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 219-4-3 - WATER SUPPLY

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
3-1 General Provisions
3-1.1 Every automatic sprinkler system shall have at least
					 one automatic water supply.
3-2 Water Supply Sources
3-2.1 The following water supply sources are
					 acceptable:
3-2.1.1 A connection to a reliable water-works
					 system.
3-2.1.2 An elevated tank.
3-2.1.3 A pressure tank installed in accordance with NFPA
					 #13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and NFPA #22, Standard
					 for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection.
3-2.1.4 A stored water source with an automatically
					 operated pump on a dedicated circuit of proper size and capacity, Pumps shall
					 not cycle on and off during minimum flow situations, i.e., one sprinkler
					 flowing.
3-2.2 All stored water sources shall have an automatic
					 filling mechanism set to regulate the available water supply volume from a
					 minimum low water level equal to 110% of the calculated volume to a minimum
					 high water level of 125% of the calculated volume, or, an audible water level
					 alarm set to give a steady signal when the water level falls below 125% of the
					 calculated volume. Tanks shall be covered and protected against freezing. When
					 stored water is used as the sole source of supply, the minimum calculated
					 volume shall equal the water required to flow 3 sprinklers for 10 minutes (see
					 5-1,3)
3-3 Combined Piping System
3-3.1 A piping system serving both sprinkler and domestic
					 needs shall be acceptable when:
3-3.1.1 A demand flow of 5 gal/min is included for domestic
					 use. The domestic use shall be added to the sprinkler system in determining the
					 size of common piping and the size of the total water supply requirement. In
					 multiple occupancies, 2.5 GPM for each living unit up to a maximum of 50 GPM
					 shall be added to the calculated system demand.
3-3-1.2 All piping in the system conforms to the piping
					 specifications of this standard.
3-3.1.3 Permitted by the local plumbing or health
					 authority.
3-4 Water Utility
3-4.1 Every Life-Safety Sprinkler System supplied by a
					 water utility shall be provided with the following:
3-4.1.1 A State Department of Human Services approved and
					 local utility accepted backflow prevention device arranged to prevent
					 non-potable water from entering the domestic water supply of the distribution
					 system. Connection for fire protection to city mains is often subject to local
					 regulation concerning metering and backflow prevention requirements. The flow
					 characteristics of the meter and/or backflow prevention device must be included
					 in the hydraulic calculation of the system.
3-4.1.2 An approved pressure reducing valve in those
					 locations where water utility pressure exceeds 120 p.s.i.
3-4.2
3-4.2.1 A service line to support a Life-Safety Sprinkler
					 System shall be installed to the utilities specifications.
3-4.2.2 The local water utility shall comply with the local
					 fire department requirements concerning notification of the disruption of water
					 service to properties protected by Life Safety Sprinkler Systems, The local
					 water utility and local fire department will be notified by the State Fire
					 Marshal's Office of any Life Safety Sprinkler System installed within their
					 jurisdictions