Technical Committee on NFPA 17 & 17A Dry & Wet ...Technical Committee on NFPA 17 & 17A Dry & Wet...

Technical Committee on NFPA 17 & 17A Dry & Wet Chemical

Extinguishing Systems (DRY-AAA)

M E M O R A N D U M TO: Principal and Alternate Members of the Technical Committee on

NFPA 17 & 17A Dry & Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems (DRY-AAA)

FROM: Sandra Stanek, NFPA Staff Liaison DATE : March 26, 2012 SUBJECT: AGENDA – NFPA 17 & 17A ROC (Fall 2012 revision cycle)

for the 2013 edition Enclosed is the agenda for the Report on Comments (ROC) for NFPA 17 & 17A

Dry & Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishing Systems which will be held on

Wednesday, April 18th and Thursday, April 19th in Nashville, TX.

Please review the meeting notice, sent to your email address of record, for

pertinent information concerning hotels, etc. As your new staff liaison, I welcome

any questions you may have & look forward to working with all of you.

Office: (617) 984-7498 Email: [email protected]

For administrative questions, please contact Elena Carroll at (617) 984-7952.



ROC (F2012) Agenda April 18-19, 2012

Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Vanderbilt 1715 Broadway

Nashville, TN 37203

Wednesday, April 18, 2012: 8:00 A.M. -5:00 P.M. or at the discretion of the Chairman

1. Call to Order – 8:00 A.M. MST

2. Introductions & Attendance

3. Committee member status & Update of membership Roaster

4. Review Agenda

5. Approval of Previous Meeting minutes (see attachments)

6. NFPA Staff Liaison presentation, review of key dates within current cycle.

7. Chairman Comments

8. Task Group reports

9. Process Public Comments & generate Committee Comments for NFPA 17 & 17A revision cycles F2012 (see attachments)

10. Adjourn Meeting @ 5:00 P.M. CST or at the discretion of the Chairman



Thursday, April 19,2012: 8:00 A.M. -5:00 P.M. or at the discretion of the Chairman

1. Call to Order – 8:00 A.M. CST

2. Process Public Comments & generate Committee Comments for NFPA 17 & 17A revision cycles F2012 (see attachments)

3. Adjourn Meeting @ 5:00 P.M. CST or at the discretion of the Chairman

Please submit requests for additional agenda items to the chair at least seven days prior to the meeting. Key Dates: for the Fall 2012 Revision Cycle (NFPA 17 & 17A 2013 edition)

Comment Closing date March 2, 2012

Final date for ROC Meeting May 4, 2012

Final Date for mailing TC ballots May 18, 2012

Receipt of ballots returned by June 8, 2012

ROC Published & Posted Aug. 24, 2012

Closing Date for Notice of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAM) Oct. 5, 2012

Issuance of Consent Document (No NITMAMs) Nov. 27, 2012

NFPA Annual Meeting June 2013

Issuance of Document with NITMAM Aug. 1, 2013

Technical Committee deadlines are in bold.



General Procedures for Meetings

Use of tape recorders or other means capable of producing verbatim transcriptions of any NFPA Committee Meeting is not permitted.

Attendance at all NFPA Committee Meetings is open. All guests must sign in and identify their affiliation.

Participation in NFPA Committee Meetings is generally limited to committee members and NFPA staff. Participation by guests is limited to individuals, who have received prior approval from the chair to address the committee on a particular item, or who wish to speak regarding public proposals or comments that they submitted.

The chairman reserves the right to limit the amount of time available for any presentation.

No interviews will be allowed in the meeting room at any time, including breaks.

All attendees are reminded that formal votes of committee members will be secured by letter ballot. Voting at this meeting is used to establish a sense of agreement, but only the results of the formal letter ballot will determine the official action of the committee.

Note to Special Experts: Particular attention is called to Section 3.3(e) of the NFPA Guide for the Conduct of Participants in the NFPA Codes and Standards Development Process in the NFPA Directory. This section requires committee members to declare any interest they may represent, other than their official designation as shown on the committee roster. This typically occurs when a special expert is retained by and represents another interest category on a particular subject. If such a situation exists on a specific issue or issues, the committee member shall declare those interests to the committee and refrain from voting on any action relating to those issues.

Smoking is not permitted at NFPA Committee Meetings.



Attachment #1:

Previous Meeting Minutes

P a g e | 1

Report on Proposals Meeting (F2012) Minutes July 13th, 14th & 15th, 2011

UL Laboratories Inc. Main Bldg. #8

333 Pfingsten Rd. Northbrook, IL 60062 8:00 A.M. to 6:30 P.M.

Members & Alternates Present: David de Vries – Firetech Engineering Inc. Committee Chairman Thomas Brown – RJA Group, Inc. Jack Dick – Heiser Logistics Thomas Kelly – Zurich Serices Corp. Doug Kline – Fire Suppression Systems Assoc. William Klingenmaier, Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products Michael McGreal – Firedyne Engineering, PC Thomas McVerry III, DunnWell, LLC J.R. Nerat – UTC/Badger Fire Protection Erik Olsen – Chubb Group of Insurance Companies Blake Shugarman – UL Laboratories Inc. William Vegso – Fire Equipment Manufacturers Assoc. J. Voelkert – Amerex Corporation Mark Conroy – Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products Robert Kaisiki – FM Global Richard Lupien – UTC/Kidde-Fenwal Edward Leedy – retired (member emeritus) Guests Present: Sheryl Lemire – Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products Guy Jones – Amerex Corporation Joseph Ciesiel – NAFED ( National Association of Fire Extinguisher Distributors) Larry Engle – M. Jacks Fire & Safety Scott Plumer – Liberty Mutual Insurance Fred Sanford – Liberty Mutual Insurance NFPA Staff: Sandra Stanek – NFPA Staff Liaison Jonathan Hart – NFPA Staff

Meeting Minutes:

The meeting was called to order by Chairman de Vries at 8:00 AM CST. Chairman de Vries welcomed Committee Principals, Alternates and Guest attendees and noted the 179 proposals to discuss & vote upon. He introduced new NFPA staff liaison Sandra Stanek, and she reviewed a presentation on meeting protocols, etc. for the benefit of attendees. The minutes from the past ROC web conference meeting on April 11, 2007 were reviewed and approved. A motion was made & seconded to accept the minutes of the ROC meeting in April 2011.

P a g e | 2

Chairman de Vries discussed the agenda inclusion of the NFPA paper, “U.S. Experience with Non-Water-Based Automatic Fire Extinguishing Equipment”, as well as a short review of NFPA 17/17A proposals. It was decided that the following Task Groups would break into their respective groups & work from 8:30-10:30. The groups were assigned to undertake the proposal review for the following areas: System Design/Layout – Tom Brown Chair Larry Engle Bill Klingenmaier Mike McGreal Tom McVerry Richard Wood (not in attendance) Training/Qualifications – Doug Kline Chair Andrew Blum (not in attendance) Paul Buchh0fer (not in attendance) Sam Dannaway Jack Dick J.R. Nerat Sheryl Lemire Joe Ciesiel System Acceptance – Erik Olsen – Chair Mark Conroy Ed Kaminske (not in attendance) Mike Luna (not in attendance) Rich Lupien Mike Mitchell (not in attendance) Scott Plumer Robert Scholes (not in attendance) Blake Shugarman Laurie Szumla (not in attendance) Inspection, Testing & Maintenance – Bill Vegso Chair Bradley Howard (not in attendance) Bill Isemann (not in attendance) Guy Jones Tom Kelly Robert Popa (not in attendance) Fred Sanford Raymond Stacy (not in attendance) Bob Kasinski Craig Voelkert Steve Wright (not in attendance) Mobile Equipment – Mike McGreal Chair Bill Isemann (not in attendance) Bob Kasiski Bill Klingenmaier Mike Luna (not inattendance) Mike Mitchell (not in attendance) J.R. Nerat Craig Voelkert The above Task Groups were formed prior to the ROP meeting, including members who were not in attendance and will be retained for the duration of this

P a g e | 3

development cycle to review comments on proposals in the assigned subject areas. The Task Groups on System Acceptance & Mobile Equipment will develop committee comments and welcome any public input. Meeting participants voted upon Proposals and generated Committee proposals. Any & all Formal Interpretations were retired. The Committee discussed the future ROC meeting location of Washington, DC or surrounding area for April 2012. A Task Group was formed & continues to work on alternatives to full discharge testing protocols prior to the ROC meeting. Any and all public input is welcome. The meeting adjourned at 3:00 PM on Friday, July 15, 2011 Respectfully Submitted,

Sandra Stanek Staff Liaison for NFPA 17/17A

[email protected]



Attachment #2:

Committee Member Information

Address List No PhoneDry and Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems DRY-AAA

Sandra Stanek03/26/2012

DRY-AAA

David A. de Vries

ChairFiretech Engineering Inc.2715 Harrison StreetEvanston, IL 60201

SE 1/10/2008DRY-AAA

Larry Angle

PrincipalM. Jacks Fire & Safety538 Sandau RoadSan Antonio, TX 78216National Association of Fire Equipment DistributorsAlternate: Norbert W. Makowka

IM 8/9/2011

DRY-AAA

Art Black

PrincipalCarmel Fire Protection AssociatesPO Box 7168Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921-7168

E 10/18/2011DRY-AAA

Andrew Blum

PrincipalExponent, Inc.9906 Forest Grove DriveSilver Spring, MD 20902Alternate: Richard T. Long, Jr.

SE 10/28/2008

DRY-AAA

Thomas C. Brown

PrincipalThe RJA Group, Inc.Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.14502 Greenview Drive, Suite 500Laurel, MD 20708Alternate: Stephen M. Hill

SE 11/2/2006DRY-AAA

Samuel S. Dannaway

PrincipalS. S. Dannaway Associates, Inc.720 Iwilei Road, Suite 412Honolulu, HI 96817-5316

SE 7/1/1996

DRY-AAA

Jack K. Dick

PrincipalHeiser Logistics, Inc.2370 Fire Hall RoadPO Box 730Canadaigua, NY 14424Alternate: Mark T. Conroy

M 1/1/1992DRY-AAA

Bradley T. Howard

PrincipalKoorsen Fire & Security727 Manor Park DriveColumbus, OH 43228-9522

IM 8/5/2009

DRY-AAA

Bill Isemann

PrincipalGuardian Fire Protection Services LLC7668 Standish PlaceRockville, MD 20855

IM 10/28/2008DRY-AAA

Edward J. Kaminski

PrincipalClark County Fire Department575 East FlamingoLas Vegas, NV 89119

E 1/1/1991

DRY-AAA

Thomas H. Kelly

PrincipalZurich Services Corporation1333 Richwood Drive, SEGrand Rapids, MI 49508

I 8/5/2009DRY-AAA

Doug Kline

PrincipalNowak Supply Fire Systems302 West Superior StreetFort Wayne, IN 46802Fire Suppression Systems Association

IM 1/10/2008

DRY-AAA

William Klingenmaier

PrincipalTyco Fire Protection ProductsOne Stanton StreetMarinette, WI 54143-2542Alternate: Richard J. Biehl

M 4/4/1997DRY-AAA

Michael E. Luna

PrincipalIntertek Testing Services16015 Shady Falls RoadElmendorf, TX 78112

RT 8/5/2009

1



DRY-AAA

Michael P. McGreal

PrincipalFiredyne Engineering, PC18222 Cork RoadTinley Park, IL 60477

SE 7/1/1996DRY-AAA

Thomas L. McVerry III

PrincipalDunnWell, LLC4601 Creekstone Drive, Suite 200Durham, NC 27703

IM 10/28/2008

DRY-AAA

Stephen M. Micke

PrincipalFireman's Fund Insurance Company2744 Bonnard StreetDavis, CA 95618Alternate: Robert V. Scholes

I 10/20/2010DRY-AAA

Michael S. Mitchell

PrincipalBoulder Fire Rescue Department1805 33rd StreetBoulder, CO 80301

E 7/23/2008

DRY-AAA

J. R. Nerat

PrincipalUTC/Badger Fire ProtectionW-6615 Number 11.5 RoadWallace, MI 49893NFPA Industrial Fire Protection SectionAlternate: Richard L. Lupien

M 10/1/1996DRY-AAA

Erik G. Olsen

PrincipalChubb Group of Insurance Companies132 Naughright RoadLong Valley, NJ 07853

I 3/2/2010

DRY-AAA

Robert B. Popa

PrincipalFarmington Fire DepartmentFire Marshal’s Office850 Municipal DriveFarmington, NM 87401

E 10/28/2008DRY-AAA

Neal G. Pulvermacher

PrincipalWest Bend Mutual InsuranceNSI Division8401 Greenway Blvd., Suite 1100Middleton, WI 53562

I 10/18/2011

DRY-AAA

Frederick Sanford

PrincipalLiberty Mutual Insurance Company9 Riverside RoadWeston, MA 02493Alternate: Scott M. Plumer

I 8/9/2011DRY-AAA

Blake M. Shugarman

PrincipalUnderwriters Laboratories Inc.333 Pfingsten RoadNorthbrook, IL 60062-2096Alternate: Kevin Holly, Jr.

RT 11/2/2006

DRY-AAA

Raymond A. Stacy

PrincipalFM Approvals1151 Boston-Providence TurnpikePO Box 9102Norwood, MA 02062-9102FM GlobalAlternate: Robert Kasiski

I 8/5/2009DRY-AAA

Laurie K. Szumla

PrincipalAll State Fire Equipment of WNY4804 Transit RoadDepew, NY 14043

IM 7/23/2008

2



DRY-AAA

William Vegso

PrincipalBuckeye Fire Equipment Company110 Kings RoadKings Mountain, NC 28086Fire Equipment Manufacturers' AssociationAlternate: Bruce J. Euler

M 7/23/2008DRY-AAA

J. Craig Voelkert

PrincipalAmerex Corporation7595 Gadsden HighwayPO Box 81Trussville, AL 35173-0081Alternate: Guy L. Jones, Jr.

M 4/1/1996

DRY-AAA

Richard W. Wood

PrincipalCity of Nashua Fire Rescue Department177 Lake StreetNashua, NH 03060-4402

E 3/2/2010DRY-AAA

Thomas Steven Wright

PrincipalFisher Engineering, Inc.1022 South Copper Key CourtGilbert, AZ 85233Alternate: Steven A. Sheldon

SE 7/23/2008

DRY-AAA

Richard J. Biehl

AlternateTyco Suppression SystemsOne Stanton StreetMarinette, WI 54143-2542Principal: William Klingenmaier

M 4/16/1999DRY-AAA

Mark T. Conroy

AlternateBrooks Equipment Company20 Hampden Drive, Suite 2South Easton, MA 02375-1180Principal: Jack K. Dick

M 3/1/2011

DRY-AAA

Bruce J. Euler

AlternateBuckeye Fire Equipment Company110 Kings RoadPO Box 428Kings Mountain, NC 28086-0428Fire Equipment Manufacturers' AssociationPrincipal: William Vegso

M 8/9/2011DRY-AAA

Stephen M. Hill

AlternateThe RJA Group, Inc.Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.14502 Greenview Drive, Suite 500Laurel, MD 20708Principal: Thomas C. Brown

SE 8/9/2011

DRY-AAA

Kevin Holly, Jr.

AlternateUnderwriters Laboratories Inc.333 Pfingsten RoadNorthbrook, IL 60062-2096Principal: Blake M. Shugarman

RT 10/20/2010DRY-AAA

Guy L. Jones, Jr.

AlternateAmerex Corporation7595 Gadsden HighwayPO Box 81Trussville, AL 35173-0081Principal: J. Craig Voelkert

M 10/18/2011

DRY-AAA

Robert Kasiski

AlternateFM Global1151 Boston Providence TurnpikePO Box 9102Norwood, MA 02062-9102Principal: Raymond A. Stacy

I 7/23/2008DRY-AAA

Richard T. Long, Jr.

AlternateExponent, Inc.17000 Science Drive, Suite 200Bowie, MD 20715Principal: Andrew Blum

SE 8/5/2009

3



DRY-AAA

Richard L. Lupien

AlternateUTC/Kidde-Fenwal, Inc.400 Main StreetAshland, MA 01721NFPA Industrial Fire Protection SectionPrincipal: J. R. Nerat

M 10/4/2001DRY-AAA

Norbert W. Makowka

AlternateNational Association of Fire Equipment Distributors122 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 1040Chicago, IL 60603-6274Principal: Larry Angle

IM 1/1/1992

DRY-AAA

Scott M. Plumer

AlternateLiberty Mutual20 Riverside RoadWeston, MA 02493-2231Principal: Frederick Sanford

I 8/9/2011DRY-AAA

Robert V. Scholes

AlternateFireman's Fund Insurance Company1711 Baywood DriveConcord, CA 94521Principal: Stephen M. Micke

I 8/5/2009

DRY-AAA

Steven A. Sheldon

AlternateFisher Engineering, Inc.3707 East Southern AvenueMesa, AZ 85206Principal: Thomas Steven Wright

SE 3/4/2008DRY-AAA

Edward D. Leedy

Member Emeritus2033 Butterfly Lane, CC304Naperville, IL 60563

1/1/1990

DRY-AAA

Sandra Stanek

Staff LiaisonNational Fire Protection Association1 Batterymarch ParkQuincy, MA 02169-7471

5/6/2011

4



Attachment #3:

Report on Comments

Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 17_______________________________________________________________________________________________17- Log #2

_______________________________________________________________________________________________John F. Bender, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

17-1Revise text to read as follows:

Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.ANSI/UL 300, , 2005,

Revised 2010.ANSI/UL 1254, , 2010.

Update reference to ANSI/UL 300 to indicate and clarify that the date of the UL standard is 2005 withrevisions adopted through 2010.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________17- Log #4

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International


Those having predetermined flow rates, nozzle pressures, and quantities ofextinguishing agent. These systems have the specific pipe size, maximum and minimum pipe lengths, flexible hosespecifications, number of fittings, and number and types of nozzles prescribed by a testing laboratory. The maximumand minimum pipe lengths and the number of fittings shall be permitted to be expressed in equivalent feet of pipe. Thehazards protected by these systems are specifically limited as to type and size by a testing laboratory, based on actualfire tests. Limitations on hazards that are permitted to be protected by these systems and piping and nozzleconfigurations are contained in the manufacturer’s listed installation and maintenance manual, which is part of the listingof the system.A.3.4.5 These systems have the specific pipe size, maximum and minimum pipe lengths, flexible hose specifications,

number of fittings, and number and types of nozzles prescribed by a testing laboratory. The maximum and minimumpipe lengths and the number of fittings shall be permitted to be expressed in equivalent feet of pipe. The hazardsprotected by these systems are specifically limited as to type and size by a testing laboratory, based on actual fire tests.Limitations on hazards that are permitted to be protected by these systems and piping and nozzle configurations arecontained in the manufacturer’s listed installation and maintenance manual, which is part of the listing of the system.

Definitions are supposed to be in single sentences. The balance of this definition is additionalinformation that should be in the annex or in an alternate section of the document.

1Printed on 3/26/2012


_______________________________________________________________________________________________Mark T. Conroy, Brooks Equipment Company

17-58Add text to read as follows:

During assembly, the piping system shall be examined internally to detect the possibility of contaminants orother foreign materials.

Contaminants and foreign materials could affect the extinguishing agent distribution due to a reduction in theeffective nozzle orifice area.

All extinguishing agent storage containers shall be examined to assure that they are fastened securely to theirmounting brackets.

The proposed new text provides reasonable minimum requirements for examination during assemblyand installation approval to assure safety of these systems and provide a reasonable assurance that the systems willwork as intended.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________17- Log #7

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Arthur Londensky, Northeastern Regional Fire Code Development Committee


Revise section 5.5.6.1 as follows: Expellant gas that is used to pneumatically operate shutoff devices shall be takenprior to its entry into the dry chemical tank containers.

Currently 4.9 refer to the tanks as “containers”. The proposed text correlates with the rest of thedocument.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________17- Log #5

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Doug Hohbein, Northcentral Regional Fire Code Development Committee

17-32Revise to read: An audible and visual indicator shall be provided to show that the system has

operated, that personnel response is needed, and that the system is in need of recharge. The audible and visibleindicator shall be placed within 10 feet of the protected equipment.

Many times the fire-extinguishing system is located in a remote location from the cooking equipmentbeing protected, such as an adjacent room or above a ceiling. There have been instances where, due to the “cleanagent” being utilized, it is difficult to see that the system has triggered and the audible/visual notification cannot beheard/seen due to the remote or inaccessible location of the system.





The completed system shall be tested by a service technician as outlined in 11.1.3.The tests shall determine that the system has been properly installed and will function as intended.

Only listed equipment and devices shall be used in these systems.The installer shall certify that the installation has been made in accordance with the approved plans and the

system listing of a testing laboratory.Verify that nozzles and pipe sizes are in accordance with approved plans and the system listing.Verify that piping supports are securely fastened.

Acceptance tests shall include a discharge of dry chemical in sufficient amounts to verify that the system isproperly installed and functional.

Prior to the test required by 10.4.3.1, piping shall be physically checked for tightness.A test using nitrogen or dry air shall be performed on the piping network at a pressure not to exceed the

normal operating pressure of the extinguishing system and verify that nitrogen or dry air has discharged out of eachnozzle in the system.

The test is intended to verify that flow is continuous and that the piping and nozzles are reasonablyunobstructed. The nitrogen or dry air should be introduced into the piping network at the extinguishing agent containerconnection. The quantity of nitrogen or dry air used for this test should be sufficient to verify that each nozzle isunobstructed. Nozzle flow should be verified by the installation of balloons or similar devices on discharge nozzles.

The method of verification shall be acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.Piping shall not be hydrostatically tested.

Where pressure testing is required, it shall be by means of a dry gas.The labeling of devices with proper designations and instructions shall be checked.The use of dry chemical for the approval test shall be permitted to be waived by the authority having

jurisdiction.After any discharge of dry chemical, all piping and nozzles shall be blown clean using compressed dry air or

nitrogen.Where the system is connected to a building alarm system, verify that alarm-sounding or displaying devices

and remote annunciation devices are functional.Verify that all manual release devices (manual pull stations) are readily accessible and accurately identified.Where a control panel is provided, verify that it is connected to a dedicated circuit and labeled properly.Where a control panel is provided, verify that it is readily accessible and restricted from unauthorized

personnel.System operational tests shall be performed and include functional tests of the automatic detection system and

the manual release devices.The system shall be properly charged and placed in the normal “set” condition.

Verify that each extinguishing agent storage container is reconnected and the system has been returned toits fully operational condition.

After completion of functional testing, if system is connected to an alarm receiving office, the alarm-receivingoffice and all concerned personnel at the end-user’s facility shall be notified that the fire system test is complete and thatthe system has been returned to full service operational condition.




_______________________________________________________________________________________________Doug Hohbein, Northcentral Regional Fire Code Development Committee


10.4.3.3 Where pressure testing or purge testing is required, it shall be by means of a dry gas.We would like the committee to reconsider the original proposal. One purpose for discharging dry

powder is to ensure the piping is not obstructed. By adding purge testing as permitted in Annex A, this gives the AHJ anoption beyond waiving the dry powder discharge as permitted in 10.4.3.5.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________17- Log #1

_______________________________________________________________________________________________David R. Hague, Liberty Mutual Property Risk Engineering

17-60Add new text to read as follows:

The installing contractor shall complete and sign the acceptance test form in Figure 10.4.5.

******Insert Figure 10.4.5 Dry Chemical System Acceptance Test Report Here******

Currently there is no form for documenting the test results for a dry chemical system acceptance test.The proposed form is consistent with the required tests in the installation standard. This form has been changed fromthat proposed (and rejected) in the ROP to document the basic common elements that need to be evaluated in all drychemical systems to document proper operation at the time of acceptance.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________17- Log #3

_______________________________________________________________________________________________R. T. Leicht, Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office


A service technician who performs maintenance on an extinguishing system shall be trained and shall have passed awritten or online test that is in a manner acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

Contrary to the Committee Statement to ROP 17-62; Log #11, the wording cannot be too specific sincedifferent AHJ’s will have different requirements. The AHJ, by definition is the organization, office, or individualresponsible for enforcing the requirements of the standard and for approving procedures. There is nothing in thedefinition that states that this responsibility excludes the responsibility of promulgating rules for his jurisdiction.Committee makes the assumption, without substantiation, that the task of determining competency causes some unduepressure and no substantiation had been provided that shows that this particular portion of the AHJ’s responsibilitycauses any significant burden. If the Committee feels that a sample program, such as written testing, needs to beprovided as an option for what the AHJ should establish to confirm the level of competency, that material can beincluded as guidance in an Annex section. That way, and AHJ may choose that option or may choose to use anycombination of other options to determine who is and who isn’t qualified in his jurisdiction.


17_F2012_ROC_Log #1_Figure 10.4.5_Rec

Dry Chemical System Acceptance Test Report Property Information Building Name: ______________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Building Owner: ______________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Phone/Fax/E-mail: ______________________________________________________ Designer / Installer Information Company Name: ______________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Contact Person: ______________________________________________________ Phone/Fax/e-mail: ______________________________________________________ System Check or Test Results Installation in accordance with approved plans and listing laboratory. Piping Integrity Test (where required) Operational Test (where required) Detection System Manual release Device(s) Gas Shutoff Electrical Power Shutoff

System properly charged and left in normal “set” condition. One copy of installation and maintenance manual left with owner. Date System left in Service: Test Witnessed By: ________________________________ ________________________ _____________ Owner/authorized agent Title Date ________________________________ ________________________ _____________ Installing Contractor Title Date Additional comments:

Page 1 of 1



17-62Revise to read:

A service technician who performs maintenance on an extinguishing system shall be trained and shall havepassed a written or online test that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. Persons performing maintenanceand recharging of extinguishing system shall meet one of the following criteria:(1) Factory training and certification for the specific type and brand of fire extinguishing system being serviced(2) Certification by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction(3) Registration, licensure, or certification by a state or a local authority having jurisdiction.

As currently worded certification if personnel performing work on fire extinguishing systems is a stateor local issue. The proposed wording provides better guidance to the user, ahj etc. for what constitutes an approvedcertification program instead of stating a certification program that may not be acceptable to the ahj. The proposedwording is consistent with other NFPA Standards.


Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 17A_______________________________________________________________________________________________17A- Log #6


17A-4Incorporate proposal 17A-4 into proposals 17A-2, 17A-3, and 17A-70.

Editorial.



_______________________________________________________________________________________________Richard L. Lupien, UTC/Kidde-Fenwal, Inc.

17A-5I request that the committee reconsider the action taken in the ROP for this log. The

following text contains changes from the original log proposal with some renumbering and an additional section addedfor consideration.

1.3 Minimum requirements are specified for restaurant, commercial and institutional hoods, plenums, ducts andassociated cooking appliances. Minimum requirements are also specified for mobile equipment.

2.3.1 UL Publications Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.ANSI/UL 300, Fire testing of Fire Extinguishing Systems for Protection of Commercial Cooking Equipment, 2005.ANSI/UL 1254, Pre-Engineered Dry Chemical Extinguishing System Units, 2005

2.3.3 ASME Publications American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Three Park Avenue, New York, NY10016-5990

Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, 1998.ANSI/ASME B31.1. Power Piping 1998 edition (including B31.1a 1999 Addenda and B31.1b 2000 Addenda).4.3.1.1 Discharge nozzles utilized for restaurant applications shall be provided with an internal strainer or a separate

listed located immediately upstream of the nozzle.4.9 Storage Containers.4.9.1 The wet chemical containers used in these systems shall be designed to meet the requirements of the U.S.

Department of Transportation (DOT) or Transport Canada (TC) is used as shipping containers under pressure.4.9.2 If not shipping containers under pressure, the wet chemical containers shall be designed, fabricated, inspected,

certified, and stamped in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, “Rules for Construction of PressureVehicles”

5.1.1 Wet chemical fire extinguishing systems intended to protect restaurants, commercial and institutional hoods,plenums, ducts and associated cooking appliances shall comply with ANSI/UL 300.

5.1.2(6) Mobile equipment.5.3.4 Pneumatic actuation piping, hose and tubing that is not normally pressurized shall not require supervision.5.7 Systems for Protection of Mobile Equipment.5.7.1 Only pre-engineered wet chemical systems, including detection systems that have been listed for such use,

shall be installed on mobile equipment.5.7.2 Compartments or areas that could be subject to fire shall be protected in accordance with the manufacturer’s

listed installation and maintenance manual.5.7.3 Each protected compartment or area shall be provided with a listed fire detection device specified in the

manufacturer’s listed installation and maintenance manual to automatically actuate the extinguishing system.5.7.3.1 Manual actuation only shall be permitted to be provided if acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.5.7.4 Only the flexible hose and hose fittings specified in the manufacturer’s listed installation and maintenance

manual shall be used.5.7.5 All discharge nozzles shall be located to minimize the likelihood of damage or misalignment and within the

limitations and constraints of the manufacturer’s listed installation and maintenance manual.5.7.6 Location of agent containers, expellant gas cartridges or cylinders, and a manual actuator station(s) shall be

appropriate to each application, protected against physical damage and accessible.5.7.7 At least one easily accessible manual actuator or operating device shall be provided for use by the equipment

operator.5.7.8 An additional manual actuator or operating device shall be located so that it is in the path of egress and

operable from the ground level.5.7.9 If the system is provided with a discharge delay device, both audible and visual alarms shall be provided to warn

of the impending system discharge.5.7.10 In the event of system discharge, the vehicle being protected shall not be returned to service until the system is

recharged and operational.Current applications of wet chemical systems are being utilized on mobile machinery equipment

without an applicable standard. This change seeks to ensure that guidance is given to these systems utilizing similarinformation from the pertinent mobile machinery text in NFPA 17 (Dry chemical extinguishing systems). The existing text


Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 17Ain 17A is primarily focused on commercial restaurant applications but the standard has a broad scope of wet chemicalextinguishing systems.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________17A- Log #2

_______________________________________________________________________________________________John F. Bender, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

17A-2Revise text to read as follows:

Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.ANSI/UL 300, , 2005,

Revised 2010.ANSI/UL 1254, , 2005, Revised 2010.

Update reference to ANSI/UL 300 to indicate that the date of the UL standard is 2005, with revisionsadopted through 2010. Add reference to ANSI/UL 1254 in support of TC action on 17A-5 Log #CP1.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________17A- Log #7


17A-10Add a reference to NFPA 72 as the source of the definition.

Conformance to the NFPA Manual of Style.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________17A- Log #4


17A-69Revise to read:

A service technician who performs maintenance on an extinguishing system shall be trained and shall havepassed a written or online test that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. Persons performing maintenanceand recharging of extinguishing system shall meet one of the following criteria:

(1) Factory training and certification for the specific type and brand of fire extinguishing system being serviced(2) Certification by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction(3) Registration, licensure, or certification by a state or a local authority having jurisdiction.

As currently worded, certification if personnel performing work on fire extinguishers are a state or localissue. The proposed wording provides better guidance to the user, ahj etc. for what constitutes an approved certificationprogram instead of stating a certification program that may not be acceptable to the ahj. The proposed wording isconsistent with other NFPA Standards.





4.4.2.5 All remote readily accessible manual operating devices shall be identify identified to the hazard(s) they protect.(See 5.2.1.10).

From a safety standpoint, all manual operating devices should be identified to the hazard(s) theyprotect. It would seem odd and would be unsafe to have a manual operating device which is not readily accessible.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________17A- Log #9


17A-53Add the following new text:

During assembly, the piping system shall be examined internally to detect the possibility of contaminants orother foreign materials.

Contaminants and foreign materials could affect the extinguishing agent distribution due to a reduction in theeffective nozzle orifice area.

All extinguishing agent storage containers shall be examined to assure that they are fastened securely to theirmounting brackets.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________17A- Log #10


17A-30Delete the proposed new text.

The requirement is currently in the latest edition of NFPA 96. This type of requirement should be in anoccupancy standard such as NFPA 96, which covers all automatic extinguishing systems. It should not be in NFPA 17Awhich covers the installation requirements. Copying part of the requirement and placing it in NFPA 17A is not onlyinappropriate, but creates an unnecessary conflict between the two documents.





The requirements for manual actuation devices are appropriately located in the occupancy standard,NFPA 96 and modifications should not be introduced in the installation standards such as NFPA 17A.Recommendations for proposed changes should be submitted to the committee responsible for updating NFPA 96 (referto 3.3.5.5 of the NFPA Regulations and section V, subsection F of the NFPA Officers Guide).

_______________________________________________________________________________________________17A- Log #12


17A-48, 17A-49Revise text to read as follows:

5.6.3.1 Either a common extinguishing system shall be provided to protect both the ignition source(s) contained withinan exhaust system as well as the exhaust system itself, or separate extinguishing systems protecting shall be providedto protect the exhaust system and the ignition sources which shall be arranged for simultaneous automatic operationupon actuation of any one of the those systems.

Proposal 17A-48 and proposal 17A-49 were both accepted and they contain different wording. Therecommended text provides a clarification of the proposed requirement.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________17A- Log #13



Proposal 17A-50 sets up an awkward precedent. A provision addressing all types of automatic firesuppression systems is currently in the occupancy standard, NFPA 96 (paragraph 9.3.3). A conflict has now beencreated by adding a modified version of the NFPA 96 occupancy requirement. The NFPA Regulations GoverningCommittee Projects, section 3.3.5.5 covers this topic and the Committee Officers Guide section V, subsection Fprovides guidance for inter-committee coordination.

A modified version of NFPA 96, paragraph 9.3.3 should not be added to NFPA 17A. Rather, a committee proposalshould be submitted to the NFPA 96 and followed through the process.


Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 17A_______________________________________________________________________________________________17A- Log #9a


17A-53Add the following new text:

Verify that the appliances, hoods, and ducts are properly protected with nozzles and positioned inaccordance with the manufacturer’s design, installation, and maintenance manual.

Verify that nozzles and pipe sizes are in accordance with the manufacturer’s design, installation, andmaintenance manual.

Verify that piping supports are securely fastened.Verify that the installed appliances are the same and in the same locations as the approved

system design.

Prior to the test required by 6.4.4.2, piping shall be physically checked for tightness.A test using nitrogen or dry air shall be performed on the piping network at a pressure not to exceed the

normal operating pressure of the extinguishing system and verify that nitrogen or dry air has discharged out of eachnozzle in the system.

The test is intended to verify that flow is continuous and that the piping and nozzles are reasonablyunobstructed. The nitrogen or dry air should be introduced into the piping network at the extinguishing agent containerconnection. The quantity of nitrogen or dry air used for this test should be sufficient to verify that each nozzle isunobstructed. Nozzle flow should be verified by the installation of balloons or similar devices on discharge nozzles.

Where the system is connected to a building alarm system, verify that alarm-soundingor displaying devices and remote annunciation devices are functional.

Verify that all manual release devices (manual pull stations) are readilyaccessible and accurately identified.

System operational tests shall be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’sdesign, installation, and maintenance manual and include functional tests of the automatic detection system, the manualrelease devices, the gas shutoff, and to verify that the electrical power shutdown operates.

Where a control panel is provided, verify that it is connected to a dedicated circuit and labeled properly.Where a control panel is provided, verify that it is readily accessible and restricted from unauthorized

personnel.

Verify that each extinguishing agent storage container is reconnected and the system has been returned to itsfully operational condition.

After completion of functional testing, if system is connected to an alarm receiving office, the alarm-receivingoffice and all concerned personnel at the end-user’s facility shall be notified that the fire system test is complete and thatthe system has been returned to full service operational condition.




_______________________________________________________________________________________________David R. Hague, Liberty Mutual Property Risk Engineering

17A-60Add new text to read as follows:

The installing contractor shall complete and sign the acceptance test form in Figure 10.4.5.

******Insert Figure 6.4.3 Wet Chemical System Acceptance Test Report Here******

Currently there is no form for documenting the test results for a dry chemical system acceptance test.The proposed form is consistent with the required tests in the installation standard. This form has been changed fromthat proposed (and rejected) in the ROP to document the basic common elements that need to be evaluated in all drychemical systems to document proper operation at the time of acceptance.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________17A- Log #3

_______________________________________________________________________________________________R. T. Leicht, Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office


A service technician who performs maintenance on an extinguishing system shall be trained and shall havepassed a written or online test that is to a level and in a manner acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

Where required by the authority having jurisdiction the The service technician shall possess a certificationdocument acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction confirming the requirements in Section 7.3.1 and issued by themanufacturer or testing organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

Contrary to the Committee Statement to ROP 17A-69; Log #8, the wording cannot be too specificsince different AHJ’s will have different requirements. The AHJ, by definition is the organization, office, or individualresponsible for enforcing the requirements of the standard and for approving procedures. There is nothing in thedefinition that states that this responsibility excludes the responsibility of promulgating rules for his jurisdiction.Committee makes the assumption, without substantiation, that the task of determining competency causes some unduepressure and no substantiation had been provided that shows that this particular portion of the AHJ’s responsibilitycauses any significant burden. If the Committee feels that a sample program, such as written or on-line testing, needs tobe provided as an option for what the AHJ should establish to confirm the level of competency, that material can beincluded as guidance in an Annex section. That way, and AHJ may choose that option or may choose to use anycombination of other options to determine who is and who isn’t qualified in his jurisdiction.


17A_F2012_ROC_Log #1_Figure 6.4.3_Rec

Wet Chemical System Acceptance Test Report Property Information Building Name: ______________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Building Owner: ______________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Phone/Fax/E-mail: ______________________________________________________ Designer / Installer Information Company Name: ______________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Contact Person: ______________________________________________________ Phone/Fax/e-mail: ______________________________________________________ System Check or Test Results Installation in accordance with approved plans and listing laboratory. Piping Integrity Test (where required) Operational Test (where required) Detection System Manual release Device(s) Gas Shutoff Electrical Power Shutoff

System properly charged and left in normal “set” condition. One copy of installation and maintenance manual left with owner. Date System left in Service: Test Witnessed By: ________________________________ ________________________ _____________ Owner/authorized agent Title Date ________________________________ ________________________ _____________ Installing Contractor Title Date Additional comments:

Page 1 of 1



17A-76Revise to read as follows:

7.3.3.2 Where maintenance of any wet chemical containers reveals conditions such as, but not limited to, corrosion orpitting in excess of the manufacturer’s limits; structural damage; fire damage; or repairs by soldering, welding, orbrazing, the affected container shall be replaced or hydrostatically tested or replaced in accordance with therecommendations instructions of the manufacturer or the listing agency. The hydrostatic testing of wet chemicalcontainers shall be in accordance with Section 7.5.

Recommendations do not belong in the body of the standard.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________17A- Log #5

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Bill Galloway, Southern Regional Fire Code Development Committee

17A-81Revise to read: Until such repairs are accomplished, the systems shall be tagged as noncompliant

impaired, and the owner or owner’s representative responsible for the system shall be notified and where required, theauthority having jurisdiction shall be notified of the impairment.

The decision and enforcement should remain with the AHJ, not the vendor. The section talks aboutimpaired systems and the correct term that should be used when tagging the system is impaired not non compliant.There are many items that may impair the system such as a fusible link not replaced that does not make the systemnoncompliant which appears to be the intent of this section.


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