RESIDENTIAL FIRE SYSTEMS

• Ensure that all areas are protected except for small closets and bathrooms under 55 square feet and that:
  
  
  • A head shall protect the top of all stairs.
  • A head shall protect the bottom of all stairs.
  • When stairwells are equipped with a door, a head shall be located on the stair side of the door at the top of the stairs.
  • Enclosed areas under stairs, used for storage, shall be protected.
  • Horizontal beams or other obstructions may require additional heads.
  • Heads are at least 24 inches from proposed ceiling fans.
  
  
• Determine that head spacing is in accordance with the permit documents.
• Determine that pipe sizes are in accordance with the permit documents.
• Determine that pipe materials are in accordance with the permit documents and that when changing from copper or steel to CPVC that it is done within the heated area.
• Determine that approved hangers and bracings are provided at each head and at 6 foot intervals along the pipe.
• Determine that insulation and tenting covers all sprinkler piping in the attic and other unheated areas and that:
  
  
  • A minimum of 6 inches thick insulation blanket is used to protect the sprinkler pipes from freezing.
  • The vapor barrier faces the pipe.
  • Open truss construction may require boxing or other approved freeze protection system.
  
  
• Ensure that sprinkler heads are protected from external heat sources and be at least:
  
  
  • 6 inches from light fixtures.
  • 18 inches from stoves/ranges.
  • 6 inches from sides of water heater.
  • 24 inches from wall or ceiling heat diffusers.
  • 7 feet from front or side of wood burning stove/fireplace.
  • 5 feet from the front and 18 inches from the side of a gas fireplace.
  
  
  
• Check Pressure gauge to ensure that hydro pressure is equal to the static pressure plus 50 psi, and that the gauge is in good working order.

Sprinkler Final Inspection

• Check heads throughout to ensure that:
  
  
  • They are unobstructed.
  • Heads are free of paint, spackle or other debris.
  • The escutcheons are in place.
  • A minimum 4 inch clearance from walls and corners is maintained.
  • All required clearances to electrical and heat producing devices are maintained.
  
  
• Determine that the water meter is sized and installed in accordance with the permit documents.
• Determine that required backflow prevention devices are installed in accordance with the permit documents.
• Determine that all valving , including drain valve at gauge, is of approved types and is installed in accordance with the permit documents.
• Complete drain and recharge test, system shall be active upon completion.
• Draftstop open bays between floor joists to separte improved/unimproved rooms.

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