HomeMy WebLinkAbout405.021 - Testing of Fire Service Underground Main PipingEffective Date: February 2004 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 1/31/2025 Section 405.021
Next Revision (1) Date: 1/31/2028 Page 1 of 2
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Prevention Manual
SECTION 405.021 TESTING OF FIRE SERVICE UNDERGROUND MAIN PIPING
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or
Department) requirements related to requirements for the installation and testing of
fire service underground main piping.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all fire to all fire service underground main piping installations
within the City of Fresno (COF) and contract service areas and includes both required
and voluntary systems.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
Based upon the need for uniformity in application across the Department’s diverse
service delivery area, and after careful deliberation, the Department has determined
that installation and testing of fire service underground main piping assemblies shall
be as noted below:
1. Fire service underground main piping undergoing hydrostatic testing
shall be isolated from a public water supply. As noted in the February
24, 2004, FFD Industry Bulletin, hydrostatic testing of the fire service
underground main piping must be done against a blank test flange or
other FFD approved fitting. Under no circumstances may pressure
testing be done against a detector check, closed gate valve or other
similar assembly.
2. As has been FFD past practice for many years, it is permissible to
pressure test a single length of fire service underground main piping
between the detector check and the ductile iron (or other approved)
transition piece to the above ground fire sprinkler riser flange at static
public water main pressure. If this method is used, the requirement for
a test flange is not applicable.
3. Covering of any fire service underground main piping prior to pressure
testing is prohibited without prior approval from the Fire Marshal (or
designee). However, as noted in the currently adopted edition of
National Fire Protection Association Standard (NFPA) 13 Standard for
the Installation of Sprinkler Systems fire service underground main
Effective Date: February 2004 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 1/31/2025 Section 405.021
Next Revision (1) Date: 1/31/2028 Page 2 of 2
piping may be covered prior to hydrostatic pressure testing when
conditions presented by an open trench represent an unreasonable
hazard, or if the trench must remain open for an abnormally long period
of time.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
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INFORMATION
As noted in the California Fire Code (CFC), the fire code official has the authority to
formulate policies they deem necessary based upon local conditions related to all fire
service underground main piping and equipment.
These requirements ensure that the fire service underground main piping and
equipment is installed as noted in the CFC, NFPA 13, and FFD policy.
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13 Standard for the Installation of
Sprinkler Systems, Currently adopted edition
California Fire Code, Currently adopted edition