"Do you have a web site with the info you noted?? Great stuff!"
Yes, all the rules are on one page here
You will find the pdf where Georgia made changes to the NFPA standards.
120-3-3 State Minimum Fire Safety Standards - effective 03-09-2010
On page 33 changes were made to NFPA 20, 2003
(18) NFPA 20, 2003 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection
Modifications:
(a) Modification to Chapter 2:
1. Add a new paragraph 2-1.1.1 to read as follows:
“2-1.1.1 At 150% rated capacity or below, the pump suction supply shall not drop below 20 psi (1.38 bar).
Exception: Suction supply pressure may be lowered upon approval of the authority having jurisdiction.”
I've written a letter suggesting the Exception be removed because it is in conflict with the state EPA requirement here
on starting on page 61 that reads:
9.4.3 BOOSTER PUMPS - Booster pumps shall be located or controlled so that:
a. they will not produce negative pressure anywhere in the distribution system.
b. the pressure in the suction line shall be maintained at or above 20 psi by the use of a pressure sustaining valve or low pressure cutoff device.
c. automatic or remote control devices shall have a range between the start and cutoff pressure which will prevent excessive cycling.
9.4.4 IN-LINE BOOSTER PUMPS - In addition to the other requirements of this section, in-line booster pumps shall be accessible for servicing and repairs.
9.4.5 FIRE PUMPS - The criteria in this section also apply to fire pumps.
I would never go for the exception because I don't believe the local fire authority can override the state EPA.
One of the more interesting modifications found here
again on page 31 has to do with standpipes in buildings other than high rise (Exception 3):
2. Delete 7.8.2.1 in its entirety and substitute in its place the following:
“7.8.2.1 Pipe schedule designed standpipe systems shall have piping sized in accordance with the pipe schedule in Table 7.8.2.1 to provide the required waterflow rate at a minimum residual pressure of 100 psi (6.9 bar) at the topmost 2-1/2 inch (65 mm) hose connection and 65 psi (4.5 bar) at the topmost 1-1/2 inch (38 mm) hose connection.
Exception No. 1: Where the local Fire Chief or local Fire Code Official having fire suppression jurisdiction permits lower than 100 psi (6.9 bar) for 2-1/2 inch (65 mm) hose connections, based upon local suppression tactics, the pressure shall be permitted to be reduced to not less than 65 psi (4.5 bar).
Exception No. 2: Where the building is protected throughout by a supervised automatic sprinkler system and the building is not a high-rise, as defined in 3.3.9, the minimum residual pressure provisions shall not be mandatory when the standpipe system piping is a minimum of eight inches (8”) nominal diameter.
Exception No. 3: Existing high-rise buildings, as defined in 3.3.9, that are protected throughout by a supervised automatic sprinkler system shall be permitted a reduction of the minimum residual pressure requirement of 100 psi (6.9 bar) at the hydraulically most remote 2-1/2 inch (63.5 mm) hose connection to 65 psi (4.5 bar).”
I've used it, install all 8" pipe on a five story motel (as long as it doesn't exceed 75' to the top floor) and not have to have a fire pump. This is especially important when in a city like Savannah where all pumps must be diesel or have a transfer switch.
Manual standpipes are not allowed in Georgia with the exception of open parking garages.
Everyone in Georgia must follow the state minimum standards unless the local authority wants to be more stringent. Even here the local authority isn't a dictator, for example Dalton, Georgia requires sprinklers in all attics of NFPA 13R systems but to be able to enforce it they had to do two things; 1)Have legislation passed by the local city building department and 2)submit that legislation to the state fire marshal's office for approval who publishes the requirement upon approval. This keeps everyone on an even playing field.
I had a 13R job where the local authority insisted upon sprinklers in the attic. I told him no, it wasn't required and was told my plans would be rejected. I contacted the state fire marshal who stepped in telling the local authority they couldn't require sprinklers in the attic so I didn't.
I have worked and been licensed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina and Kentucky. In my never humble opinion Georgia has the best setup followed closely by Kentucky. I love it here, the line is clearly visible in the sand, it's published and fairly applied to all.
Licensing requirements are stringent and enforced. To do any work on a sprinkler system in Georgia without a license is a
felony. Companies with licenses are published
and so are the names of of all certificate of competency holders and licensed inspectors.
Starting the first of the year all inspectors (must be NICET III) will have state issued photo identification tags to be worn around the neck. Slight modification, inspectors may be NICET II to get a license but must have NICET III to continue beyond the next annual renewal or they are dropped.
We are fortunate to have some really good people who know what they are doing at our state fire marshals office. I wish every state was like this.