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Welcome to the sixth edition of USAutomatic Sprinkler eNews. Our newsletter is a free quarterly publication that focuses on brief, but useful information about the fire protection industry. We highlight new products, innovations, and code changes that affect fire protection.
Pipe Price Increases for 2004
Recently, we received notification from our vendors of the potential for pipe price increases similar to what we experienced this same time last year. This year the economy is in better shape and some of the increases may stand. Some of the reasons for the increase are stated below and were communicated to us from a correspondence received from Allied Tube & Conduit, a major supplier of steel pipe.
Freight
Effective January 4, 2004, the trucking industry is implementing new hours of service. Waiting time is now counted as actual driving time. It is predicted that this will add 4 - 7% more to freight costs. Also, starting in January, additional port security due to anti-terrorism legislation and the recent upgrade to high alert status may also add to freight costs.
We want to stress the importance of planning for the use of Post Indicator Valves (PIVs) on all water supplies to fire sprinkler systems.
The October issue of AFSA's Tech Talk discusses this issue. In NFPA 24, 2002-Edition, Paragraph 6.3.1 states "that every connection from a private fire service main to a building shall be provided with a listed PIV located to control all sources of water supply."
NFPA 13, 1999-edition and 2002 edition, allow for the use of Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinklers in light and ordinary hazard occupancies, however, prepare to show that the light or ordinary hazard occupancy does not create a situation which the ESFR protection will not provide adequate coverage.
In a recent example, a speculative warehouse was provided with an ESFR sprinkler system. When the tenant applied for construction plans to be approved, an area called a "Drive Thru" appeared on the plans.
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