Fire sprinklers are in greater demand today than ever before. Personal fire safety is such a trend that in many areas ordinances or resolutions requires fire sprinklers on all new residential construction. Fire sprinkler systems help save lives and reduce property damage. However, from the water purveyor's point of view, the residential fire sprinkler system presents a potential pollutant and contaminant source to the potable water system from cross-connections. Both homeowners and the public may be exposed to health hazards from residential fire sprinkler systems.
Such hazards include “stagnant water, non-potable piping, heterotrophic bacteria, and chemicals” (Duranceau, 2001). Therefore these systems must be evaluated for health and system hazards. The following minimal information should be considered in the selection of backflow protection on residential fire sprinkler systems. Fire sprinkler systems are categorized as flow-through, combination, and closed fire protection systems. Each of these systems has their advantages and disadvantages. It should also be noted that what the local fire departments, local administrative authorities and water purveyors allow will determine which of these systems can be found in any particular jurisdiction. It is imperative that the water purveyor, local administrative authority, fire department, and other agencies coordinate their efforts in the design and operation of these systems.
Flow-through protection systems are those systems that do not have fire department pumper connections. They are constructed of approved potable water piping and materials to which sprinkler heads are attached. The system terminates at a connection to a toilet or other plumbing fixture to prevent the water from becoming stagnant.
Combination protection systems also do not have fire department pumper connections and are constructed of approved potable water piping and materials that serve both the fire sprinkler system and the consumer’s potable water system......
