Supervisory Devices Checklist

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Use these testing methods for certain supervisory devices

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NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm Code, outlines methods to test the following supervisory devices:

 

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Control valve switches

       

  • Operate the valve
       

  • Verify a signal under one of the following conditions:
       

    • Within the first two revolutions of the hand wheel
       

    • Within one-fifth of the travel distance
       

    • According to manufacturer specifications
       
 

High- and low-air pressure switches

       

  • Operate the switch
       

  • Verify a signal when the required pressure increases or decreases a maximum of 10 lbs per square inch
       
 

Room temperature switches

       

  • Operate the switch
       

  • Verify a signal to indicate a decrease in room temperature to 40° F
       

  • Verify a signal to indicate a restoration in room temperature to above 40° F
       
 

Water level switches

       

  • Operate the switch
       

  • Verify a signal under one of the following conditions:
       

    • The water level raises or lowers 3 inches from the required level within a pressure tank
       

    • The water level raises or lowers 12 inches from the required level within a nonpressure tank
       

  • Verify a signal to indicate the restoration of the required water level
       
 

Water temperature switches

       

  • Operate the switch
       

  • Verify a signal to indicate a decrease in water temperature to 40° F
       

  • Verify a signal to indicate a restoration in water temperature to above 40° F
       
 

Waterflow devices

       

Flow water through an inspector's test connection

       

  • Verify a signal under one of the following conditions:
       

    • A flow of water equal to that from a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size for wet pipe systems
       

    • An alarm test bypass connection for dry pipe, preaction, or deluge systems
       

 

Additional comments:______________________________________________________

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Source: Based on information from Table 7-2.2 in NFPA 72 (1999 edition).






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