§ 903-01 Flow Testing of Residential Sprinkler Systems.
RCNY § 903-01
(a)Scope. This section sets forth standards, requirements and procedures for flow testing of sprinkler systems in buildings, or parts thereof, classified as Occupancy Group R-2 and certain other residential occupancies. This section applies to all such sprinkler systems, including sprinkler systems that only protect a part of the building or space, such as compactor sprinkler systems.
(b)Definition. The following term shall, for purposes of this section and used elsewhere in the rules, have the meanings shown herein: Inspector's Test Connection. A pipe with a diameter of not less than one (1) inch, that is connected to the sprinkler system on the uppermost story of the building, at the end of the most remote branch line, to which is attached a valve that discharges the flow of water equivalent to one (1) sprinkler head of a type having the smallest orifice installed in the system.
(c)General Provisions.
(1)Flow testing of sprinkler systems. Sprinkler systems in buildings or parts thereof, classified as Occupancy Group R-2 (including sprinkler systems in apartment houses, apartment hotels and other residential buildings with three (3) or more dwelling units that are primarily occupied for the shelter and sleeping accommodation of individuals on a month-to-month or longer-term basis), and in every converted dwelling, or every tenement used, in whole or in part, for single room occupancy, regardless of occupancy classification, in which a sprinkler system has been installed pursuant to the requirements of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, shall be flow tested in compliance with the requirements of FC 903.5.1 and 903.5.2 and this section.
(2)Scheduling. Flow tests shall be scheduled on behalf of the owner by the plumber or master fire suppression contractor who is to conduct the test.
(3)Other flow testing. The procedure and standard set forth in this section for required sprinkler system flow tests shall not be construed to prohibit an owner of a sprinkler system from conducting any other lawful flow test of such a system. The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to any such other flow test, except for the provisions governing the reporting and correction of sprinkler systems that fail flow tests.
(4)Frequency. Sprinkler systems shall be flow tested annually, except that in buildings other than converted dwelling, or tenements used in whole or in part for single room occupancy, such system may be flow tested once every 30 months, provided that the pressure gauge located at or near the inspector's test connection is checked during the required monthly inspection to make certain that the system design pressure is being maintained.
(5)Witnessing. A flow test of a sprinkler system shall be witnessed by a representative of the Department at least once every five (5) years. Fees for such witnessed test shall be as set forth in FC A03.1(29).
(6)Reporting of required flow tests. The initial flow test result reported to the Department shall include a copy of the installation contractor's Department of Buildings B Form FP85.
(7)Reporting of other flow tests. The result of a flow test not required by this section shall be reported to the Department in accordance with 3 RCNY § 903-01(e) to the extent required by such section.
(d)Flow Test Procedure and Standard.
(e)Flow Testing Reporting Requirements.
