Earthquake standard for sprinkler contractors revised
Factory Mutual has revised its Data Sheet 2-8, Earthquake Protection for Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. The standard contains guidelines for designing and installing fire protection systems so that they can be better protected from seismic forces. Among its recommendations is to reduce exposure, thereby increasing the likelihood that the fire protection system will remain in working condition after an earthquake, when the potential for a fire is greater. It will also decrease the potential for water damage due to sprinkler system leakage.
Among the items covered in the new guidelines are methods for sway bracing and improving flexibility. Also included are recommendations for other types of systems and fire pump and suction tank/reservoir installations. The revised document is based on Factory Mutual`s extensive study of past earthquakes, which revealed that adequate seismic protection reduced the incidence of sprinkler system failure even in areas with the strongest tremors. The data sheet may be purchased by calling Factory Mutual Order Processing at (617) 255-4681.
