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Old 01-23-2007, 05:50 PM
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Question From dry pipe to fm200?!

So here is an interesting request from one of my clients. They have tasked me with converting their existing dry pipe system to fm200. The computer room is about 7,000sq ft and the current dry pipe system is in 4 zones. A running nightmare for sure!

Has anyone had to do this conversion in the past? Since I have never installed an fm200 system before, can you enlighten me on the piping required? One theory I want to investigate is whether or not it would be feasable to convert the current water line to an fm200 line by disconnecting it from the water source and tying in the fm200 system. Obviously the sprinkler heads would need to be replaced.

I plan on getting a contractor in to design and build the system but would like to know what to expect and get some feedback. I personally think they are out of their mind but the customer is always right

--Keith
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Old 01-23-2007, 07:42 PM
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Two things. First, when we converted a small data center to full-containment gas (FE-13), the local inspector (ie, AHJ) would not allow us to remove the pre-action overhead sprinkler system because, in his opinion, it would result in less protection for the space. So, check with your customer's local AHJ about what you are permitted to do. Second, FM-200 is pretty antiquated. You may find that some other, more modern suppression agent suits your needs (as well as existing pipe sizing and distribution) better.

Ken
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Old 01-24-2007, 05:29 AM
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So if not FM200, would you prefer Inergen or perhaps argon or something else?

I am a volunteer firefighter for the customer's local county fire department. Perhaps I can find someone who knows a friendly marshall who can answer some questions for me.

--Keith
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Old 01-24-2007, 03:37 PM
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Our current project is using FE-25 (Fike Ecaro) to replace Halon in a subfloor application. The FE-25 characteristics allows us to use the same piping and cylinder sizes. I've also heard good things about Ansul Sapphire. Inergen is also popular. If your client has the money and space for argon , that's the way to go.

Ken
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Old 01-25-2007, 05:34 PM
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Ken,
Thanks for the reply as always. I am going to meet with some installers next week and get them to check out the space and try to sell me on a solution. Among the group, I have Tyco/SimplexGrinnel coming by to sell me on Sapphire/novec 1230. Have you ever worked with SimplexGrinnel? I see their vans out here quite a bit...

Regards,
Keith
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Old 01-25-2007, 07:18 PM
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No experience with T/SG, but the quality of work you get from a big outfit like this depends mostly on the capabilities of their people in your area.

Let us know how it goes.

Ken
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