent observations or adjustments
specified in the checklists described in 8.3.2.8 and 8.3.2.9 shall be
performed.
8.3.2.10.2.1 Any abnormalities shall be recorded.

W
NE
8.3.2.10.2.2 If, during the automated test, it becomes apparent that
the packing gland nuts need to be adjusted as described in
8.3.2.9(1)(d) , the need for adjustment shall be recorded and the
necessary adjustment shall be made by qualified personnel.
8.3.2.10.3 The controller for a diesel engine–driven fire pump shall
be equipped with automatic engine shutdown as referenced in
12.7.2.7 of NFPA 20 .
8.3.2.10.4 Qualified personnel shall be able to respond to the pump
location upon abnormal condition within 5 minutes.

Potential Conflicts w NFPA 72
10.3.3* All devices and appliances that receive their power from the
initiating device circuit or signaling line circuit of a control unit shall
be listed for use with the control unit.
A.10.3.3 This requirement does not apply to notification appliance
circuits.

What’s In The Future?

Automated and Distance ITM

What specific tasks of ITM can be performed automatically
and/or at a distance from the system or component?
Visual inspections
• Control valve status
• Valves, switches, and other components (free of physical
damage)
• Gauge readings
• Fire Pump Room Conditions
• Packings
• Smoke
Theoretically anything that a person can do visually is possible

Tests – Sprinkler System

• Exercise control valves/tamper switches
(motorized valves)
• Gauges (pressure transducers)
• Flow switches

Tests – Weekly/Monthly Fire Pump

• Exercise control valves/tamper switches (motorized
valves)
• Record pressures (pressure transducers)
• Packing gland discharge (camera)
• Unusual noise or vibration (vibration sensor)
• Overheating of pump casing and other parts
(thermocouple)

Maintenance
• Temperature of building, and/or piping, and/or water
• Dry pipe system air pressure
• Dry pipe system low point drains (notification)

What specific tasks of ITM may be difficult to perform
automatically and/or at a distance from the system or
component?
Visual inspections
• Annual inspection of sprinklers, piping, fittings, hangers,
signs
• Quarterly inspection of FDC
(couplings rotate, CV not leaking, etc.)
• Spare sprinkler cabinet
Multiple cameras, a drone, Plexiglas front, could make some of

these inspections possible

What specific tasks of ITM may be difficult to perform
automatically and/or at a distance from the system or
component?
Tests
• Water supply test (private mains)
• Antifreeze solution test
• Sprinkler performance test (5, 10, 20, 50, and 75 yr.)
• Exercise hose valves
Maintenance
• Internal valve and pipe inspection
Ingenuity & technology will some day make these possible

What are some various conditions to monitor that would be
valuable to an owner/maintainer and AHJs?
Status of the water supply

• Storage tank water level, temperature, valve status
• City supply pressure, valve status (main drain test)
• Fire pump, no flow test, suction/discharge pressure,
valves status

What are some various conditions to monitor that would be
valuable to an owner/maintainer and AHJs?
Status of the building

• Ambient temperature, storage height, FDC access, riser
access
Status of the sprinkler or standpipe system
• Valves status and condition, internal corrosion, trouble,
supervisory, and alarm signals

“For remote
notification
capabilities the
M5100ALBV can
be wired to the
Fire Control Panel
or BMS.”
Compliments of AGF Manufacturing Inc.

What devices can be used for automated testing and is there
a need to have these devices listed?
Examples of Automated I&T Devices and Equipment

• Digital cameras (allows visual examination)
• Digital thermometers (measures external temperature)
• Motor operated control valves (Replaces manual valves)
• Pressure sensors (where water and air gauges are required)
• Solenoid valves (for use in drain tests and inspector’s test)
• Water flow sensor (measures GPM for drain test)

What devices can be used for distance monitoring and is
there a need to have these devices listed?
Examples of Devices, Meters, and Equipment for Distance

Monitoring
• Pressure sensors (alerts of low and high water pressure)
• Pressure sensors (alerts of low and high air pressure)
• Digital thermometers (alerts of possible freezing condition)
• Corrosion monitors (alerts of significant reduction in pipe
wall)

What devices can be used for automated testing and
distance monitoring and is there a need to have these
devices listed?
Digital
Thermometer
Digital Camera

devices listed?
Pressure Sensor
Motor Operated
Control Valve

devices listed?
Water Flow Sensor Solenoid Valve

devices listed?
Thermostat Corrosion Monitor

STOP! Think! Risks?
Potential for risks that could interrupt Automated I&T
and Distance Monitoring:
• Natural disasters: Interruptions due to earthquakes,
storms, flooding
• Unreliable power supply: Power outages
• Terrorism/hacking: Interrupting power, seizing control of
automated valves, fire pump controllers, fire alarm
control units, monitoring facilities
• Data control: Data compromised and used by
competitors, insurance, litigation

TIA 25-2-17

NFPA Addresses Arc Flash Hazard
• TIA (Tentative Interim Amendment) 17-2 to NFPA 25-2017
• Issued by the NFPA Standards Council on December 6,

2017
• Effective Date of December 26, 2017
• JCI Representatives to NFPA 25 received NFPA email

January 4, 2018

Footer - Use 'Insert >Header & Footer' to modify
What is Arc Flash?
• The occurrence of an arc flash involves the rapid release of
energy through an arcing fault between a phase bus bar and
another phase bus bar, neutral, or a ground.
• Initiation of such an event can be caused by contamination
or tracking over insulated surfaces, dust, dropping tools,
accidental touching, condensation, material failure,
corrosion, or faulty installation, among others means.
• An arc fault causes an ionization of the air and resultant
formation of highly conductive plasma through which a
sustained arc is established and maintained until such time
that the current is interrupted.

What is Arc Flash?
• The temperature of the arc flash can reach as high as
35,000°F. These temperatures can cause:
• severe burns to human skin,
• the ignition of nearby combustibles,
• and even liquefy or vaporize metal parts in the vicinity
of the event, including copper, aluminum, and steel.
• The blast pressure can exceed 2000 lb/ft2 with a pressure
wave velocity exceeding 700 mph.
• Damaging sound waves (as high as 140‐160 dB) and flash
injuries can occur resulting in loss of hearing and vision.
• These injuries can be very severe including death of the
exposed individual.

What is Arc Flash?

What is Arc Flash?

Are inspectors at risk?
Fire Pump Testing – Today we are

safer, requiring Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE).
Fire Pump Testing - Circa 2002
But what level of PPE is needed?


• The provisions of NFPA 70E (2015 Edition), Section 130.5
require that an arc flash risk assessment be performed to
determine if an arc flash hazard exists for any electrical
installation.
• Where an arc flash hazard is found to exist, the risk
assessment shall
• determine the appropriate safety related work practices
required,
• the arc flash boundary distances …., and
• the required PPE necessary for work conducted
• The electrical equipment itself must include labeling for the
assessment
• The owner of the electrical equipment isAutomatic responsible

Fire Alarmfor the
Association
“Unfortunately, the application of such

labeling and availability of risk assessment
documentation has been found to be virtually
nonexistent in current fire pump
installations.”

Recap of some of the technical changes to NFPA 25:
• Unless the work can be performed without opening the
door of the electric fire pump controller, the following
routine inspection, testing, and maintenance work is no
longer required and should not be performed:

• Checking the electrical connections (8.1.1.2.2)
• Checking printed circuit boards for corrosion (8.1.1.2.4)
• Checking for cracked cable and/or wiring insulation
(8.1.1.2.5)
• Checking plumbing parts for leaks (8.1.1.2.6)
• Checking and repairing control and power wiring
connections (8.1.1.2.16)
• Inspecting for accuracy and/or recalibrating pressure
gauges (8.1.1.2.21)
• Tighten electrical connections (Table A.8.1.1.2)
• Testing the voltmeter and ammeter for accuracy (Table
A.8.1.1.2)

Recap of some of the technical changes to NFPA 25:
• Unless the electric fire pump controller has meters, gauges,
and other measurement devices that can be observed from
the outside of the controller cabinet without opening the
door, the following readings and data no longer need to be
collected and/or recorded during the no-flow test or the
annual flow test:

• For electric fire pumps with electronic pressure sensors,
the current pressure, highest pressure, and lowest
pressure on the fire pump controller event log
(8.3.2.8(2))
• The alternative method of using calibrated test
equipment to take voltage and amperage readings
(8.3.3.2.1)
• Motor voltage and current on all lines (8.3.3.7(2)(a))
• The voltage and amperage for pumps having an
automatic transfer switch while the pump is operating at
peak load and alternate power (8.3.3.9(3))
• Alarm conditions that require the controller to be
opened (8.3.3.10.1)
Questions

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May 22, 2018 Philadelphia, PA

AFAA 2018 Annual Meeting and Codes Conference

The Impact that Changes to

Presenter: Terry L Victor

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

3.3.207.4.1 Differential Dry Pipe Valve.

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

28.2.3.1 Waterflow Devices. Waterflow detecting devices including

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

4.3 Pump Operation.

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

… through the use of electronic devices or

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

4.9.6* Electrical Safety.

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

8.3.2.7 Qualified personnel shall be in attendance whenever

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Tests – Sprinkler System

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Tests – Weekly/Monthly Fire Pump

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Multiple cameras, a drone, Plexiglas front, could make some of

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Status of the water supply

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Status of the building

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Compliments of AGF Manufacturing Inc.

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Examples of Automated I&T Devices and Equipment

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Examples of Devices, Meters, and Equipment for Distance

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Water Flow Sensor Solenoid Valve