Fire suppression devices; extinguishant supply systems.

(a) Fire suppression systems using water or liquid chemical to protect attended equipment shall:

(1) Be maintained at a pressure consistent with the pipe, fittings, valves, and nozzles used in the system.

(2) Be located so as to be protected against damage during operation of the equipment protected.

(3) Employ liquid which is free from excessive sediment and noncorrosive to the system.

(4) Include strainers equipped with flush-out connections or equivalent protective devices and a rising stem or other visual indicator-type shutoff valve.

(b) Water supplies for fire suppression devices installed on underground equipment may be maintained in mounted water tanks or by connection to water mains. Such water supplies shall be continuously connected to the fire suppression device whenever the equipment is connected to a power source, except for a reasonable time for changing hose connections to hydrants while the machine is stopped in a ventilated passageway.

[37 FR 15302, July 29, 1972]