Attendees:

Lynn Trickle – Napa FD
Tom Bednar – Lund Pearson McLaughlin
Ben Lehr – Grinnell Fire Protection
John Gillilan – CAFAA
David Downing – Millbrae FD
David Dewey (?) – Daly City FD
Larry Larson – NFSA
Todd Larson – Geo. M. Robinson
Steve Hart – NFSIP

"PEX" Sprinkler Systems

Larry Larson informed us that the ½" plastic tubing "PEX" and it’s fittings have been UL listed. Among other uses, this piping has been used in underfloor heating systems. Now that it has a UL listing, it is being proposed for use in residential sprinkler systems. This proposed sprinkler system uses a "network" or "cross-linked" system in which the piping feeds both the domestic fixtures within the residence and the fire sprinklers.

A round table discussion was held. Many of the participants had some previous knowledge of this proposed type of system and indicated it looked like a "spider web nightmare" in the attic. The overall discussion ended without finding any positive value to this type of system since it has too many questionable aspects concerning the sprinkler system design, installation and inspection. The concept was definitely not welcomed with open arms.

Performance Based Design

The Performance Based Design concept was brought up and a short discussion ensued. One of the issues discussed concerned the computer program used to determine the "Performance Based Design". Since the design parameters are the direct results of the criteria built into the computer program, who chooses (creates) the baseline parameters? How do we know if they are acceptable?

A second issue was the fact that the building dynamics very often change. What was considered an acceptable design when the building was built could become void with the introduction of a new tenant (different use parameters) and/or design changes to the building.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynn Trickle
Equipment and Devices Committee