Building Safety: Check FDC and Sprinkler System Signs
By Mark Conroy
Safety signs are installed on buildings to assist the local fire department in identifying important sprinkler system
valves, components, and critical information. These signs help label things so first responders can quickly perform
critical tasks upon arrival. Making sure the signs are in place, and legible, improves safety for fire fighters and
building occupants. That is why a check for code compliant signage is critical.
FDC Signs
NFPA 13 requires a sign at each fire department connection (FDC). NFPA 25 requires fire department connections to be
inspected quarterly to assure FDC signs (A246) are in place and hung in an approved manner. Installing new signs and
replacing missing/broken chains and S-Hooks is done at that time.
Sprinkler Valve Signs
Sprinkler system control valve signs (A226) indicate valve function and what each valve controls. These signs tell what
portion of the building is served by each valve. Systems that have more than one closed control valve for service must
have a sign on each affected valve and reference the location of other affected valves. The complexity of the signage
depends on complexity of the system.
Sprinkler Fire Alarm Signs
NFPA 25 requires outside alarm devices to be checked annually for proper signage. These signs (A165 and RP251) are
required to be near the alarm device, conspicuously located.
Hydraulic Information Signs
A sign is required that has hydraulic design information. These signs can be installed at the alarm valve, dry pipe
valve, preaction valve, or deluge valve for each hydraulically designed area. Each sign is required to have certain
information, such as discharge densities and residual pressure.
Other Signs
Signs are required for the system control riser supplying an antifreeze loop, dry system, preaction system, or
auxiliary system control valve. Those signs must provide the following information:
- Location of the area served by the system (A226)
- Location of auxiliary drains and low-point drains (A225)
- The presence and location of anti¬freeze systems (A224) or other auxiliary systems
Hanging Signs with Chains
Signs are required by NFPA 13 to be metal or rigid plastic and be secured with a chain or an equivalent method. Hanging
signs with corrosion-resistant chain (DJC4) is simple and quick with S-Hooks (SHK).
A certified sprinkler fitter, with access to the codes and code compliant replacement signs, is most qualified to
perform these tasks. Checking and replacing problematic sprinkler system signage improves safety for fire fighters and
overall life safety for building occupants.
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Mark Conroy is an engineer in our Boston, MA office.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the above Tech Series article are the author’s only and
provide limited information. Although the information is believed to be reliable, Brooks Equipment
Company, LLC expressly disclaims any warranty with respect to the information and any liability for
errors or omissions. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the
information’s accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. The authority
having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.