The University of Arizona
Manual of Design and Specification Standards
DIVISION 15 - MECHANICAL
Section 15300 - Fire Sprinkler Systems
Introduction
This work shall be in strict accordance with all rules, regulations, by-laws and requirements of all authorities having
jurisdiction including, but not limited to; NFPA codes, Arizona State Fire Code, U of A Department of Risk
Management and Safety.
Part 1 - General
Hydraulic calculations shall be prepared and sealed by a registered professional engineer in the State of
Arizona, and Sprinkler System Shop drawings to be submitted to the State Fire Marshal for approval.
Hydraulic design calculations, shall include an allowance for a 10PSI pressure drop for the future installation of
a back-flow preventer.
Engineer and Contractor to conduct water supply static and residual tests, witness by the UA, and provide fire
flow information on shop drawings and hydraulic calculations.
In new construction or where space allows in renovation projects, provide a “pipe spool piece” to
accommodate the future installation of a back-flow preventer.
Provide an 8 ½" x 11" Map Key Plan for each floor of building, indicating the location of the following:
Main Control Valves
Fire Alarm Panel
Fire Dept. Connection
Back Flow Preventer (if provided)
Fire Alarm Bell
Auxiliary Drain Valves
Inspectors Test Connections
Key Plan shall be provided at main control/zone valve location. See Typical Detail 15300-D1.
All valves shall be readily accessible for maintenance.
Provide system signage and identification in accordance with NFPA 13.
Provide an additional copy of system “as-built” drawings for use of U of A Fire Safety Dept.
To facilitate the annual fire pump test required by NFPA all fire pump installations shall include a valved by-
pass. This by-pass is in addition to the by-passes normally prescribed for the jockey pump and suction supply
pressure line, both of which employ a check valve. The testing by-pass allows the test to be performed
without flooding the streets. A small valved drain should also be provided with this testing by-pass to remove
some of the heated water generated by the pump test.
Part 2 - Products
Piping shall be schedule 40 ASTM A-53 Grade A or B.
All grooved fittings shall be manufactured by Victaulic.
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Manual of Design and Specification Standards
Part 3 - Execution
In areas subject to freezing provide minimum pipe size of 2".
U of A Risk Management and Safety and UA Fire Safety Dept. to be notified 48 hours in advance of all system
tests, e.g. underground flushing, hydrostatic test, flow alarm test, fire pump test (if applicable), fire alarm/final
acceptance test.
No saddle type fittings shall be used on fire protection systems.
Inspector’s Test Connections and main drain shall be piped to a suitable location outside of building. (Confirm
location with U of A Fire Safety Dept.). Do not pipe to a floor drain, janitor’s mop sink or similar.
System piping should not be buried beneath building slabs on grade.
In all new construction the entire system shall have a final heads on 2 hour 200 psig pressure test through the
FDC.
Check valves, sprinkler valves and flow switches and main drain valve shall be readily accessible.
At check valves, support piping independent of valve to allow for service removal without additional pipe
support.
FDC shall be wall mounted to the building structure.
Locate the inspector’s tests at the most hydraulically remote points in the system.
Make provisions to drain all trapped water in dry standpipe systems.
Provide post indicating valves on all systems. Indicating valves shall be equipped with a tamper switch
connected to the building fire alarm control panel.
Local bell shall be powered and supervised by the fire alarm panel.
On new installations, do not use saddle tees. Use grooved fittings or welded outlets only.
Do not enclose Victaulic fittings within construction.
All pendant sprinkler heads in suspended ceilings to be installed at quarter points or center of ceiling tile.
Floor zone valves should be located together at ground level in a room accessible from the outside. Confirm
location with owner.
Shop drawings shall incorporate all of the design features shown on the contract drawings. Any deviations
deemed necessary by the designer shall be clearly identified on the shop drawings, ie: clouded.
Contractor shall submit shop drawings to the Architect/ Engineer and FDC project manager for review and
approval, prior to submittal to the State Fire Marshal.
All new construction shall be fully sprinklered and equipped with class A fire alarm system.
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The University of Arizona
Manual of Design and Specification Standards
End of Section 15300
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