Code of Maine Rules › 16 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY › 219 - OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL › Chapter 4 - WATER-BASED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS › DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF LIFE-SAFETY SPRINKLER SYSTEMS › Section 219-4-4 - SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
4-1 Valves and Drains
4-1.1 Each system shall have a control valve. Control valve
					 shall be an indicating type, locked, electrically monitored or sealed in the
					 open position.
4-1.2 Each sprinkler system shall have a 1/2" or larger
					 drain and test connection with valve on the system side of the control valve
					 and flow alarm device. The test orifice size shall be equal to the sprinklers
					 installed. Drain shall discharge to the atmosphere or to a suitable interior
					 sanitary drain with air gap, as required by local/state plumbing codes.
4-1.3 A pressure gage shall be installed on the system side
					 of the check valve or backflow prevention device, in an accessible and
					 visible-location.
4-2 Pipe and fittings
4-2.1 Pipe or tube used in sprinkler systems shall be as
					 permitted by NFPA #13. The use of Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride and
					 Polybutylene tube capable of withstanding a working pressure of 175 p.s.i.
					 shall be permitted provided that all such tubes are completely shielded from
					 the occupied space by a minimum thickness of 1/2" gypsum board or equivalent
					 fire-resistive materials as determined by the Fire Marshal.
4-2.2 CPVC listed for exposed systems may be installed with
					 the following restrictions:
4-2.2.1 Listed residential sprinklers shall be used in
					 conjunction with exposed CPVC pipe and fittings.
4-2.2.2 Exposed CPVC piping shall only be installed under
					 flat ceiling construction.
4-2.2.3 Deflectors of sprinklers in systems with exposed
					 CPVC pipe and fittings shall be located in accordance with Section 5-1.5 or
					 special listing limitations, but never more than eight inches below the
					 ceiling.
4-2.3 Whenever- the word pipe is used in this standard, it
					 shall be understood to also mean tube.
4-2.4 Fittings used in sprinkler system shall be as
					 permitted by NFPA #13.
4-2.5 Joints for the connection of copper tube may be
					 soldered when used for wet pipe systems. Solder used shall conform to local
					 plumbing codes.
4-2.6 Fittings for CPVC or Polybutylene tubing shall be
					 compatible with, and capable of withstanding the same working pressure as the
					 tubing being joined.
4-3 Piping Support
4-3.1 Piping shall be supported from structural members.
					 This standard contemplates hanging methods comparable to those used in local
					 plumbing codes.
4-3.2 Piping laid on open joists or rafters shall be
					 secured to prevent lateral movement.
4-4 Sprinklers
4-4.1 Only residential/commercial quick response sprinkler
					 heads tested and listed by a recognized testing agency shall be used.
4-4.2 The sprinklers shall have fusing temperatures not
					 less than 35 degrees F above maximum expected ambient temperature.
4-4.3 Fused, damaged or painted sprinklers shall be
					 replaced with sprinklers having the same performance characteristics as
					 original equipment.
4-5 Alarms
4-5.1 Local water flow alarms shall be provided on all
					 sprinkler systems. (See section 1-5 for definition of water flow alarm.)
4-6 Spare Sprinklers
4-6.1 At least 3 spare sprinklers of each type, temperature
					 rating and orifice size used in the system should be kept on the premises. When
					 fused sprinklers are replaced by the owner, Fire Department, or others, care
					 should be taken to assure that the replacement sprinkler has the same operating
					 characteristics.
4-7 Fire Department Connection
4-7.1 Each system shall include either a single or siamese
					 2 1/2" Fire Department Connection with threads acceptable to local fire
					 officials. Such connection shall be installed in accordance with NFPA #13 and
					 readily visible and accessible. The pipe connecting to the sprinkler system
					 shall be the same size as the system main riser and control valve.
4-8 Electrical Wiring
4-8.1 All electrical wiring for pump motors, magnetic
					 contactors, switches, circuit breakers, alarms, etc. shall be in accordance
					 with all applicable Local, State and National codes. Pump motor bases shall be
					 at least 6" above the floor. Starting loads and operating loads of pump motors
					 must be considered in determining sizing of electrical feeds, breakers and
					 starting devices.
4-9 Electrical Supervision/Pump, Motor
4-9.1 The pump power circuit shall be monitored.
4-9.2 Methods of monitoring the pump power circuit
					 condition include, but are not limited to, the following:
4-9.2.1 Installation of a power alarm relay connected to
					 the pump power circuit and to a separately controlled power circuit, in such a
					 manner as to activate an audio/visual alarm in the event of interruption of the
					 pump power circuit, which will be promptly noticed.
4-9.2.2 Interconnection of a frequently used light or
					 appliance with the pump power circuit, so that interruption of the pump power
					 circuit will be promptly noticed.
4-9.3 NOTE: In all cases the pump power failure alarm
					 should be wired so that an alarm indicator must remain "ON" until the pump
					 power is restored. A silencing switch which deactivates an audible alarm, but
					 simultaneously activates a visual indicating light until the pump power is
					 restored, is one means of accomplishing this objective.