Section R309 — AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in townhouses.

Exception: An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required where additions or alterations are made to existing townhouses that do not have an automatic sprinkler system installed.

R309.1.1 Design and installation. Automatic sprinkler systems for townhouses shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section R309 or NFPA 13D.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings.

Exceptions:

1. An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required for additions or alterations to existing buildings that are not already provided with a sprinkler system. 2. Accessory Dwelling Unit, provided that all of the following are met: 2.1. The unit meets the definition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit as defined in the Government Code Section 65852.2. 2.2. The existing primary residence does not have automatic fire sprinklers. 2.3. The accessory detached dwelling unit does not exceed 1,200 square feet in size. 2.4. The unit is on the same lot as the primary residence.

R309.2.1 Design and installation. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section R309 or NFPA 13D.

R309.3.1 General. The design and installation of automatic sprinkler systems shall be in accordance with NFPA 13D or Section R309.3, which shall be considered to be equivalent to NFPA 13D. Partial automatic sprinkler systems shall be permitted to be installed only in buildings not required to be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system. Section R309.3 shall apply to standalone and multipurpose wet-pipe sprinkler systems that do not include the use of antifreeze. A multipurpose automatic sprinkler system shall provide domestic water to both fire sprinklers and plumbing fixtures. A stand-alone automatic sprinkler system shall be separate and independent from the water distribution system.

R309.3.1.1 Backflow protection. A backflow preventer shall not be required to separate a sprinkler system from the water distri- bution system, provided that: 1. The system complies with NFPA 13D or Section R309; 2. Piping materials are suitable for potable water in accordance with the California Plumbing Code; and 3. The system does not contain antifreeze or have a fire department connection.

R309.3.1.2 Required sprinkler locations. Sprinklers shall be installed to protect all areas of a dwelling unit.

Exceptions:

1. Attics, crawl spaces and normally unoccupied concealed spaces that do not contain fuel-fired appliances do not require sprinklers. In attics, crawl spaces and normally unoccupied concealed spaces that contain fuel-fired equipment, a sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment; however, sprinklers shall not be required in the remainder of the space.
2. Clothes closets, linen closets and pantries not exceeding 24 square feet (2.2 m [2] ) in area, with the smallest dimension not greater than 3 feet (915 mm) and having wall and ceiling surfaces of gypsum board.
3. Bathrooms not more than 55 square feet (5.1 m [2] ) in area.
4. Garages; carports; exterior porches; unheated entry areas, such as mud rooms, that are adjacent to an exterior door; and similar areas.

R309.3.2 Sprinklers. Sprinklers shall be new listed residential sprinklers and shall be installed in accordance with the sprinkler manufacturer’s instructions.

R309.3.2.1 Temperature rating and separation from heat sources. Except as provided for in Section R309.3.2, sprinklers shall have a temperature rating of not less than 135°F (57°C) and not more than 225°F (107°C). Sprinklers shall be separated from heat sources as required by the sprinkler manufacturer’s installation instructions.

R309.3.2.2 Intermediate temperature sprinklers. Sprinklers shall have an intermediate temperature rating not less than 175°F (79°C) and not more than 225°F (107°C) where installed in the following locations:

1. Directly under skylights, where the sprinkler is exposed to direct sunlight.

2. In attics.

3. In concealed spaces located directly beneath a roof.

4. Within the distance to a heat source as specified in Table R309.3.2.2 .

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TABLE R309.3.2.2—LOCATIONS WHERE INTERMEDIATE TEMPERATURE SPRINKLERS ARE REQUIRED

R309.3.2.3 Freezing areas. Piping shall be protected from freezing as required by the California Plumbing Code or by using one of the following:

1. A dry-pipe automatic sprinkler system that is listed for residential occupancy applications.
2. Dry-sidewall or dry-pendent sprinklers extending from a nonfreezing area into a freezing area. 3. Where fire sprinkler piping cannot be adequately protected against freezing, the system shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13D.

R309.3.2.4 Sprinkler coverage. Sprinkler coverage requirements and sprinkler obstruction requirements shall be in accordance with Sections R309.3.2.4.1 and R309.3.2.4.2.

R309.3.2.4.1 Coverage area limit. The area of coverage of a single sprinkler shall not exceed 400 square feet (37 m [2] ) and shall be based on the sprinkler listing and the sprinkler manufacturer’s installation instructions.

R309.3.2.4.2 Obstructions to coverage. Sprinkler discharge shall not be blocked by obstructions unless additional sprinklers are installed to protect the obstructed area. Additional sprinklers shall not be required where the sprinkler separation from obstructions complies with either the minimum distance indicated in Figure R309.3.2.4.2 or the minimum distances specified in the sprinkler manufacturer’s instructions where the manufacturer’s instructions permit a lesser distance.

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FIGURE R309.3.2.4.2 —MINIMUM ALLOWABLE DISTANCE BETWEEN SPRINKLER AND OBSTRUCTION

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

R309.3.2.4.2.1 Additional requirements for pendent sprinklers. Pendent sprinklers within 3 feet (915 mm) of the center of a ceiling fan, surface-mounted ceiling luminaire or similar object shall be considered to be obstructed, and additional sprinklers shall be installed.

R309.3.2.4.2.2 Additional requirements for side-wall sprinklers. Sidewall sprinklers within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the center of a ceiling fan, surface-mounted ceiling luminaire or similar object shall be considered to be obstructed, and additional sprinklers shall be installed.

R309.3.2.5 Sprinkler installation on systems assembled with solvent cement. The solvent cementing of threaded adapter fittings shall be completed and threaded adapters for sprinklers shall be verified as being clear of excess cement prior to the installation of sprinklers on systems assembled with solvent cement.

R309.3.2.6 Sprinkler modifications prohibited. Painting, caulking or modifying of sprinklers shall be prohibited. Sprinklers that have been painted, caulked, modified or damaged shall be replaced with new sprinklers.

R309.3.3 Sprinkler piping system. Sprinkler piping shall be supported in accordance with requirements for cold water distribution piping. Sprinkler piping shall comply with the requirements for cold water distribution piping. For multipurpose piping systems, the sprinkler piping shall connect to and be a part of the cold water distribution piping system.

Exception: For plastic piping, it shall be permissible to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

R309.3.3.1 Nonmetallic pipe and tubing. Nonmetallic pipe and tubing, such as CPVC, PEX, and PE-RT shall be listed for use in residential automatic sprinkler systems.

R309.3.3.1.1 Nonmetallic pipe protection. Nonmetallic pipe and tubing systems shall be protected from exposure to the living space by a layer of not less than [3] / 8 -inch-thick (9.5 mm) gypsum wallboard, [1] / 2 -inch-thick (13 mm) plywood, or other material having a 15-minute fire rating.

Exceptions:

1. Pipe protection shall not be required in areas that do not require protection with sprinklers as specified in Section R309.3.1.2 .

2. Pipe protection shall not be required where exposed piping is permitted by the pipe listing .

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R309.3.3.2 Shutoff valves prohibited. With the exception of shutoff valves for the entire water distribution system or a single master control valve for the automatic sprinkler system that is locked in the open position, valves shall not be installed in any location where the valve would isolate piping serving one or more sprinklers.

R309.3.3.3 Single dwelling limit. Piping beyond the service valve located at the beginning of the water distribution system shall not serve more than one dwelling.

R309.3.3.4 Drain. A means to drain the automatic sprinkler system shall be provided on the system side of the water distribution shutoff valve.

R309.3.4 Determining system design flow. The flow for sizing the sprinkler piping system shall be based on Sections R309.3.4.1 and R309.3.4.2

R309.3.4.1 Determining required flow rate for each sprinkler. The minimum required flow for each sprinkler shall be determined using the sprinkler manufacturer’s published data for the specific sprinkler model based on all of the following:

1. The area of coverage.
2. The ceiling configuration, in accordance with Sections R309.3.4.1.1 through R309.3.4.1.3 .
3. The temperature rating.
4. Any additional conditions specified by the sprinkler manufacturer.

R309.3.4.1.1 Ceiling configurations. Manufacturer’s published flow rates for sprinklers tested under a ceiling 8 feet (2438 mm) in height, in accordance with the sprinkler listing, shall be used for the following ceiling configurations, provided that the ceiling surface does not have significant irregularities, lumps or indentations and is continuous in a single plane.

1. Ceilings that are horizontal or that have a slope not exceeding 8 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (67 percent), without beams, provided that the ceiling height, measured to the highest point, does not exceed 24 feet (7315 mm) above the floor. Where the slope exceeds 2 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17 percent), the highest sprinkler installed along the sloped portion of a ceiling shall be positioned above all communicating openings connecting the sloped ceiling compartment with an adjacent space.

2. Ceilings that are horizontal or that have a slope not exceeding 8 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (67 percent), with beams, provided that the ceiling height, measured to the highest point, does not exceed 24 feet (7315 mm) above the floor. Beams shall not exceed 14 inches (350 mm) in depth, and pendent sprinklers shall be installed under the beams as described at the end of this section. The compartment containing the beamed ceiling shall not exceed 600 square feet (56 m [2] ) in area. Where the slope does not exceed 2 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17 percent), the highest sprinkler in the compartment shall be above all communicating openings connecting the compartment with an adjacent space. Where the slope exceeds 2 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17 percent), the highest sprinkler installed along the sloped portion of a ceiling shall be positioned above all communicating openings connecting the sloped ceiling compartment with an adjacent space.

3. Ceilings that have a slope exceeding 2 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17 percent) but not exceeding 8 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (67 percent), with beams of any depth, provided that the ceiling height, measured to the highest point, does not exceed 24 feet (7315 mm) above the floor. Sidewall or pendent sprinklers shall be installed in each pocket formed by beams. The compartment containing the sloped, beamed ceiling shall not exceed 600 square feet (56 m [2] ) in area.

t not exceeding 8 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (67 percent), with beams of any depth, provided that the ceiling height, measured to the highest point, does not exceed 24 feet (7315 mm) above the floor. Sidewall or pendent sprinklers shall be installed in each pocket formed by beams. The compartment containing the sloped, beamed ceiling shall not exceed 600 square feet (56 m [2] ) in area.

Pendent, recessed pendent and flush-type pendent sprinklers installed directly under a beam having a maximum depth of 14 inches (356 mm) shall have the sprinkler deflector located not less than 1 inch (25 mm) or more than 2 inches (51 mm) below the bottom of the beam. Pendent sprinklers installed adjacent to the bottom of a beam having a maximum depth of 14 inches (356 mm) shall be positioned such that the vertical centerline of the sprinkler is not more than 2 inches (51 mm) from the edge of the beam, with the sprinkler deflector located not less than 1 inch (25 mm) or more than 2 inches (51 mm) below the bottom of the beam. Pendent sprinklers shall also be permitted to be installed less than 1 inch (25 mm) below the bottom of a beam where in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions for installation of flush sprinklers.

R309.3.4.1.2 Ceiling configurations with special sprinkler listings. For ceiling configurations not specified in Section R309.3.4.1.1 the manufacturer’s published flow rate for sprinklers that have been listed for protection of such configurations shall be used.

R309.3.4.1.3 Other ceiling configurations. For ceiling configurations not addressed by Section R309.3.4.1.1 or R309.3.4.1.2 the flow rate shall be subject to approval by the building official.

R309.3.4.2 System design flow rate. The design flow rate for the system shall be based on the following:

1. The design flow rate for a room having only one sprinkler shall be the flow rate required for that sprinkler, as determined by Section R309.3.4.1.

2. The design flow rate for a room having two or more sprinklers shall be determined by identifying the sprinkler in that room with the highest required flow rate, based on Section R309.3.4.1, and multiplying that flow rate by 2.

3. Where the sprinkler manufacturer specifies different criteria for ceiling configurations that are not smooth, flat and horizontal, the required flow rate for that room shall comply with the sprinkler manufacturer’s instructions.

4. The design flow rate for the automatic sprinkler system shall be the flow required by the room with the largest flow rate, based on Items 1, 2 and 3.

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5. For the purpose of this section, it shall be permissible to reduce the design flow rate for a room by subdividing the space into two or more rooms, where each room is evaluated separately with respect to the required design flow rate. Each room shall be bounded by walls and a ceiling. Openings in walls shall have a lintel not less than 8 inches (203 mm) in depth and each lintel shall form a solid barrier between the ceiling and the top of the opening.

e to reduce the design flow rate for a room by subdividing the space into two or more rooms, where each room is evaluated separately with respect to the required design flow rate. Each room shall be bounded by walls and a ceiling. Openings in walls shall have a lintel not less than 8 inches (203 mm) in depth and each lintel shall form a solid barrier between the ceiling and the top of the opening.

R309.3.5 Water supply. The water supply shall provide not less than the required design flow rate for sprinklers in accordance with Section R309.3.4.2 at a pressure not less than that used to comply with Section R309.3.6. Where a water supply serves both domestic and fire sprinkler systems, 5 gpm (19 L/min) shall be added to the sprinkler system demand at the point where the systems are connected, to determine the size of common piping and the size of the total water supply requirements where no provision is made to prevent flow into the domestic water system upon operation of a sprinkler. For multipurpose piping systems, the 5 gpm (19 L/min) demand shall be added at the domestic connection nearest the design area. This demand may be split between two domestic connec- tions at 2.5 gpm (10 L/min) each.

R309.3.5.1 Water supply from individual sources. Where a dwelling unit water supply is from a tank system, a private well system or a combination of these, the available water supply shall be based on the minimum pressure control setting for the

pump.

R309.3.5.2 Required capacity. The water supply shall have the capacity to provide the required design flow rate for sprinklers for a period of time as follows:

1. Seven minutes for dwelling units one story in height and less than 2,000 square feet (186 m [2] ) in area. For the purpose of determining the area of the dwelling unit, the area of attached garages and attached open carports, porches, balconies and patios shall not be included.
2. Ten minutes for dwelling units two or more stories in height or equal to or greater than 2,000 square feet (186 m [2] ) in area. For the purpose of determining the area of the dwelling unit, the area of attached garages and attached open carports, porches, balconies and patios shall not be included.

R309.3.5.2.1 Where a well system, a water supply tank system or a combination thereof is used, the configuration for the system shall be one of the following: 1. The water supply shall serve both domestic and fire sprinkler systems. Any combination of well capacity and tank storage shall be permitted to meet the capacity requirement. 2. A stand-alone tank is permitted if the following conditions are met: 2.1. The pump shall be connected to a 220-volt circuit breaker shared with a common household appliance (e.g., range, oven, dryer), 2.2. The pump shall be a stainless steel 240-volt pump, 2.3. A valve shall be provided to exercise the pump. The discharge of the exercise valve shall be piped to the tank, and

2. A stand-alone tank is permitted if the following conditions are met: 2.1. The pump shall be connected to a 220-volt circuit breaker shared with a common household appliance (e.g., range, oven, dryer), 2.2. The pump shall be a stainless steel 240-volt pump, 2.3. A valve shall be provided to exercise the pump. The discharge of the exercise valve shall be piped to the tank, and

2.4. A sign shall be provided stating “Valve must be opened monthly for 5 minutes.” 2.5. A means for automatically refilling the tank level so that the tank capacity will meet the required water supply duration in minutes shall be provided.

R309.3.5.3 Connections to automatic fire sprinkler systems. The potable water supply to automatic fire sprinkler shall be protected against backflow by a double check backflow prevention assembly, a double check fire protection backflow prevention assembly, a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly or a reduced pressure principle fire protection backflow prevention assembly.

Exception: Where permitted by Section R309.3.1.1, backflow protection for the water supply system shall not be required.

R309.3.5.3.1 Additives or nonpotable source. Where systems contain chemical additives or antifreeze, or where systems are connected to a nonpotable secondary water supply, the potable water supply shall be protected against backflow by a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly or a reduced pressure principle fire protection backflow prevention assembly. Where chemical additives or antifreeze is added to only a portion of an automatic sprinkler or standpipe system, the reduced pressure principle fire protection backflow preventer shall be permitted to be located so as to isolate that portion of the system.

R309.3.6 Pipe sizing. The piping to sprinklers shall be sized for the flow required by Section R309.3.4.2. The flow required to supply the plumbing fixtures shall not be required to be added to the sprinkler design flow.

R309.3.6.1 Method of sizing pipe. Piping supplying sprinklers shall be sized using the prescriptive method in Section R309.3.6.2 or by hydraulic calculation in accordance with NFPA 13D. The minimum pipe size from the water supply source to any sprinkler shall be [3] / 4 inch (19 mm) nominal. Threaded adapter fittings at the point where sprinklers are attached to the piping shall be not less than [1] / 2 inch (13 mm) nominal.

R309.3.6.2 Prescriptive pipe sizing method. Pipe shall be sized by determining the available pressure to offset friction loss in piping and identifying a piping material, diameter and length using the equation in Section R309.3.6.2.1 and the procedure in Section R309.3.6.2.2 .

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TABLE R309.3.6.2(1)—WATER SERVICE PRESSURE LOSS (PL ) a, b
svc

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 0.063 L/s, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa.
NP = Not Permitted. Pressure loss exceeds reasonable limits.
a. Values are applicable for underground piping materials listed in_ the California Plumbing Code_ and are based on an SDR of 11 and a Hazen Williams C Factor of 150.
b. Values include the following length allowances for fittings: 25-percent length increase for actual lengths up to 100 feet and 15-percent length increase for actual lengths over
100 feet.
c. Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2. Add 5 gpm to the flow rate required by Section_R309.3.4.2_ where the water service pipe supplies more than one dwelling.

TABLE R309.3.6.2(2)—MINIMUM WATER METER PRESSURE LOSS (PL )a
m

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TABLE R309.3.6.2(3)—ELEVATION LOSS (PL)
e

TABLE R309.3.6.2(4)—ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 3/-INCH TYPE M COPPER WATER TUBING
4

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TABLE R309.3.6.2(5)—ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 1-INCH TYPE M COPPER WATER TUBING

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TABLE R309.3.6.2(6)—ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 3/-INCH CPVC PIPE
4

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TABLE R309.3.6.2(7)—ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 1-INCH CPVC PIPE

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TABLE R309.3.6.2(8)—ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 3/-INCH PEX AND PE-RT TUBING
4

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TABLE R309.3.6.2(9)—ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 1-INCH PEX AND PE-RT TUBING

R309.3.6.2.1 Available pressure equation. The pressure available to offset friction loss in the interior piping system ( P t ) shall be determined in accordance with the Equation 29-1. Equation 29-1 P t = P sup - PL svc - PL m - PL d - PL e - P sp

where:

P t = Pressure used in applying Tables R309.3.6.2 (4) through R309.3.6.2 (9). P sup = Pressure available from the water supply source. PL svc = Pressure loss in the water service pipe. [Table R309.3.6.2 (1)] PL m = Pressure loss in the water meter. [Table R309.3.6.2 (2)]

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PL d = Pressure loss from devices other than the water meter. PL e = Pressure loss associated with changes in elevation. [Table R309.3.6.2 (3)] P sp = Maximum pressure required by a sprinkler. R309.3.6.2.2 Calculation procedure. Determination of the required size for water distribution piping shall be in accordance with the following procedure: Step 1—Determine P sup Obtain the static supply pressure that will be available from the water main from the water purveyor, or for an individual source, the available supply pressure shall be in accordance with Section R309.3.5.1.

Step 2—Determine PL svc

Use Table R309.3.6.2 (1) to determine the pressure loss in the water service pipe based on the selected size of the water service.

Step 3—Determine PL m

Use Table R309.3.6.2 (2) to determine the pressure loss from the water meter, based on the selected water meter size.

Step 4—Determine PL d

Determine the pressure loss from devices other than the water meter installed in the piping system supplying sprinklers, such as pressure-reducing valves, backflow preventers, water softeners or water filters. Device pressure losses shall be based on the device manufacturer’s specifications. The flow rate used to determine pressure loss shall be the rate from Section R309.3.4.2, except that 5 gpm (0.3 L/s) shall be added where the device is installed in a water service pipe that supplies more than one dwelling. As an alternative to deducting pressure loss for a device, an automatic bypass valve shall be installed to divert flow around the device when a sprinkler activates.

Step 5—Determine PL e

Use Table R309.3.6.2 (3) to determine the pressure loss associated with changes in elevation. The elevation used in applying the table shall be the difference between the elevation where the water source pressure was measured and the elevation of the highest sprinkler. Step 6—Determine P sp Determine the maximum pressure required by any individual sprinkler based on the flow rate from Section R309.3.4.1 . The required pressure is provided in the sprinkler manufacturer’s published data for the specific sprinkler model based on the selected flow rate.

Step 7—Calculate P t

Using Equation 29-1, calculate the pressure available to offset friction loss in water-distribution piping between the service valve and the sprinklers.

Step 8—Determine the maximum allowable pipe length

Use Tables R309.3.6.2 (4) through R309.3.6.2 (9) to select a material and size for water distribution piping. The piping material and size shall be acceptable if the developed length of pipe between the service valve and the most remote sprinkler does not exceed the maximum allowable length specified by the applicable table. Interpolation of P t between the tabular values shall be permitted.

The maximum allowable length of piping in Tables R309.3.6.2 (4) through R309.3.6.2 (9) incorporates an adjustment for pipe fittings. Additional consideration of friction losses associated with pipe fittings shall not be required.

R309.3.7 Instructions and signs. An owner’s manual for the automatic sprinkler system shall be provided to the owner. A sign or valve tag shall be installed at the main shutoff valve to the water distribution system stating, “Warning, the water system for this home supplies fire sprinklers that require certain flows and pressures to fight a fire. Devices that restrict the flow or decrease the pressure or automatically shut off the water to the fire sprinkler system, such as water softeners, filtration systems and automatic shutoff valves, shall not be added to this system without a review of the fire sprinkler system by a fire protection specialist. Do not remove this sign.”

R309.3.8 Inspections. The water distribution system shall be inspected in accordance with Sections R309.3.8.1 and R309.3.8.2.

R309.3.8.1 Preconcealment inspection. The following items shall be verified prior to the concealment of any automatic sprinkler system piping:

1. Sprinklers are installed in all areas as required by Section R309.3.1.1.
2. Where sprinkler water spray patterns are obstructed by construction features, luminaires or ceiling fans, additional sprinklers are installed as required by Section R309.3.2.4.2.
3. Sprinklers are the correct temperature rating and are installed at or beyond the required separation distances from heat sources as required by Sections R309.3.2.1 and R309.3.2.2 .
4. The pipe size equals or exceeds the size used in applying Tables R309.3.6.2 (4) through R309.3.6.2 (9) or, if the piping system was hydraulically calculated in accordance with Section R309.3.6.1, the size used in the hydraulic calculation.
5. The pipe length does not exceed the length permitted by Tables R309.3.6.2 (4) through R309.3.6.2 (9) or, if the piping system was hydraulically calculated in accordance with Section R309.3.6.1, pipe lengths and fittings do not exceed those used in the hydraulic calculation.

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6. Nonmetallic piping that conveys water to sprinklers is listed for use with fire sprinklers.

7. Piping is supported in accordance with the pipe manufacturer’s and sprinkler manufacturer’s installation instructions.

8. The piping system is tested in accordance with the California Plumbing Code.

R309.3.8.2 Final inspection. The following items shall be verified upon completion of the system:

1. Sprinklers are not painted, damaged or otherwise hindered from operation.
2. Where a pump is required to provide water to the system, the pump starts automatically upon system water demand.
3. Pressure-reducing valves, water softeners, water filters or other impairments to water flow that were not part of the original design have not been installed.
4. The sign or valve tag required by Section R309.3.7 is installed and the owner’s manual for the system is present.