HomeMy WebLinkAbout405.003 - Fire Sprinkler Control Valve AccessEffective Date: July 1999 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 7/11/2024 Section 405.003
Next Revision (2) Date: 7/11/2027 Page 1 of 3
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Fire Prevention Manual
SECTION 405.003 FIRE SPRINKLER CONTROL VALVE ACCESS
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or
Department) requirements regarding required fire sprinkler system control valve
access and permissible fire sprinkler system control valve installation locations.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all fire sprinkler system installations within the City of Fresno
and contract service areas. These requirements apply to both required and voluntarily
installed systems.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13, §16.9.3.1.1, requires that all fire
sprinkler system control valves be located in an accessible location. “Accessibility” in
this case is defined, determined, and approved by the Fire Marshal (or designee).
Based upon the need for uniformity in application across the Department’s diverse
service delivery area, and after careful deliberation, the Department has determined
the following locations may provide acceptable access:
1. Remote post indicator valves (PIV) and fire department connections (FDC)
shall be specified for all fire sprinkler system installations.
It shall be the obligation of the permit applicant to provide a complete, thorough,
and compelling case of practical difficulty to use a different arrangement with
the permit application when seeking approval for a different arrangement. The
determination of a sufficient practical difficulty criteria shall be made at the sole
discretion of the Fire Marshal (or designee).
2. Remote post indicator valves (PIV) shall be installed on the underground fire
service supply to the building at a minimum of forty (40) feet (or the height of
the adjacent building wall – whichever is greater) from the building.
3. Wall PIV on a building’s exterior wall, in an approved location.
Effective Date: July 1999 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 7/11/2024 Section 405.003
Next Revision (2) Date: 7/11/2027 Page 2 of 3
4. Fire sprinkler system riser control valve(s) located in a mechanical room,
electrical room, or stairway enclosure with an exterior access door that leads
to a public way.
5. Fire sprinkler system riser control valve(s) located in a riser chase or wall cavity
with an approved, exterior mounted, side-hinged, access panel(s) or doors.
6. Where a fire sprinkler system is installed as noted in Item #5 above, exterior
access panels or doors shall be specified as noted below. The required access
panel size may be required to be increased at the sole discretion of the Fire
Marshal (or designee):
A. For all NFPA 13 systems, a minimum thirty-six-inch by thirty-six-inch (36” x
36”) access panel shall be provided.
B. For all NFPA 13R systems, a minimum eighteen-inch by twenty-four-inch
(18” x 24”) access panel shall be provided.
C. For all NFPA 13D systems, a minimum twelve-inch by twelve-inch (12” x
12”) access panel shall be provided.
D. In every case, an access panel must be of sufficient size to service and
replace all riser components. The judgement of sufficient size will be at the
sole discretion of the Fire Marshal (or designee).
E. Each access panel must match the fire resistance rating of the affected wall
in which it is installed.
7. Riser control valves located inside buildings must be located within five (5’) feet
of an approved, exterior access door which conforms to the requirements of
the California Fire Code (CFC) §1010.1.1. Access doors (or panels) to these
locations must be labeled with an approved, permanent and durable sign,
which reads: “Fire Sprinkler Control Valve Inside.”
8. Where access to the fire sprinkler system control valve is via a locked door,
etc., a Knox box must be provided in an approved location. The Knox box
location must be in accordance with FFD policy #403.006.
9. Floor and other control valves shall not be installed higher than 48” from a floor
surface, and overhead valves of any kind are prohibited
10. An alternate, equivalent form of access may be permitted where approved by
the Fire Marshal (or designee).
Effective Date: July 1999 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 7/11/2024 Section 405.003
Next Revision (2) Date: 7/11/2027 Page 3 of 3
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
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INFORMATION
These requirements serve to provide ready and safe access to fire sprinkler system
components for Department personnel.
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
California Fire Code
Currently adopted edition
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13
Currently adopted edition
Fire Prevention Manual
Section 403.006, Lock Boxes