Fire Sprinkler Manufacturers are constantly bringing new products to the industry. It is hard to keep up to date with new products. One of the materials that is very common on jobsites today is the use of flexible assemblies, generally referred to as “flex drops” for sprinkler head installations. We have also seen many changes to the product over the years, like improved braided flex lines and brackets for every ceiling option including duct protection. We see dry sprinklers with flexible assemblies. More recently, we see flexible assemblies that can be used for the difficult angles we deal with in building construction. These are just some options out there when it comes to flexible assemblies for fire sprinkler systems.
When it comes to best practices and the products we use in our systems, it is important to remember the phrase “Details Matter.” Details matter so much in our industry. Let’s start with a couple of NFPA definitions: “Listed” ,“Approved” and “AHJ” are key words when using and installing materials in a fire sprinkler system.
How does NFPA define these terms? This reference is from NFPA 13 2022 Chapter 3.
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
3.2.1 * Approved.
Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
3.2.2 * Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.
3.2.3 * Listed.
Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.
A key point to remember when establishing best practices is to keep in mind that even though a product is listed for fire sprinkler systems, it is not necessarily approved. In order for a product to be approved, it has to be acceptable to the “AHJ.” While most of the products we use on a daily basis are approved, I go back to the phrase “Details Matter”. For example, when a new product comes out, we see that it is listed, our supplier has it in stock and it will work perfectly for this upcoming project, we buy it and install it. The AHJ shows up for the inspection and calls us out on it. Why? The AHJ may just not be familiar with the product, may want more information, or just has questions. Most of us have been in this situation so a best practice could be “Don’t surprise the AHJ with new products at the inspection.”
How does this relate specifically to flex drops and similar products? Manufacturers are improving these products, which means the details on the products are also changing. Here are some best practice suggestions –
Schedule a coordination meeting when the intent is to use a new or updated product .Purchasing can coordinate with the design team, allowing the design team to understand any design ramifications to projects such as hydraulic calculation concerns. This is an important consideration when it comes to flex drops. The design team will also need to provide all manufacturer submittal sheets when applying for approvals with the AHJ. We should address the materials being used upfront with the AHJ, so that there are no surprises when it comes to inspection time. Purchasing will need to make sure they are buying the exact flex drop (manufacturer, model, size, etc) that is on the approved drawings. Correct installation instructions should be shared with the fitters so they know of any limitations that the product may have (such as the number of bends the flex drop can have). Our industry sees improvements everyday regarding how and what we install, inspect, test and maintain. Please remember that the “Details Matter.”
