FIRE SPRINKLERS
RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLER INFORMATION
Information Bulletin: Antifreeze in Residential Sprinkler Systems
Fire sprinklers are required on all new construction in the Northstar Community Service District. Except areas that do not have the infrastructure to support them. (i.e. 2” tee and connections at street main for each residence.). Contact the Northstar Fire Department Prevention Office for further information.NFD Approval Process for New Construction in areas that require fire sprinklers:
1) Go through the Placer County Building Dept. process: Provide Northstar Fire Department with two sets of sprinkler plans, the PCBD “Intent to Issue a Building Permit” form and a PCBD “Permit Processing Application” form.
2) Pay $150.00 plan check fee. At this time receive plan check sheets that show schedule of inspections and process. You will be informed of the process and who is responsible for making sure that all work is completed and checked before proceeding. Failure to follow these procedures can cause delays in the final approval process. Street address, Knox box, alarm monitoring system and defensible space criteria is discussed. All handouts provided at this time.
3) Monitoring of alarms see NCSD Ordinance 25-08 Section 3.7. Click here for Ordinance 25-08. Tamper switches shall be monitored as trouble or supervisory. Smoke/heat detector monitoring is not required on the alarm system but must meet all CBC and PCBD codes. Reminder to contractor: This monitoring system is low voltage, do not duplicate with a 120 volt system.
4) Pay mitigation fees ($0.77 per square foot based on living and garage space.).
New Construction, Remodels and Additions in areas that do not require fire sprinklers:
1) New construction: Alarm monitoring systems see NCSD Ordinance 25-08. Click here for Ordinance 25-08. Plan check, PCBD forms as listed above, and mitigation fees required.
2) Additions: Plan check, PCBD forms as listed previously, and mitigation fees required for additions over 500 square feet. Monitored fire alarm systems optional, not required. Smoke and heat detectors must meet CBC and PCBD codes.
3) Mitigation fees are not required for additions under 500 square feet.
Summary Prior to final the following items must be completed:
1) Plan check procedures completed. One set of plans, PCBD forms.
2) Mitigation fees paid. *
3) Back flow preventer certificate on file at NFD. *
4) Fire Sprinkler system inspected and tested. *
5) Fire alarm and monitoring system inspected and tested. *
6) Address completed.
7) Defensible space criteria completed.
8) Smoke detectors installed to PCBD and CBC codes.
9) Gas meter covered / protected.
10) Knox Box installed. *
*IF APPLICABLE
PROCEDURIAL GUIDELINES FOR RESIDENTIAL FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM APPROVAL AND INSTALLATION
Scheduling: All field tests and inspections will be scheduled in advance with the fire department representative that is assigned to inspect that particular system.
Plan submittal: Two sets of sprinkler plans are required when submitting to the Northstar Fire Department. One set will be stamped by the fire department and returned with a review letter, the other set will become the property of the Northstar Fire Department for reference during inspections. Additionally submit: 1.) PCBD “Intent to Issue a Building Permit” and 2.) PCBD “Permit Processing Application”, along with a check for Mitigation fees, prior to approval.
Plan Review The timeline for plan review completion will be 20 working days starting on the day the plans were submitted to Northstar Fire Department.
INSPECTIONS
Underground: Underground water supplies will be flushed and hydrostatically tested in the presence of a fire department representative. Underground pipelines will be hydrostatically tested at static pressure plus 50 psi or 150 psi; whichever is greater for two hours. This test will be completed prior to covering the pipe with backfill dirt.
Rough inspection: A visual inspection of the plumbing will be performed to ensure piping type and size matches the calculations. An inspection of the number of tees elbows and other fittings will be checked to assure that the number of fittings equals or is less than the number presented in the calculations. This check will be done prior to the installation of any sheetrock or insulation.
Hydrostatic test: A hydrostatic test of the sprinkler system will be performed at 200psi for two hours. At the conclusion of the test, the system pressure shall be reduced to operating pressure as indicated on the test gauge to ensure against a stuck gauge.
Plan Review The timeline for plan review completion will be 20 working days starting on the day the plans were submitted to Northstar Fire Department.
FINAL INSPECTION
Flow test: A sprinkler head with an open orifice equal to the smallest orifice installed in the system shall be installed on the inspector’s test line to accurately adjust the timing of the water flow alarm. The water flow alarm bell should ring between 12 and 40 seconds from the time flow begins and should shut off when water flow stops.
Monitoring system check: At the time of the flow test, residential fire alarm system monitoring capability shall be in place so that the ability of the monitoring location to receive and accurately identify a water flow alarm can be verified. The monitoring location should not be warned in advance that a water flow alarm will be transmitted, so that their ability to receive and accurately report the alarm to the appropriate dispatch center can be tested. The 911 dispatch seven (7) digit phone number shall be confirmed along with the proper address reported.
Backflow prevention assembly: Provide documentation from an AWWA CA/NV certified backflow prevention tester that the backflow device is working as designed; all testing shall comply with AWWA CA/NV standards. Testing of the backflow device is required annually thereafter and a copy of this test shall be delivered to the Northstar Fire Department.
Captain Jim Conlin
Fire Prevention Officer
jconlin@northstafire31.com
(530) 562-1212
©2011 Northstar Community Services District
