Fire Protection Systems Guide

(Sprinkler, Hydrant, Pumps)

Design basis notes, installation QA/QC and acceptance testing

Prepared for: Construction / MEP Teams

Prepared by:

Date:

Fire Protection Guide | Page 1

Contents
1. Purpose and scope
2. Reference standards and authority requirements
3. System selection and design basis (overview)
4. Installation QA/QC checklist
5. Acceptance testing and commissioning
6. Documentation for handover and Civil Defense
7. Appendix: sample forms and checklists

Fire Protection Guide | Page 2

 1. Purpose and scope
This guide summarizes practical requirements for installing and handing over fire protection systems in
building projects. It focuses on sprinkler and standpipe/hydrant systems with their water supplies
(pumps, tanks), and includes the main tests typically required for consultant/client and authority
approvals.

 Systems covered: wet pipe sprinklers, standpipe/hydrant, fire pump sets, water tanks, fire alarm
interface points (basic).
 Special systems (overview only): foam, clean agent, kitchen hood suppression.
 Use project specifications and approved calculations/drawings as the primary requirement.

2. Reference standards and authority requirements

Topic Typical references (examples)
Sprinklers NFPA 13 (installation), NFPA 25 (inspection, testing, maintenance)
Standpipe/hydrant NFPA 14
Fire pumps NFPA 20
Water tanks NFPA 22
Underground mains NFPA 24
Alarm interface NFPA 72 (fire alarm), project cause-and-effect matrix
Local approvals Saudi Building Code requirements and Civil Defense approval
procedures (project-specific)
Always verify which editions are adopted on the project and which tests must be witnessed by the
consultant/client/authority.

3. System selection and design basis (overview)

3.1 Hazard classification and density-area
Sprinkler design starts with the occupancy hazard classification (e.g., Light, Ordinary Hazard Group 1/2,
Extra Hazard) and the corresponding density-area criteria. The approved hydraulic calculations define
the remote area, operating sprinklers, hose allowance, and required pressure/flow.

 Confirm: hazard classification per room/zone, ceiling type, obstructions, and special storage conditions.
 Confirm: water supply curve and pump performance curve; ensure adequate margin.
 Confirm: K-factor, temperature rating, response type and spacing of sprinklers per design.

3.2 Fire water supply arrangement

 Typical arrangement: fire water tank (or city main) feeding fire pumps (main, standby, jockey) with test
header and flow meter.
 Fire pump drivers: electric motor and/or diesel as required by the project and authority.
 Provide backflow prevention as per local authority requirements and project details.
Minimum design checks Pump flow and pressure meet worst-case hydraulic demand

Fire Protection Guide | Page 3

 including hose allowance and elevation losses
NPSH and suction conditions Suction piping size, straight lengths, eccentric reducer orientation,
and strainer requirements
Pump room Ventilation, drainage, fuel system (diesel), access and maintenance
clearances
Controller and power Dedicated feeders, interlocks, alarms, and battery maintenance
(diesel)

4. Installation QA/QC checklist

Key site checks (baseline). Add project-specific and manufacturer items.

Area Checks Acceptance / notes

Piping Correct material, No mechanical damage; hanger spacing
grooved/threaded/welded joints per NFPA and spec; seismic bracing
per spec; slope for drainage; where required
proper hangers
Valves Zone control valves, check valves, Accessible, tagged/labelled, supervised
PRVs, test-and-drain assemblies where required
Sprinklers Correct type and finish; correct Installed after ceiling works; protect from
orientation; clearances from paint/dust; verify spacing
obstructions; cover plates
FHC/standpipe Cabinets location, hose and nozzle Mounted at correct height; cabinet
ratings, landing valves, signage contents complete; pressure test passed
Pump set Base alignment, vibration isolators, Per NFPA 20 and manufacturer; gauges
suction/discharge piping, and test lines installed; relief valves
controllers where required
Tank Capacity, inlet/outlet arrangement, Per NFPA 22/project; watertight; access
overflow, vents, level indication ladder and safe platform
Interfaces Flow switches, pressure switches, Signals verified during commissioning;
fire alarm signals, BMS monitoring correct labeling
if required

5. Acceptance testing and commissioning

5.1 Hydrostatic pressure test (aboveground piping)
 Test pressure and duration per approved specification and NFPA. Typically performed with water.
 Isolate sensitive devices (pressure switches, gauges) as per manufacturer guidance during high pressure
testing.
 Record: test section, pressure, time, ambient temperature, gauge ID, pass/fail, witnesses.

5.2 Flushing and main drain tests

 Flush mains and risers until water runs clear; use flushing connections and dispose safely.
 Perform main drain test per zone; compare readings to baseline and investigate abnormal drops.

Fire Protection Guide | Page 4

 5.3 Fire pump acceptance test
 Perform churn, 100% rated flow, and overload (typically 150% rated flow) tests as required.
 Verify automatic start on pressure drop and correct set points for jockey and main pumps.
 Test diesel engine: battery, fuel, cooling, exhaust, and auto start sequences (if applicable).
 Record flow, suction/discharge pressures, rpm, voltage/current (electric), and controller alarms.

5.4 Alarm and supervisory signal testing

 Flow switch activation: open inspector test connection and confirm alarm at FACP and annunciation
points.
 Tamper switch: partially close valve and confirm supervisory signal.
 Confirm cause-and-effect matrix functions (e.g., elevator recall, smoke control) if applicable to the
project.

6. Documentation for handover and Civil Defense

 Approved drawings and hydraulic calculations (final revision).
 Fire pump test report with curves and instrument calibration certificates.
 Sprinkler and standpipe pressure test certificates and flushing records.
 As-built drawings showing zone boundaries, valve sets, drains, and test points.
 Operation and Maintenance manuals, spare parts, and training record.
 Third-party inspection reports (if required) and authority application forms as per project.

7. Appendix: sample forms and checklists

7.1 Pressure test record (template fields)
 Project / Building / Zone
 Test medium (water), test pressure, hold duration
 Gauge make/serial and calibration date
 Witnesses (Contractor / Consultant / Client)
 Result and remarks; corrective actions; signatures

7.2 Fire pump test sheet (template fields)

 Pump ID, rated flow and rated head, driver type (electric/diesel)
 Flow points tested (0%, 100%, 150%), suction pressure, discharge pressure
 Electrical readings (V, A) or diesel readings (rpm, fuel), controller alarms
 Pass/fail statement against pump curve; signatures

7.3 Zone valve inspection checklist

Item Check OK/Not Remarks
OK
Valve set Correct valve arrangement, direction of flow
arrow, accessible
Supervision Tamper switch installed and tested

Fire Protection Guide | Page 5

Item Check OK/Not Remarks
OK
Drains Test-and-drain connection installed with cap
and discharge route
Signage Zone label and valve tag installed

Fire Protection Guide | Page 6