alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
(OP)
....I have a bit of a dilema here. I work for a fire sprinkler contractor and we are having to provide some sort of heat conductive properties to the fire sprinkler system to prevent freezing. We proposed using armaflex insulation but that was rejected by the A.H.J. We are having to use some sort of heat tracing or an equivalent. The problem is that a power supply will have to be supplied and the building owner is trying to avoid that. Is there any other sort of method of preventing lines from freezing without using heat tracing ? How about an insertion device that increases the temperature of the water in the system should the temperature drop below a certain temperature ? Is there an "outside of the box" idea ? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.





RE: alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
RE: alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
"We proposed using armaflex insulation but that was rejected by the A.H.J."
1.Dry Pipe Valve
2. Antifreeze system
3. Heat trace tape Listed for fire protection, insulated coverings, frostproof casing or reliable means ( what ever that is!) See NFPA 13. 07 sec 8.16.4.1.3
Based on 3 above I would ask the AHJ why not and point to this code section. This may be a new thing in the 2007 edition, so u may be out of luck.
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Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too
Not ALL Sprinkler Systems Are Created Equal! An Inadequate Sprinkler Design Is JUST As Bad As A Nonsprinklered Building!! When Occupancies Change So Should The Sprinkler System. See NFPA 25, 2002, Edition, Section 4.1.5, 4.1.6 & 4.1.6.1.
RE: alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
I have never heard of anyone using just insulation without heat tracing. If you don't want a power supply, it sounds like you are going the anti-freeze route. A dry system would need a power supply for the compressor.
Good luck!
Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
RE: alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
RE: alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
RE: alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
We frequently specify them near large overhead doors.
Nothing wrong with dry pipe, but dry pipes tend to corrode over time.
RE: alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
UNLESS you have also managed to try to feed sprinklers from said standpipe, then you DO have CONCERNS.
Are there any other pertinent details that have been left out so far?
RE: alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
RE: alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
RE: alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
RE: alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
RE: alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
RE: alternative to heat tracing fire sprinkler pipes...
Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC