NFPA 24

The Standard shall cover the minimum requirements for the installation of private service
mains and their appurtenances, which include the following
-Automatic Sprinkler Systems
-Open Sprinkler Systems
-Water Spray Fixed Systems
-Foam Systems
-Private Hydrants
-Monitor Nozzles or Standpipe Systems with reference to water supplies
-Hose Houses

The standard shall apply to combined service mains intended to carry water for fire service
and other uses

This standard shall NOT apply to the following situations

-Mains under the control of a water utility
-Mains providing fire protection and/or domestic water that are privately owned but are
operated as a water utility

The standard shall NOT apply to underground fire mains serving sprinkler systems designed
and installed in accordance with NFPA 13R that are less than 4 in in nomimal diameter

The standard shall not apply to underground mains serving sprinkler systems designed and
installed in accordance with NFPA 13D

The Purpose of this standard shall be to provide a reasonable degree of protection for life and
property from fire through installation requirements for private service main systems based
on sound engineering principles, test data, and field experience.

The provisions of this standard reflect a consensus for what is necessary to provide an
acceptable degree of protection from the hazards addressed in this standard at the time the
standard was issued.
Residual Pressure
The pressure that exists in the distribution system, measured at the residual hydrant at the
time the flow readings are taken at the flow hydrants.

Static Pressure
The pressure that exists at a given point under normal distribution system conditions
measured at the residual hydrant with no hydrants flowing.

Flow Test
A test performed by the flow and measurement of water from one hydrant and the static and
residual pressures from an adjacent hydrant for the purpose of determining the available
water supply at that location.

Flushing Test
A test of a piping system using high velocity flows to remove debris from the piping system
prior to it being placed in service

Hydrostatic Test
A test of a closed piping system and its appurtenances consisting of subjecting to an increased
internal pressure for a specified duration to verify system integrity and system leakage rates.

Check Valve
A valve that allows flow in one direction but prevents flow in the opposite direction.

Indicating Valve
A valve that has components that show if the valve is open or closed. Examples are outside
screw and yoke (OS&Y) gate valves and underground gate valves with indicator posts.

Dry-Barrel Hydrant
Fire hydrant that has its operating valve located at the base or foot of the hydrant rather than
in the barrel of the hydrant. When operating properly, there is no water in the barrel of the
hydrant when it is not in use. These hydrants are used in areas where freezing may occur.
Flow Hydrant
The hydrant that is used for the flow and flow measurement of water during a flow test.

Private Fire Hydrant

A valved connection on a water supply system having one or more outlets that is used to
supply hose and fire department pumpers with water on private property.

Public Hydrant
A valved connection on a water supply system having one or more outlets that is used to
supply hose and fire department pumpers with water.

Residual Hydrant
The hydrant that is used for measuring static and residual pressures during a flow test

Wet-Barrel Hydrant
A hydrant used in areas that are not susceptible to freezing. The barrel of the hydrant is
normally filled with water.

Private Fire Service Mains

Hydraulic calculations shall show that the main is able to supply the total demand at the
appropriate pressure.

Mains Not Supplying Hydrants

For mains that do not supply hydrants, pipe sizes less than 6 in nominal size shall be
permitted to be used subject to the following restrictions.

The main shall supply only the following types of systems

-Automatic sprinkler systems
-open sprinkler systems
-water spray fixed systems
-foam systems
-standpipe systems
Tanks shall be installed in accordance with
NFPA 22

Each remote fire department connection shall be designated by a sign as follows:

-sign shall have a raised or engraved letters at least 1 inch in height on a plate or fitting.
-The sign shall indicate the type of system for which the connection is intended.

Where post indicator valves are used, they shall be set so that the top of each post is
32-40 inches above final grade

The connection from the hydrant to the main shall not be less than
6 inches

Hydrants shall be located not less than _______ from the building to be protected
40ft

Where hydrants located closer than 40ft to the building, shall be permitted to be used where
approved by
the AHJ

The center of a hose outlet shall not be less than_______above final grade
18 inches

The center of a hose outlet shall not be more than_______above final grade
36 inches

The center of a hose outlet located in a hose house shall not be less than _______ above the
floor
12 inches
Master streams shall be delivered by monitor nozzles, hydrant-mounted monitor nozzles, and
similar master stream equipment capable of delivering more than
250 GPM ( 950 LPM)

The top of the pipe shall not be buried less than _______ nelow the frost line for the locality.
12 Inches

In locations where freezing is not a factor, the depth cover shall not be less than ______
below grade to prevent mechanical damage.
30 Inches

Private fire service mains installed under driveways or roadways shall be buried at a
minimum depth of
36 inches

Private fire mains installed under railroad tracks shall be buried at minimum depth of
4 ft

Private fire mains installed under large piles of heavy commodities or subject to heavy shock
and vibrations shall be buried at a minimum depth of
4 ft
NFPA 24

Combined Service Mains

This standard shall apply to ______ intended to carry water for fire service mains

AHJ
Working plans shall be submitted for approval to the _____ before any equipment is installed
or remodeled.

Pressure-Regulating devices
____ shall not be used

Control Valves
______ shall not be installed in the piping from the fire department connection to the fire
service main

Control Valves
_____ shall be permitted in the system downstream of the fire department connection

Check Valve
When more than one water supply exists, a ___________ shall be installed in each
connection

Control Valve
All check valves shall have a ________ installed upstream and downstream of the check
valve.

40 ft
A post indicator valve installed not less than____ from the building

32-40 inches
Where post indicator valves are used, they shall be set so that the top of each post is _______
above final grade not be required.

Supervision of underground gate valves with roadway boxes shall ____________

not be less than 6 inches

The connection from the hydrant to the main shall ___________

not less than 40 ft

Hydrants shall be located _________ from the buildings to be protected

flat stones, concrete slabs, or other approved material

Hydrants shall be installed on __________

less than 18 inches

The center of a hose outlet shall not be ____________ above final grade

more than 36 inches

The center of a hose outlet shall not be _______ above final grade

less than 150 psi

All piping used in private fire service mains shall be rated for the maximum system working
pressure to which the piping is exposed to but shall not be rated at _______________

asphalt or other corrosion-retarding material

All bolted joint accessories shall be cleaned and thoroughly coated with _______________
after installation

not be less than 30 inches

In locations where freezing is not a factor, the depth of cover shall __________________
below grade to prevent mechanical damage.
minimum depth of 36 inches
Private fire service mains installed under driveways or roadways shall be buried at a
______________

run in a covered trench

Where private fire mains extend more than 10 ft into the building, they shall be ___________

1 part cement, 2 1/2 parts sand, and 5 parts stone

Thrust blocks shall be concrete of a mix not leaner than ______________

not less than 5/8 in diameter

Rods shall be _____________

shall be cleaned and thoroughly coated with a bituminous or other acceptable corrosion-
retarding material
After installation, rods, nuts, bolts, washers, clamps, and other restraining devices
_____________________

restrained at the bottom of a hill and at any lateral or vertical turns

Pipe shall be _____________________

facing uphill
Bell ends shall be __________

clear of debris
The flushing operation shall continue until water flow is verified to be ___________

completing and signing the contractors material and test certificates

The installing contractor shall be responsible for _______________________

gauge pressure of 200 psi or 50 psi above working pressure for 2 hours
All piping shall be hydrostatically tested at ____________________________

10 ft/sec
Flow required to produce velocity of __________ in pipes

control valves
______________ do not include drain valves, check valves, or relief valves

NFPA 24

Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances

Texas Insurance Code Chapter 6300

Fire Protection Sprinkler System Service & Installation

AHJ
Authority Having Jurisdiction

Appurtenance
An accessory or attachment that enables the private fire service main to perform its intended
function.

Automatic Drain Valve (Automatic Drip or Ball Drip)

A device intended to remove water using gravity from piping or valve cavities, which is
required to be empty when the system is not discharging.

Corrosion-Resistant Piping
Piping that has the property of being able to withstand deterioration of its surface or its
properties when exposed to its environment.

Corrosion-Retarding Material
A lining or coating material that when applied to piping or appurtenances has the property of
reducing or slowing the deterioration of the objects surface or properties when exposed to it
environment.

Fire department Connection

A connection through which the fire department can pump supplemental water into the
sprinkler system, standpipe, or other system, furnishing water for fire extinguishment to
supplement existing water supplies.

Fire Pump
A pump that is a provider of liquid flow and pressure dedicated to fire protection. A fire pump
is a part of a fire standpipe system's water supply and can be powered by electric, diesel or
steam. The pump intake is either connected to the public underground water supply piping or
a static water source (e.g., tank, reservoir, lake). The pump provides water flow at higher
pressure and volume to the standpipe system risers and hose standpipes.

Hose House
An enclosure located over or adjacent to a hydrant or other water supply designed to contain
the necessary hose nozzles, hose wrenches, gaskets, and spanners to be used in fire fighting in
conjunction with and to provide aid to the local fire department.

Hydrant Butt
The hose connection outlet of a hydrant

Hydraulically Calculated Water Demand Flow Rate

The waterflow rate for a system or hose stream that has been calculated using accepted
engineering practices.

Residual Pressure
The pressure that exists in the distribution system, measured at the residual hydrant at the
time the flow readings are taken at the flow hydrants.
Static Pressure
The pressure that exists at a given point under normal distribution system conditions
measured at the residual hydrant with no hydrants flowing.

Pressure-Regulating Device
A device designed for the purpose of reducing, regulating controlling, or restricting water
pressure. Example includes pressure reducing valve, pressure control valves, and pressure-
restricting devices.
Private Fire Service Main
Private fire service main, as used in this standard, is that pipe and its appurtenances on private
property (1) between a source of water and the base of the system riser for water-based fire
protection systems, (2) between a source of water and inlets to foam-making systems, (3)
between a source of water and the base elbow of private hydrants or monitor nozzles, and (4)
used as fire pump suction and discharge piping, (5) beginning at the inlet side of the check
valve on a gravity or pressure tank

Pumper Outlet
The hydrant outlet intended for use by fire departments for taking supply from the hydrant for
pumpers

Rated Capacity
The flow available from a hydrant at the designated residual pressure (rated pressure) either
measured or calculated

Flow Test
A test performed by the flow and measurement of water from one hydrant and the static and
residual pressures from an adjacent hydrant for the purpose of determining the available
water supply at that location.

Flushing Test
A test of a piping system using flow rates intended to remove debris from the piping system
prior to it being placed in service.

Hydrostatic Test
A test of a closed piping system and its attached appurtenances consisting of subjecting the
piping to an increased internal pressure for a specified period of duration to verify system
integrity and leak rates

Check Valve
A valve that allows flow in one direction only.

Indicating Valve
A valve that has components that show if the valve is open or closed. Examples are outside
screw and yoke (OS&Y) gate valves and underground gate valves with indicator posts.
Hydrant
An exterior valved connection to a water supply system that provides hose connections

Dry Barrel Hydrant (Frostproof Hydrant)

A type of hydrant with the main control valve below the frost line between the footpiece and
the barrel.

Flow Hydrant
The hydrant that is used for the flow and flow measurement of water during a flow test.

Private Fire Hydrant

A valved connection on a water supply system having one or more outlets that is used to
supply hose and fire department pumpers with water on private property.

Public Hydrant
A valved connection on a water supply system having one or more outlets that is used to
supply hose and fire department pumpers with water.

Residual Hydrant
The hydrant that is used for measuring static and residual pressures during a flow test

Wet Barrel Hydrant

A type of hydrant that is intended for use where there is no danger of freezing weather and
where each outlet is provided with a valve and outlet.

Pressure-Regulating Devices and Meters

Shall not be permitted for use unless acceptable to the AHJ

Residual Pressure
The pressure that exists in the distribution system, measured at the residual hydrant at the
time the flow readings are taken at the flow hydrants.

Static Pressure
The pressure that exists at a given point under normal distribution system conditions
measured at the residual hydrant with no hydrants flowing.

Flow Test
A test performed by the flow and measurement of water from one hydrant and the static and
residual pressures from an adjacent hydrant for the purpose of determining the available
water supply at that location.

Flushing Test
A test of a piping system using high velocity flows to remove debris from the piping system
prior to it being placed in service.

Hydrostatic Test
A test of a closed piping system and its attached appurtenances consisting of subjecting the
piping to an increased internal pressure for a specified duration to verify system integrity and
system leakage rates.

Check Valve
A valve that allows flow in one direction only.

Indicating Valve
A valve that has components that provide the valve operating condition, open or closed.

Dry Barrel Hydrant (Frostproof Hydrant)

A type of hydrant with the main control valve below the frost line between the footpiece and
the barrel.

Flow Hydrant
The hydrant that is used for the flow and flow measurement of water during a flow test.

Private Fire Hydrant

A valved connection on a water supply system having one or more outlets that is used to
supply hose and fire department pumpers with water on private property.
Public Hydrant
A valved connection on a water supply system having one or more outlets that is used to
supply hose and fire department pumpers with water.

Residual Hydrant
The hydrant that is used for measuring static and residual pressures during a flow test.

Wet Barrel Hydrant

A type of hydrant that is intended for use where there is no danger of freezing weather and
where each outlet is provided with a valve and an outlet.

6 in (150 mm)
For mains that supply fire hydrants, pipe size shall not be less than _____.

32 in - 40 in (800 mm to 1000 mm)

Height at which post indicator valves are to be set above final grade.

6 in
The connection from the hydrant to the main shall not be less than _____.
control valve
A listed _____ _____ shall be installed in each hydrant connection.

AWWA C900
Standard for PVC pressure pipe and fittings, 4 in through 63 in

Hydrostatic Testing Allowance Formula

L = (S D sqrt"P") / 148,000

"L" in Hydrostatic Testing Allowance Formula

Testing allowance (makeup water) [gph (gallon/hour) ]

"S" in Hydrostatic Testing Allowance Formula

Length of pipe tested (feet)

"D" in Hydrostatic Testing Allowance Formula

Nominal diameter of pipe (inches)

"P" in Hydrostatic Testing Allowance Formula

Average test pressure during hydrostatic test (gauge psi)

200 psi or 50 psi above system working pressure @ 2 hour hold

What pressure do piping and attached appurtenances need to hydrostatically tested at?

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

May be a federal, state, local, or other regional department or individual such as a fire chief;
fire marshal; chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor department, or health department;
building official' electrical inspector; or others having statutory authority.

Hydrant Hose Outlet Heights

18" to 36"
Hose House Outlet Height
12" or greater

Shall not be installed between fire hydrant, and the control valve
Check Valves, Detector Check Valves, Backflow Prevention Valves, Other Similar
Appurtenances

Thrust Block Concrete Mix

Not leaner than:
1 part CEMENT
2.5 parts SAND
5 parts STONE