Fire Marshal Issues Bulletin Aimed at Reducing Sprinkler Costs
In response to a CBIA request, the Office of the State Fire Marshal has issued an Information Bulletin designed to help reduce compliance costs associated with the new national sprinkler mandate that takes effect Jan. 1, 2011.
In some jurisdictions, water purveyors have indicated concern that the installation of residential sprinklers might prompt the need for a larger water meter or a secondary water meter, significantly increasing sprinkler installation costs. However, the State Fire Marshal has clarified that a “domestic water shutoff valve” may be used, effectively negating the need for any additional water demand by the home in the event of a fire.
As the name implies, the (inexpensive) domestic shutoff valve automatically shuts off the domestic water supply and diverts the water supply to the sprinkler system in the rare event of sprinkler activation.
While the final call will remain with the local water purveyor, the State Fire Marshal bulletin already is providing a level of comfort to some purveyors as the state readies for the implementation of the new sprinkler mandate.
