MI Fire Sprinkler flashcards

34 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

NFPA 13 Scope

Standard for the installation of sprinkler systems in commercial and industrial occupancies. It sets design densities, spacing, hydraulic requirements, and acceptance testing criteria for all hazard classifications.

NFPA 13D Scope

Covers automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes. Design is based on a single sprinkler flow of 13 gpm minimum for a duration of 7 to 10 minutes.

Design Density

The minimum gpm per square foot of floor area that a sprinkler system must deliver over the design area. Density varies by hazard: light 0.10, ordinary Group 1 0.15, ordinary Group 2 0.20.

Design Area

The remote floor area over which sprinkler flow is calculated. Minimum is 1,500 square feet for light and ordinary hazard; it may be reduced for dry systems or sloped ceilings, not both.

Maximum Sprinkler Spacing

Standard spray upright and pendant sprinklers may be spaced no more than 15 feet apart on branch lines and no more than 15 feet from the wall, with wall distance limited to half the branch spacing.

Hazen-Williams Formula

P equals 4.52 times Q to the 1.85 power divided by C to the 1.85 power times d to the 4.87 power. P is friction loss in psi per foot, Q is flow in gpm, C is roughness, d is inside diameter in inches.

Hazen-Williams C Values

Roughness coefficients used in friction calculations: 120 for unlined cast iron, 130 for galvanized steel, 140 for copper and cement-lined pipe, 150 for plastic such as CPVC and PEX.

Flow Test Data

A water supply flow test records static pressure, residual pressure, and flow in gpm. These three values establish the supply curve plotted on semi-log paper against the system demand curve.

Elevation Pressure Loss

Each foot of vertical rise reduces available pressure by 0.433 psi. A 10-foot rise costs 4.33 psi; a 30-foot rise costs about 13 psi and must be added to friction loss.

Hose Allowance

Additional flow added to sprinkler demand at the base of the riser to account for hose streams. Typical values are 100 gpm for light hazard and 250 gpm for ordinary hazard.

Equivalent Pipe Length

Friction loss through fittings is expressed as added pipe length. A 90-degree elbow adds about 5 feet, a tee about 10 feet, and a gate valve about 1 foot for 2-inch pipe.

Fire Pump Sizing Rule

A fire pump must deliver at least 150 percent of rated flow at no less than 65 percent of rated head. The pump curve operating point is where it intersects the system demand curve.

Michigan Fire Prevention Code

Public Act 207 of 1941 establishes fire safety requirements in Michigan and is administered by the Bureau of Fire Services within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Bureau of Fire Services

The Michigan state agency within LARA that administers the Fire Prevention Code, performs plan review, issues permits, and conducts inspections where local fire departments have not been delegated authority.

Michigan Fire Safety Board

A state board that reviews fire safety rules and recommends amendments to the Michigan Administrative Code. It meets on a published schedule and accepts public comment on proposed changes.

Code Adoption by Reference

Michigan adopts model codes such as NFPA 13 and the International Fire Code by reference in the Administrative Code, with state amendments that supersede the model text where conflicts exist.

Local Code Amendments

Michigan municipalities may adopt stricter fire safety requirements than the state code. Where local amendments are stricter, the more restrictive provision governs the installation.

Stop-Work Order

An order issued by the Bureau of Fire Services halting work that proceeds without a required permit or in violation of the Fire Prevention Code. Work may not resume until compliance is achieved.

Fire Sprinkler Contractor License

A Michigan state credential required to install, alter, or repair sprinkler systems. It is separate from a mechanical contractor license and requires a qualified responsible managing employee.

Responsible Managing Employee

The licensed individual designated by a contracting firm who supervises sprinkler work and ensures code compliance. At least one must be employed for the firm to hold a contractor license.

Insurance Requirement

Michigan requires licensed fire sprinkler contractors to carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Proof of coverage is filed with the state as a condition of licensure.

Construction Lien Deadline

A Michigan construction lien must be recorded within 90 days after the last furnishing of labor or materials. Subcontractors must also serve a notice of furnishing to preserve lien rights.

Prompt Payment Act

Michigan law requiring owners to pay contractors within a defined period after a proper invoice. Retainage on public projects is limited by statute and must be released promptly.

Written Change Order

A signed document authorizing a modification to scope, price, or schedule. Oral change orders are enforceable only when evidence shows agreement and consideration between the parties.

NFPA 25 Quarterly Inspection

Gauges, control valves, and alarm devices must be inspected quarterly. The inspection confirms valves are open, gauges read correctly, and alarm components are undamaged and functional.

Main Drain Flow Test

An annual test that records static and residual pressure while flowing the main drain. It verifies the supply valve is fully open and the system piping is unobstructed.

Sprinkler Head Replacement

Heads must be replaced if leaking, corroded, damaged, painted, or coated. Quick-response heads have a 50-year service life and standard-response heads 75 years under NFPA 25.

Dry Pipe Trip Test

An annual test that trips the dry pipe valve to confirm it opens and delivers water. A three-year internal inspection of the valve is also required to check for corrosion and obstruction.

Waterflow Alarm Timing

A waterflow alarm must activate within 90 seconds of sustained flow. The device is tested annually as part of the NFPA 25 inspection, testing, and maintenance program.

Impairment Notification

When a system is out of service more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, the authority having jurisdiction and insurer must be notified and a fire watch implemented.

Permit Before Installation

A permit application must be submitted to the Bureau of Fire Services or delegated local authority before work begins. Installation may not start until the permit is issued.

Plan Submittal Contents

Submittals must include hydraulic calculations, sprinkler layout, water supply flow test data, and manufacturer cut sheets. Reviewers may issue comments requiring revisions before approval.

As-Built Drawings

Drawings reflecting actual installed conditions, including any field changes. They must be submitted after completion and become part of the permanent project record.

Final Inspection

The last inspection verifying hydraulic design, sprinkler spacing, clearance, alarm operation, and main drain flow. A certificate of occupancy cannot issue until it passes.