8:39 AM 7/30/2019
Two stop work orders
1. 2019-Jan-31
2. 2019-Jul-17


1:21 PM 7/26/2019
TIA: tentative interim amendments 
concerning antifreeze solutions issued for NFPA 13, 13D and 13R 
with an effective date of March 21, 2011.

For all new systems, 
solutions containing 
glycerin are limited to 48% by volume, 
and systems using 
propylene glycol are limited to 38%. 

The solutions must be factory premixed.
This provides a protection level of -16° F for systems with glycerin and -3° F for glycol

a TIA was issued for NFPA 25 covering existing systems, 
which allows a 50% solution of glycerin and 40% for glycol. 

However, if for any reason a system must be drained or modified, 
the solutions cannot exceed the 48% or 38% thresholds. 

These requirements are not simply for dwelling units, 
but for all existing systems utilizing antifreeze solutions.

There are other requirements such as signage showing the percent of solution used, 
but the big issue facing the industry with these changes is the limited freeze protection
 (maximum of -16° F). 
Many areas in the United States and most of Canada require 
protection levels in excess of those provided with the new solution limitations.

Per NFPA 25, the property owner or designated representative shall ensure that water-filled piping is maintained at a minimum 40 degrees Fahrenheit, unless an approved antifreeze solution is utilized. Thus, freeze protection can be accomplished by eliminating unheated spaces. This can be an appropriate solution for indoor areas (such as attics). However, it cannot be used to protect exterior canopies or similar building features.

Wet to dry-pipe system conversions are cumbersome. Instead of a conversion, it’s likely easier to install a new dry-pipe system. Either way, a designer must obtain site specific information, including hydrant flow data.

https://www.nfpa.org/antifreeze
New Sprinkler Systems
 (i.e., installed after September 30, 2012) Containing Antifreeze – NFPA 13, NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R Sprinkler Systems 

With limited exceptions, all new antifreeze systems (systems installed after September 30, 2012)
 are required to use listed antifreeze solutions.
 The listing of the antifreeze solution must indicate that the solution will not ignite when discharged from a sprinkler.

 The exceptions to the requirement for listed antifreeze solutions are as follows:
Factory premixed antifreeze solutions of propylene glycol in excess of 40% by volume are permitted in ESFR
 (Early Suppression Fast Response) systems where the sprinklers are listed for such use in a specific application. 

The listing will indicate the maximum percentage of propylene glycol that can be used with the specific sprinkler. 
Limited use of factory premixed antifreeze solutions of propylene glycol up to 38%and glycerin up to 48%are permitted in “specific areas” of new NFPA 13D installations where approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

The designer must provide documentation to the AHJ substantiating the use of traditional antifreeze solutions.
New systems, once installed, must be annually tested in the manner required for existing systems, summarized below.