Also insideOptimizing Solar ContributionOptimizing Solar Contribution ... 32 Solar Solutions: Basic...

September 2009

Also insideAlso insideOptimizing Solar ContributionOptimizing Solar Contribution

Patents protecting plumbing products Patents protecting plumbing products The ENERGY STAR Water Heater Way The ENERGY STAR Water Heater Way

— Bene!ting the Environment— Bene!ting the Environment

Advanced Mixing Devices Designed to Protect End Users

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Circle 1 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

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Page 4/Plumbing Engineer September 2009


Volume 37, Number 9, September 2009

FEATURES

September 2009

Also insideAlso insideOptimizing Solar ContributionOptimizing Solar Contribution

Patents protecting plumbing products Patents protecting plumbing products The ENERGY STAR Water Heater Way The ENERGY STAR Water Heater Way

— Bene!ting the Environment— Bene!ting the Environment


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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

INDUSTRY NEWS &OTHER DEPARTMENTS

8 | PMI leads green coalition

8 | Cooper NE earns top rep award

8 | Anvil Intl. obtains certification

10 | NBM’s lead free brass

10 | Sloan Valve’s efficient plumbing

12 | Cannistraro & BIM

12 | Grundfos launches tour

12 | Rheem harnesses the sun

46 | PRODUCT APP: HELIODYNE

56,58| LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

60| INDUSTRY MOVERS

62-63| NEW PRODUCTS

64| Classifieds

65 | Ad Index

66 | Fagan Co. gets mech. contract

66 | Habitat receives Caroma donation

COLUMNS6 Editor’s Letter: Work hard, endorse harder14 Designer’s Guide: The KISS Principle18 Code Update: Green high-rise plumbing design26 FPE Corner: Fire sprinkler design — Part 230 Modern Hydronics: First at the dinner table32 Solar Solutions: Basic Combi-System Controls

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Image courtesy of Leonard Valve Co.

Preventing the Scald 2009 International Plumbing Code (IPC) calls onadvanced mixing devices to better protect end users.

Read more on page 38

Optimizing Solar ContributionThe solar industry is moving forward with technologicaladvances in equipment and software to provide high qual-ity support to design engineers. Read more on page 40

Patents protecting plumbing productsWith all the time, resources and effort put into develop-ing plumbing products, you want to prevent your designsfrom being copied. Read more on page 48

ENERGY STAR water heater wayThe ENERGY STAR logo makes highly efficient waterheaters recognizable to consumers who value the financialand environmental benefits. Read more on page 52


Ihave to admit, I was never one for self-promotion. Sure, confidence is one

thing, but cockiness is another. But as I get older and wiser, I realize self-pro-motion and confidence are imperative to a professional career. And, in

today’s economic environment, it is imperative to sell yourself on a daily basis. Let’s take social networking. At first I was a bit skeptical. I mean, I believe

there is an aspect of it that lends itself to status. Bobby has 75 friends onFacebook®, Timmy has 25 connections on LinkedIn®. Who cares, right? Also,I’m not sure that I need to know what someone else is doing 24-hours a dayfrom a Tweet! It all seemed a bit self-smarmy to me, but to be honest, I havecome around I have warmed up to the potential benefits of social networking. Ican self-promote, connect and keep in contact with other like professionals,keep others updated on my professional and personal career, and I can even becontacted by some blast-from-the-past, high school unknowns. Okay, maybe notso important the latter, but it does happen.

Starting my career in editing/publishing, I moved in Portland, Ore., for a briefstint in the Northwest. As I combed the classifieds, I tried to find jobs thatmatched my experience. A-HA! I found it — an entry-level communications jobfor a major shoe manufacturer. I sent my resume and eagerly awaited theirresponse. And I waited, and waited… Nothing. No callback, no letter of denial,nada. I was pretty distraught. I remember thinking, “How can this companyendorse a 14-year-old soccer player for millions of dollars?” How could theysign a 14-year-old with the athletic potential, yet little experience, and me, arecently graduated college grad, not even a sniff?! I was perfect for that posi-tion! I just couldn’t understand it — an entry level salary compared to a million-dollar endorsement deal to a young boy, really when you think about it. As Ilook back at it now, it was all about company image and the endorsements thatpotentially would drive their shoe business. Sure, this company had its “slamdunk” endorsements, but then again, it had some that made them tremble withhesitation and trepidation. Aligning the company with endorsees who exhibitquestionable “off-the-field” behavior does not exactly embolden the companyimage with the public. The company pays billions in endorsement deals, andsome have worked. But when you endorse somebody, you endorse their talent,their life and their character.

It’s time to endorse yourself a little harder; endorse your business and endorsethe products in which you firmly believe and spec. In this volatile economic cli-mate, get a leg up on the competition any means possible, and social networkingcould be the answer. More than 200 million people are on Facebook; LinkedInhas around 35 million subscribers; and there are approximately six million userson Twitter®. It’s all about bolstering your self-promotive repertoire. Remember,confidence is “sexy.” Standing before a prospective client with your talentsshowcased and confidence exuding, how can that client know you are nothingbut money. Profess to your clients which manufacturer’s products you swear by.Endorse hard your character, work ethic and professionalism on a daily basis! �

Editorial, Advertising,Production, Accounting and

Administrative Offices

1838 Techny Ct.Northbrook, IL 60062

(847) 564-1127 • Fax: (847) 564-1264E-mail: [email protected]

OwnerTom M. Brown

Editorial & Production StaffJohn Mesenbrink, Editorial DirectorCate C. Brown, Production ManagerMark Bruno, Art Director/Prepress

ContributorsTimothy Allinson, P.E., Designer’s Guide

Richard Schulte, Fire ProtectionRon George, CIPE, CPD, Code UpdateBob “Hot Rod” Rohr, Green SystemsPaul Rohrs, Modern HydronicsBristol Stickney, Solar Solutions

Sales StaffBrad Burnside, Publisher East1838 Techny Court, Northbrook, IL60062 Phone: 847/564-1127 Cell: 224/659-3984Fax: 847/564-1264E-mail: [email protected]

David Schulte Midwest, South and E. Canada1838 Techny Court, Northbrook, IL 60062Phone: 847/564-1127 Cell: 847/420-4686Fax: 847/564-1264E-mail: [email protected]

Diane Spangler West, Texas and W. CanadaPO Box 9802, Fountain Valley, CA92728 Phone: 714/839-6700Fax: 714/839-6777E-mail: [email protected]

Work hard, endorse harder

Editor’s Letter


PLUMBING ENGINEER(USPS 567-950) ISSN 0192-1711

PLUMBING ENGINEER (USPS 567-950) ISSN 0192-1711 is published monthly by TMB Publishing Inc., 1838 TechnyCourt, Northbrook, IL 60062. Phone (847) 564-1127, Fax (847) 564-1264. Magazine is free to those who design and spec-ify plumbing/piping systems in commercial, industrial, institutional and governmental buildings; as well as government offi-cials and plumbing inspectors. Subscription rates for U.S. and Canada: $50 for one year, $90 for two years. Other coun-tries: $300 per year. Periodical postage paid at Northbrook, IL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Change ofaddress should be sent to Plumbing Engineer, 519 E. Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. Material and opinions con-tained in contributed articles are the responsibility of the authors, not of TMB Publishing Inc., Plumbing Engineer maga-zine or its Editorial Advisory Board. The publisher cannot assume responsibility for any claims made by advertisers.Copyright © 2007 TMB Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Volume 36, Number 8. Plumbing Engineer is microfilmed byUniversity Microfilms, Ann Arbor, MI, and indexed by Engineering Index Inc. Publications Mail Agreement No. 41499518.Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to PO Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill ON L4B 4R6

Leonard...the right mix.

Leonard Valve’s series ofemergency mixing valves still provide the same qualityand performance and arenow certified to the newASSE 1071 standard.

ASSE Standard 1071 wasdeveloped to work withsystems that comply withANSI Z358.1 (2004) foremergency equipment (i.e. eye/face wash anddrench showers). It adds a logical assurance thatemergency mixing valvesprovide tepid water to theemergency devices.

Key performance requirementis Cold Water Failure, Section1.2.6, stating that “upon coldwater failure, the hot watershall continue to flow at a rate not to exceed the values listed in Table 1.”

We’ve always published our bypass flow rates andcan continue to say withconfidence that we’ve gotyour tempered water needscovered.

Leonard’s emergency mixing valves utilize ourDURA-TROL® bi-metal whichare the most durable andfastest reacting thermostatsin the industry. Precise watertemperature control is whatyou can expect from Leonard Valve.

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Table 1Flow @ 30.0 psi ± 0.5 psi Permissible temperature variation Maximum allowable flow (206.9 kPa ± 3.4 kPa) differential above or below set point with cold water shut offGPM L/min ºF ºC GPM L/min<7.0 <26.5 +3.0/-5.0 +1.7/-2.8 0.5 1.97.0<20.0 <26.5<75.7 +5.0/-8.0 +2.8/-4.4 1.0 3.820.0<40.0 <75.7<151.4 +7.0/-12.0 +3.9/-6.7 1.5 5.740.0 and over Over 151.4 +7.0/-15.0 +3.9/-8.3 2.0 7.6

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Industry News

rolliNG meaDoWs, ill. — a coalition led by the Plumbingmanufacturers institute (Pmi) recently helped texas joinCalifornia as the second state nationwide to require high-efficiency toilets (hets) in all new residential and com-mercial construction. an het is defined as a water closetthat uses no more than 1.28 gallons of water per flush(GPF), or 20% less than the 1.6-GPF models mandated bythe National energy Policy act of 1992 (ePact).

texas house Bill 2667, which was signed into law byGovernor rick Perry on June 19, also sets maximumshowerhead flow rates at 2.5 gallons per minute and uri-nal flush volumes at 0.5 GPF. effective september 1 ofthis year, the legislation mandates that toilet and urinalmanufacturers phase in hets over the next four years,starting with 50% of in-state sales by January 1, 2010, andculminating with 100% by January 1, 2014. in addition,hB 2667 contains two other key provisions:

any plumbing product certified by the federalWatersense® Program is exempt from the new texas effi-ciency standards. this marks the first time thatWatersense, which was unveiled by the u.s.environmental Protection agency in 2006, has beenspecifically referenced in a state law.

PMI leads green coalition to drive new water efficiency standards in Texas

More Industry News on page 10

hB 2667 repeals all manufacturer product-filing feesand testing requirements, formerly required by the texasCommission on environmental Quality, the state testingand certification agency.

testifying on behalf of the legislation, which was filedon march 6 by rep. alan ritter (D-Nederland), wereCarole Baker of the alliance for Water efficiency andKaren Guz of the san antonio Water system, in additionto Pmi technical Director shawn martin. environmentalgroups, such as the National Wildlife Federation and thelone star Chapter of the sierra Club, also registered theirsupport for hB 2667, helping to speed its passage throughboth houses of the texas legislature this past april andmay.

that relatively smooth progress through the legislaturereflects the strength of the coalition that Pmi helped buildover the previous 12 months. Working closely with stateenvironmentalists and water-conservation organizations,the association also maintained close communicationswith rep. ritter, who is the chair of the house Naturalresources Committee, and the offices of Gov. Perry, lt.Gov. David Dewhurst, sen. Chuy hinojosa (D-mission)and speaker of the house Joe straus (r-san antonio).

Cooper New England earns Liberty Pumps top rep award

tion to the name change, Delany is restructuring its busi-ness. “over the last several months we have been makinga number of strategic and operational changes to improveour products and our company. We are confident that thesechanges will enable us to regain the trust and confidencethat our customers have placed in us for more than a cen-tury, re-establishing Delany as one of their preferred man-ufacturers,” said D. scott Delany, chief financial officer.

Delany has entered into a strategic alliance with a fullyapproved iso 9001 global manufacturer that will enableDelany to provide the highest quality valves in the indus-try. it also will allow Delany to begin offering new innov-ative product designs, as well as an expanded line of envi-ronmentally friendly products beyond the flush valve.operationally, Delany is creating a new department dedi-cated to customer service; converting to a new state-of-the-art accounting and customer management system.

the company will continue to operate in its currentstructure and contacts will remained unchanged. For moreinformation, visit www.delanyproducts.com.

Anvil International obtains grooved productsISO-9001:2008 Certification

Portsmouth, N.h. — anvil international’s manufactur-ing facility in Columbia, Pa. and the anvil research &Development Center in smithfield, r.i. have receivediso-9001:2008 Certification. anvil becomes one of thefirst companies in the industry to achieve this highly cov-

Rochester, N.Y. — At its recent national sales meeting,Liberty Pumps awarded Cooper New England Sales withthe number one rep award for 2008. Pictured from left toright: Chuck Shaver, Dave Kinnier, Chuck Schwabe(national sales manager — Liberty Pumps), Charlie Cook(president — Liberty Pumps), Randall Waldron (V.P. ofsales & marketing — Liberty Pumps) and Scott Cooper.The two-day meeting attended by over 90 sales repsincluded technical training sessions, live product demon-strations and a tour of the newly expanded manufacturingcomplex.

Coyne & Delany becomes Delaney Products

Charlottesville, va. — as of august 1, Coyne &Delany has changed its name to Delany Products. in addi-

www.symmons.comCopyright © 2009 Symmons Industries, Inc., Braintree, Massachusetts

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eted designation for grooved products.anvil international, one of the world’s largest fitting man-

ufacturers, is a subsidiary of mueller Water Products, inc.iso-9001:2008 is an international standard confirming

companies have established and maintained a uniformquality management system to better meet the needs oftheir customers. the iso-9001:2008 certification statusprovides anvil’s global customers with additional assur-ance that the Company’s grooved products are created byhighly effective processes enhanced with continuous qual-ity improvements and supported by a commitment to cus-tomer satisfaction.

tom Fish, president of anvil international, stressed theimportance of the iso-9001:2008 certification and what itmeans to anvil’s customers. “in the current global econo-my, the ability to purchase products and conduct businesswith confidence is critical,” said Fish. “We pursued certifi-cation to make anvil our customers’ easy ‘go-to’ source andcements our shared commitment to excellence today and inthe future.”

New patent pending lead free brass offered by National Bronze & Metals, Inc.

houstoN — With legislation ready to be enacted in thestates of California (California health & safety Code,“aB 1953”) and vermont state senate Bill “s.0152” start-

Continued from page 8

ing January 2010,the u.s. plumbingindustry requires thechange and replace-ment of traditionalfree machiningbrass (C36000) witha lead free alterna-tive. NationalBronze & metals,inc. is proud to announce the development of its NBmmodel 3 Free machining DZr (Dezincification-resistant)“lead Free” Brass, which has patents pending. over thelast 18 months NBm has been involved with the r&D forthis machining alternative, and now have the solution thatis believed to be far superior to anything else currentlybeing offered in the world.

the new NBm model 3 Free machining DZr “leadFree” Brass proves to meet manufacturer expectations,and will be recyclable with greater ease (many outlets)than other alloys such as ecoBrass. “Going into r&D,besides the obvious lead-free needs, we wanted to addressrecycling issues. a critical issue, considering the end goalis for an environmentally friendly product,” said Normanlazarus, senior vice president. “model 3 has proven tohave answered this issue.” this alloy has mechanicalproperties similar to traditional free cutting brasses, and isa DZr Brass alloy that does not contain silicon orBismuth — so it will be much more forgiving on toolingand minimize re-tooling of CNC equipment. this newalloy will also have very good hot forging characteristics.

more information is available about NBm model 3Free machining DZr “lead Free” Brass on www.nbmleadfreebrass.com.

Sloan Valve Co. installs water-efficientplumbing, hygienic restroom systems at U.S.Equities Realty

FraNKliN ParK, ill. — sloan valve Company announcesthat u.s. equities realty has installed its water-efficientplumbing products and hygienic restroom systems in itsChicago headquarters.

u.s. equities realty, a full-service commercial real estatefirm with offices worldwideand a 30+ million-square-footmanagement portfolio, pro-vides clients with sustainablesolutions. When u.s. equitiesrenovated its headquarters indowntown Chicago, manage-ment was given a prime oppor-tunity to emphasize greenobjectives in their own offices.improving water efficiency inits restrooms became one wayfor u.s. equities to make mea-surable environmentalimprovements.

sloan recommended and installed appropriate plumbing

Industry News



Industry News continued on page 12

For full details on the Mea-Josam Pro-Plus trench drain system contact your local representative or visit www.JOSAM.com.

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Manufactured from glass reinforced polyester (GRP) pressed from sheet molding compound (SMC), the Mea-Josam Pro-Plus trench drains provide a trench drain system that is 1.5 times stronger, yet 70% lighter, than polymer concrete. In addition to strength and reduced weight, key advantages of the SMC/GRP process include shatterproof, non-porous, chemical resistance, nonflammable, superior compressive, flexural and tensile strength and reduced thermal expansion. The Pro-Plus series is available with and without slope, in 4”, 8” and 12” nominal widths and with a variety of gratings including the STARFIX “bolt free” grate securing system.

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Manufactured from glass reinforced polyester (GRP) pressed from sheet molding compound (SMC), the Mea-Josam Pro-Plus trench drains provide a trench drain system that is 1.5 times stronger, yet 70% lighter, than polymer concrete. In addition to strength and

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products and systems, which effectively overhauled the build-ing’s restrooms to improve water efficiency and offer greaterconvenience for its restroom visitors. initial plumbing deci-sions were based primarily on water savings. the building’sdecades-old toilets flushed with 3.5 gallons of water, and theurinals consumed 1.5 gallons per flush (gpf) — both watervolumes exceeded today’s plumbing fixture standards of 1.6gpf and 1.0 gpf, respectively.

u.s. equities replaced its toilets with two sloanFlushometer types: the sloan eCos® electronic dual-flushFlushometer for its handicap stalls and the uPPerCut®manual dual-flush Flushometer for the remaining stalls. u.s.equities also replaced its manual urinals with sensor-operatedFlushometers that utilize only a pint of water to flush.

the company achieved both water and energy savings withthe installation of sensor-operated, solar-powered sloansolis® faucets, which have a 0.5 gallon-per-minute (gpm)flow rate, in place of its 2.2 gpm manual faucets. u.s. equitiesalso installed energy-efficient Xlerator® hand dryers.

Cannistraro provides full dimension of BIM

WatertoWN, mass. — J.C. Cannistraro, llC is prepared tohelp lead the construction industry into the 21st centurythrough advancements in Building information modeling(Bim). the New englandbased mechanical constructionfirm has announced the launchof its multi-dimensional Bimservices for building ownersand facilities managers.

after months of researchand product planning,Cannistraro has compiled asuite of services that greatlyimproves the efficiency ofproject scheduling(4D), costverification(5D), and facilitiesmanagement(6D) using a computerized building model.solutions can be adapted for both new construction andexisting buildings, and can be customized for an owner’sproject needs. to supplement its product launch,Cannistraro has begun hosting a Bim Breakfast series topromote the many benefits of collaborative Bim for alltypes of projects.

Grundfos launches the ‘Impossible Tour’

alleNtoWN, Pa. — Grundfos Pumps launched the“impossible tour,” a mobile education center for pumpsand pumping systems, with a special daylong event andcelebration at the newly renovated allentown, Pa. distrib-ution center. the impossible tour is part of the “Poweredby the impossible” campaign promoting the launch of theNew alPha circulator. With stops in over 40 citiesacross the united states, including Washington, D.C.,Chicago, Denver and Portland, ore., the truck features

many of Grundfos Pumps products including the alPhaand recently released Cr-h. each event will allow con-tractors to gain hands-on training from Grundfos profes-sionals and the chance to experience interactive pump dis-plays. “the tour allows contractors and engineers achance to experience new technology that Grundfos has tooffer,” said Dennis Wierzbicki, president of GrundfosPumps usa. “this mobile education center allows theattendees to gain training and knowledge on the latestproducts Grundfos Pumps have to offer.” For more info,visit www.poweredby.grundfos.com.

Rheem’s SolPak harnesses the sun

moNtGomery, ala. — rheem brings the sun 93 millionmiles closer to home with solPak, the company’s first all-inclusive active solar water heating system. installing adependable rheem solar water heating system is a smartchoice for any eco-conscious homeowner and leads to low-ered utility bills, protection from rising energy prices and reli-able water heating in any climate. additionally, solPak quick-ly pays for itself, thanks to a new Federal tax credit of up to30 percent of the installed cost.

“rheem has been able to leverage over 80 years of waterheating expertise to bring homeowners a solar water heaterthat can dependably provide hot water in virtually every areaof the country,” said Jeff mahoney, alternative energy marketmanager for rheem. “this is welcome news to homeowners,

as solar water heating systems can lower a home’s water heat-ing bills by as much as 80 percent.”

Nicknamed “solar in a box,” rheem solPak makes instal-lation a snap by coming equipped with all the componentsneeded to complete the installation. rheem solPak comes


Industry News


Continued on page 66

Electrical, Mechanical Testing and Certi� cation Under the Same Roof

IAPMO R&T can now assist you in certifying:



Surely everyone reading this article is familiar with theKISS acronym: Keep It Simple Silly (or similar secondS adjective). This acronym holds as true for engineering

as it does to the literary world.For example, George Orwell has been quoted as saying, “In

writing keep the spoken word constantly in mind. Never usea long word where a short one will do… One of the few writ-ers of our time who has tried seriously to write English as it isspoken is T. S. Elliot. Lines like: ‘And nobody came andnobody went, but he took in the milk and he paid the rent,’ areabout as near to spoken English as print can come… Neveruse the word eliminate when you mean kill.”

I was reminded of this passage while listening to the audiobook of Anita Shreve’s The Pilot’s Wife while driving my longcommute. The opening lines of the book are so simple andelegant that they are rare for literature today. Written in poet-ic cadence for emphasis rather than standard sentences, thebook begins:

She heard a knocking,and then a dog barking.

Her dream left her,skittering behind a closing door.

It had been a good dream,warm and close,and she minded.

She fought the waking.

Hearing these words professionally read, giving them evenmore meaning than I would reading them to myself, sent meinto a mental sidebar about why all writing can’t be so per-fectly simple. The sidebar continued into thoughts of work, asmuch as I hated to be distracted from the audio book.

Lately my responsibilities at work have required that Ireview many design-assist hospital projects. I don’t muchenjoy critiquing the work of another engineer, but it is a nec-essary evil of the design-assist process. In reviewing designafter design I was reminded over and over of the KISS prin-ciple and the fact that many engineers disregard it.

One hospital, for example, had trap primers indicated forevery single floor drain and floor sink on the project — evendrains serving the discharge of prep sinks in a commercialkitchen. When I questioned the engineer about the overuseof trap primers I was told, “That is our office standard.” Iwonder if it would be their office standard if they had to payfor and maintain all of those unnecessary trap primers?Probably not.

Another KISS violation I see frequently in hospital designis the over use of medical gas alarms. NFPA is quite clear thatarea alarms only are required for medical gasses in criticalcare areas; however, I see alarms provided at every singlezone valve box on a regular basis. Valves serving regularpatient rooms are not required to be alarmed, but many engi-neers indicate alarms regardless. It’s possible that on someprojects they might be requested by the hospital, but in mostcases I think it is lack of understanding on the engineer’s part,overcomplicating the design as a result.

Don’t forget to KISS when it comes to multi-floor typicalfixture arrangements. Most engineers will know to providevertical stacks to serve multiple levels of patient toilet rooms.In laying out the stacks, think “prefab.” More material is lessof a concern that the ability to prefabricate the waste and venttrees such that each can be put into place as a single prefabri-cated unit. Labor costs more than pipe, and field labor costsmore than shop labor.

Outside the patient rooms, the hospital “core” is often typ-ical on each level, and many engineers fail to notice this.Frequently I see the engineer provide one vertical stackagainst a column, with fairly long runs of waste and vent pipeto the core fixtures on every patient room level. This solutionis not only expensive from a labor and material standpoint,but it is difficult to coordinate with the other trades.Whenever the core fixtures align vertically, a stack should beprovided behind each fixture or group of fixtures to againmaximize the ability for prefabrication while simultaneouslyeasing coordination.

Don’t be afraid to use ½" water supply pipe (or med gas forthat matter – except vacuum). Many engineers and AHJs treat½" pipe as taboo, but in reality it is economical, it eases in-wall coordination, and provides hot water delivery in half thetime of ¾" branch lines. Of course pipe velocity and frictionloss must be respected, but ½” pipe can flow 2 gpm - enoughwater for your average tempered shower or sink — at a veloc-ity below 3 fps and a friction factor less than 4 psi/100', whichis sufficient to satisfy most design conditions. An old engineerassociate of mine once told me when I was only 21 years old,“A ¾" line is actually quite large — it probably provides allthe water to your home.” He was and remains correct. So if a¾" line is not small, a ½" line should not be treated like itspoor cousin.

Anther “fear factor” in our industry is the use of 1¼" ofeven 1½" pipe for water closet flush valves. Many engineersimmediately default to 2" pipe. This issue is hard to arguesince Hunter’s Curve falls short of the zero Y axis, making thesizing the water pipe for one or two water closets quite diffi-cult. We designed and built a hospital using 1¼" pipe for a sin-gle water closet and 1½" pipe for back-to-back water closetsmainly because that was what the bridging (bid) documentsshowed. During construction the sizing was questioned by athird party engineer. Since the debate is hard to solve usingHunter’s Curve, we instead tested it in the field. We installedtwo WCs with a PRV to mimic the minimum pressure condi-tion. When tested, the fixtures flushed perfectly and the issuewas resolved.

Yet another KISS violation I frequently see, especially inhospital design, particularly med gas design, is the applicationof factors of safety. Many engineers possess this fear or beliefthat if a system is designed precisely it is somehow bad orpotentially inadequate. This creates a desire to over-designwith factors of safety to create a comfort level. The reality isthat systems designed to Code or standards such as NFPAalready have inherent factors of safety and are not “bare min-

The KISS Principle

Designer’s GuideTimothy Allinson, P.E., Murray Co., Long Beach, Calif.


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imum” as some engineers suggest.Except for unusual circumstances,Code design and NFPA design is morethan “just adequate” and will deliver ahigh quality and efficient design.

Unusual circumstances wouldinclude stadiums, for one. In the case ofa stadium, where all the fixtures areused nearly simultaneously at half-time, certain “above the Code” precau-

tions must be taken. Most stadiumstoday have “flushathons” before theyopen to the public. These are eventswhere thousands of volunteers areinvited to celebrate the completion ofconstruction by manning every singlefixture in the facility and simultaneous-ly repeatedly operating the fixture. Thissimulates near zero diversity, and whilethe reality of usage will not be quite asdemanding as this when you factor infixture usage time, it is a performance

test that must be satisfied. In such acase the engineer will have to take mea-sures beyond the Code into considera-tion of the design of both the water anddrainage systems. The details of theseconsiderations are beyond the scope ofthis article and will instead be the focusof another, but suffice it to say that it isa fairly rare example of where the Codewould not suffice.

Lastly, I would like to reiterate anissue I have mentioned many times, thatof hot water circulation. This is withouta doubt the most common mistake inengineering design, and the mistakesare twofold. First, never, ever, ever cir-culate water through a pressure reduc-ing valve. The system will never bal-ance. Second, be sure to use the KISSprinciple when selecting the circulationpump(s). Thorough circulation calcula-tions are quite complex and equallyunnecessary. Rather than calculatingflow based on temperature loss, base iton the number of hot water risers orloops — at least 1 gpm each if they aresmall, and 2 gpm for large risers orloops. The reason for this is that systemsengineered too precisely, with only afraction of a gpm through each loop orriser, will never be made to balance inthe field. This is one area where a littleover-design is warranted. With the gpmknown, the pump head usually becomesa simple function of the pump curve,and most are directly proportional: 30gpm with a 30-foot head is a goodexample. But if your system is quitelarge, the pump head should e checkedwith a quick friction calculation throughthe longest loop.

George Bernard Shaw once said thatwriting is either simple or it’s impossi-ble. I think engineering is the similar inthis respect, and keeping the KISS prin-ciple in mind is a good way of puttingthis relevant quote into practice. �

Timothy Allinson is a senior profession-

al engineer with Murray Co., Mechanical

Contractors, in Long Beach, Calif. He

holds a BSMe from Tufts University and an

MBA from New York University. He is a

professional engineer licensed in both

mechanical and fire protection engineering

in various states, and is a Leed accredited

professional. Allinson is a past-president of

ASPe, both the New York and Orange

County Chapters.


The views and opinions expressed in this col-umn are those of the author and do not reflectthose of Plumbing Engineer nor its publisher,TMB Publishing.


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Recently, I was participating in a telephone confer-ence call to discuss code and standard activitieswith a standards writing organization’s legislative

committee. The discussion turned to LEED (Leadership inEnergy and Environmental Design) and all of the greeninitiatives of various organizations and manufacturers.There seemed to be such a sufficient vagueness to the term“green” that each person had their own thoughts as towhat being “green” really meant. Everyone chimed in toexplain what they thought was “green” and not everyonehad the same understanding of what a green product wasor what a green design was. What does green mean? I amcurrently Chairman of the ASSE Plumbing NomenclatureCommittee and we are in the process of collecting newterminology for the dictionary for the 7th edition of the“Plumbing Dictionary” published by the AmericanSociety of Sanitary Engineering. If you have a term thatyou would like to have considered for inclusion pleasesend it to me at [email protected]. You can pur-chase copies of the Plumbing Dictionary at: www.asse-plumbing.org.

Mentoring of green design

Many years ago I worked for a couple of engineeringfirms that had a Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing(MEP) departments. Not many architectural engineeringor engineering firms have MEP departments anymore.MEP departments were great mentoring opportunities foryoung engineers. It was like an apprenticeship for engi-neers and designers. The MEP departments would have asenior engineer as the engineering department head tohandle the administrative functions of the MEP depart-ment, and there were lead engineers for each discipline.The engineers for each discipline sat in the same area asthe other department members and assisted with mentor-ing the younger engineers, and occasionally they werecalled into meetings with clients in a marketing effort. Inthe new age of marketing, a firm’s expertise with certaintypes of buildings, firms advertised that they have studiosor design teams of highly skilled people that specialize inone type of building. (Hospitals, stadiums, labs, industrialfacilities, etc.) The studio or design team all would sittogether and work together. This caused the breaking up ofthe engineers and designers from their peers or mentorswhile they sat in isolation in a design studio. The funda-mental flaw I saw with the studio or team concept is therewas little or no mentoring for young engineers. Oftenthere was one engineer assigned to sit with each designteam and they were isolated in a design studio. In myopinion, the studio concept may sound appealing to aclient, but it actually has hampered the mentoring anddevelopment of many young engineers and designers.

I started as a draftsman with an engineering firm in

Texas in 1978. I was assigned to work in a very large MEPgroup. There were a lot of old gray-haired people withyears of experience working in these firms. There weremany elder statesmen in the engineering community that Iworked with many years ago. One of those I was fortunateenough to work closely with was John Burgess of Carter& Burgess, Engineers, Planners Inc. When I worked atCarter & Burgess, I was assigned to work on a city parkfountain project with John Burgess. He was a well-respected engineer in the industry and he had a personalinterest in the park and the fountains. I remember a dis-cussion Gene Carter and John Burgess had at my desk oneday when the company was about to celebrate its 50thanniversary. I congratulated them on their upcoming 50thanniversary celebration. John then turned to me and said,“Ron, You may not realize it, but I am just a temporaryemployee here.” I laughed and said, “What do you mean?You guys have been in business together for almost 50years.” John smiled and said that when he got out ofschool he was looking for a job, and he saw that Gene hada small one-man engineering firm so he called him up andoffered his services. Gene interviewed John and said thatsince he was just starting his business and he might needsome help for a mechanical project. John told me, “Genesaid my job would only be temporary and he was not sureif he had enough work to keep me on.” He went on to say,“He has never told me anything different.” They bothchuckled. Their company had well over 360 employees atthe time. Mr. Burgess spent a lot of time at my deskexplaining things, mentoring me and taking a personalinterest in each project. He loved what he was doing andhe wanted to share it with others, including me. I was hon-ored to have been able to work with him. There weremany other engineers over the years at other companiesthat loved what they were doing. They took the time toexplain how systems should be designed and theyexplained why the systems were designed that way, andwhat could go wrong if it was not designed properly.Other lessons included: how to draw and letter in the daysof drafting on velum and Mylar; how to use the codebooks; reference standards; and where to find the designinformation and reference materials. These mentoring ses-sions included how to set up a project file and how torecord important information in the project file. Over theyears, I worked closely with many other senior engineersand designers; they would tell stories of their experiencesand show me the proper way to design plumbing systemsto save energy and materials, and provide a safe and sani-tary plumbing system. We didn’t call it “green” or“LEED” back then, but that’s what it was.

I attend every training seminar that I can. I have been astudent for more than 31 years. There were classes on

Green high-rise plumbing design

Code UpdateBy Ron George, CIPE, CPDPresident, Ron George Design & Consulting Services

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Code Update


plumbing design, product seminars, HVAC design and fireprotection system design. There were also local andnational industry meetings with design seminars for orga-nizations like ASPE, ASSE, ASME, ASTM, IAPMO,ICC, PHCC, MCA and many other inspector and manu-facturer’s seminars and meetings. These organizationsprovide educational seminars and technical programs thathave helped train plumbing engineers and designers innew and innovative concepts. It is important for seniorlevel people to pass on the wisdom so that the next gener-ation can understand why they do something.

In the last few years, I have attended seminars and tech-nical presentations where good engineering practices seemto have been thrown out the window in favor of showingpeople how contractors or developers design plumbingsystems. The call it “value engineering” or “cost cutting.”The term “value engineering” seems to have been abusedto the point that the term is often used as an excuse to cutfirst-costs and use inferior materials with no real consider-ation for the increased life-cycle costs such as: decreasedproduct life expectancy; increased maintenance costs; andsignificantly increased energy consumption costs.

The gray-haired guys showed me the proper way, or the“green” way, to design a high-rise building without pres-sure reducing valves. I often review drawings of high-risebuildings where there have been problems with the plumb-ing systems and I rarely see a proper plumbing systemdesign. Most high-rise buildings have been designed by adesign-build team, with a contractor hiring an engineer.This causes a bit of a conflict when the engineer wants todesign the building right and the contractor is often look-ing for the cheapest way to build the building. I can saythere are some good developers and contractors out therethat have a good reputation and they provide buildings thatperform well. The best developers and contractors are usu-ally not the low bidder and they usually have impressivelists of project experience. The old saying “you get whatyou pay for” is true in this case. That is why an ownerneeds to understand who he has hired to design and buildhis building. Is it a low bidder or is it someone who trulyhas the experience and knowledge to build the buildingright without maintenance and energy bill headaches?

Common high-rise plumbing problems

Over the years, I have been involved in the design ofnumerous building types, including high-rise buildings. Iget asked to investigate problems with high-rise buildingson a regular basis and there always seems to be a verypoor plumbing design. This can probably be attributed tothe fact that developers often build high-rise buildings andwant to build them for as little money as possible, sellthem and run with the money, leaving all of the plumbingsystem maintenance problems and high energy bills to thenew owner with which to deal. I’m sure this is what dri-ves engineers to design, contractors to build or buildingdeveloper/owners to use such poor designs. Someoneonce told me that using pressure reducing valves on adomestic water booster system is like driving down thestreet with your foot all the way on the accelerator andcontrolling your speed with the brake. It is a senseless way

to drive a car; it will wear out the components very fastand cost a small fortune in fuel bills. Yet, LEED apparent-ly does not address pressure zones and PRVs.

Green high-rise plumbing design

Good high-rise plumbing design is “green design,” andone of the biggest clues to me if it is a green or sustainabledesign is if the building is designed with pressure zonesfor the domestic water systems that are each served by anindependent booster pump system through express risers.This design keeps the building free from pressure reduc-ing valves in a domestic water distribution system, whichis a huge energy saver and maintenance headache.Pressure reducing valves can be noisy and they must bemaintained on a regular basis. By having a booster pumpfor each zone, the energy savings are huge. I have seendevelopers build high-rise buildings with a single duplexpump that has two pumps at 100 percent capacity servingthe entire building. In other cases there were two pumps at80 percent each and in a low budget project there weretwo pumps sized at 50 percent with no back-up if onepump is down for repairs. The total energy consumption isequal to 100 percent to 200 percent of the peak designflow. For lower floors they install pressure reducingvalves. (Brakes) The biggest challenge in high-riseplumbing design is addressing the elevation pressurechange from the top to the bottom of the building. Inbuildings where the developers use one booster pumppackage for the entire height of the building, they fall ontheir face when it comes to the hot water system. This iswhere I often find they start small repressureizationpumps on each floor for circulation or they add smallheaters and circulators for recirculating downstream of apressure reducing valve. Some of the basic plumbingdesign that was taught by the gray-haired guys was thatfor every foot of elevation change in a water riser there is0.433 pounds per square inch (PSI) of elevation pressureloss or if you measure the pressure in feet of water columnit is called elevation head pressure or head loss and it isexpressed in feet of head.

If your building has a floor-to-floor height of 10 feetthere will be an elevation pressure loss of 4.33 PSI perfloor.

If the building has a floor-to-floor height of 12 feetthere will be an elevation pressure loss of 5.19 PSI perfloor.

If the building has a floor-to-floor height of 15 feetthere will be an elevation pressure loss of 6.49 PSI perfloor.

Given a 50-story office building with 15 feet floor-to-floor elevation difference, and a required minimum of 25PSI residual pressure at the top floor for flush valves andallowing for 10 PSI of friction loss in the distribution pip-ing we can estimate the required pressure at the bottom ofthe water riser for the highest pressure zone as follows:

(50 floors x 6.49 PSI/floor = 324.5 PSI + 25 governingpressure + 10 PSI friction loss = 359.5 PSI. The pressureat the base of the riser with 15 foot floor to floor heightswould need to be 359.5 PSI at the base of the riser. Note:


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at 50 percent capacity and one pump is down for servicethe pressure zone will still have 100 percent of flowcapacity. At low flows a tri-plex pump system will utilizeabout 33 to 50 percent of the required energy dependingon if one pump is a stand-by pump. A hydro-pneumatictank can be utilized to allow the booster pumps to com-pletely shut down when there are long periods on no wateruse at night. An even better high-rise domestic water sys-tem design utilizes quadra-plex domestic water boosterpump package systems for each pressure zone for eachpressure zone in the building with each pump sized atabout 25 to 33 percent of the load If the pumps are sizedat 50 percent capacity and one pump is down for servicethe pressure zone will still have 100 percent of flowcapacity. At low flows a quadra-plex pump system willutilize about 25 to 33 percent of the required energydepending on if one pump is a stand-by pump. If thequadra-plex pumps are sized at 33 percent capacity andone pump is down for service it will still have full capac-ity. Hydro-pneumatic tanks should be used on all types ofbooster pump systems to save energy. We should give 50points for having a properly sized hydro-pneumatic tanknear the top of the system. A well-designed building isusually divided into pressure zones between eight to 10floors per pressure zone depending on the floor-to-floorheight. Given a 50-story building, the 50th floor usually

Most standard piping systems and valves are not rated forthese high pressures so high pressure rated pipes, valvesand fittings must be used for the lower floors where thepressures will exceed about 125 to 175 PSI.

50-story example

Given a 50-story office building with 10 feet floor-to-floor elevation difference with a requirement for 25 PSIresidual pressure at the top floor and allowing for 10 PSIof friction loss in the distribution piping, we can estimatethe required pressure at the bottom of the water riser forthe highest pressure zone as follows:

(50 floors � 4.33 PSI/floor = 216.5 PSI + 25 governingpressure + 10 PSI friction loss = 251.5 PSI.) The pressureat the base of the riser with 10-foot floor-to-floor heightswould need to be 251.5 PSI at the base of the riser.

Tri-plex vs quadra-plex booster pump packages

In my opinion, if I was giving out LEED points forbooster pump systems a duplex pump would be deducted25 points. A tri-plex pump would be awarded 50 pointsand a quadra-plex pump system would get 100 points. Agood high-rise domestic water system design would haveat least a tri-plex domestic water booster pump packagefor each pressure zone in the building with each pumpsized at 33 to 50 percent of the load. If the pumps are sized


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ion any building over 15 stories that utilizes this type ofdesign should have 100 points deducted from the LEEDcertification ratings for every 10 floors of the building or10 points per floor if they exceed 10 floors in a pressurezone and if they do not locate the water heaters within thepressure zone. The ideal plumbing design does not requirepressure reducing valves at each floor.

Other high-rise plumbing design tips

When a design utilizes pressure reducing valves, therein not an easy way to recirculate hot water within a pres-sure zones unless the water heater is located within thepressure zone. This should be a code requirement becausein most cases it does not happen because developers andowners typically don’t know the water heater must belocated within the 10 floor pressure zone in order for thewater heater to work properly.

If the water heaters are all located in the basement, as Ihave seen some in several wayward designs, the PRVswill blow off constantly. This usually results in a revela-tion moment for the engineer when they realize their folly,and they typically try to compensate for it by replacing thepressure relief valves on the water heaters with ones thatare set at higher pressures. Now they have voided the war-ranty on the heater and created a potential bomb.


has a governing pressure around 25 to 30 PSI and eachstory height of 10 feet adds 4.33 PSI to the pressure as yougo down in the building from the top. If there is 25 PSI onthe top floor, and there are 10 floors in the pressure zonebelow, the elevation pressure is 43.33 PSI. If we add thepressures, governing pressure = 25 PSI + 43.33 PSI ele-vation pressure + 10 PSI for friction loss = 78.33 PSI atthe 41st floor. The maximum allowable pressure in aplumbing system is 80 PSI. From the 41th floor down tothe basement, there would be an express riser to the base-ment 40 floors x 4.33 = 173.2 PSI. The water riser wouldterminate at a tri-plex or quadra-plex booster pump pack-age sized for 20 percent of the flow (10 of the 50 floors)with 100 percent of the total 50 floors of elevation pres-sure of 216.5 + 10 PSI for friction loss + 25 PSI for thegoverning fixture = 251.53 PSI at the discharge header ofthe booster pump package.

Each pressure zone would be designed in the samemanner with the total head for each booster pump packagebeing about 43.3 PSI less. I have seen many buildingswith one giant duplex pump and pressure reducing valveson all of the lower floors and no hydro-pneumatic tank. Itsaved the developer and the contractor a lot of money butit will cost the owner many times more money inincreased energy costs and maintenance costs. This typeof design wastes a great amount of energy and in my opin-

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Plumbing Engineer September 2009/Page 25

The next boo-boo I see engineersmake on a regular basis is that theyput the water heaters at the top of thebuilding. Now the hot water starts outat 25 PSI or so at the top of the build-ing but as it flows down in a down-feed riser it gains pressure and youend up with hot water at about 250PSI near the bottom of the building.The engineers or designer typicallystarts adding pressure reducingvalves at this point, and if they arelucky, they will last a year. Mostdon’t last that long at that pressure ona hot water system. When the hotwater pressure reducing valve failsyou have 250 PSI hot water and 80PSI cold water. The hot water canoverwhelm the cold water where itcrosses over in shower valves andfaucets and you get toilets flushingwith hot water and you can haveother problems associated withexcessively high hot water pressuresin the piping system. The high-pres-sure hot water will likely createscalding and thermal shock hazardsthroughout the building within a fewshort years.

The water heaters should be locat-ed within the 10-floor pressure zoneand then circulation can be donewithout passing through pressurereducing valves and then repressur-ization pumps

I also have seen where CPVC pip-ing was substituted for copper pipingin the risers of a building about 50 sto-ries tall. Don’t forget CPVC pipe willexpand about five times as much ascopper. The expansion must be con-trolled with offsets in the riser everyfive to eight floors. Failure to do sowill cause the CPVC riser to expandlinearly and push out firestopping andsnap off branch pipes. CPVC pipe andPEX pipe are good for branch pipingin high rise applications within officespaces, apartments or condos. Irecently have submitted a codechange for requiring the engineer tosubmit calculations addressing ther-mal expansion in straight runs of pip-ing over 100 feet long in risers.

Siphonic roof drains are not rec-ommended for high-rise buildings.They work great for large roof areasup to a couple of floors. When youexceed two floors, many manufactur-ers do not recommend the siphonicsystems because of the potential forsignificant pressure surges and move-


Code Update

ment in the piping.Pipe materials and hanger designs

should be selected to minimize noisetransmission to the building from flow-ing water or vibration from connectedpumps elsewhere in the building.

Cost savings can be realized fordomestic cold water branches utiliz-ing galvanized piping, or in somecases, stainless steel with local codeapproval for the risers; and utilizingcross linked polyethylene or PEXpiping for branch piping after a man-ifold and valve assembly.

When you get to the basement ofthe building, often there are multiplebasement levels below the sewer level.This usually requires the installationof sewage ejectors and sump pumps.Try to design the system where any-thing that can go to the sewer by grav-ity is routed by gravity. Make sure thesewage ejectors are designed to handlethe potential discharge of a brokenwater pipe or a reduced pressure back-flow preventer discharging underpressure. Consider adding the sewageejector pumps to the emergency gen-erator load in the event of a power fail-ure. Make sure the main domesticwater shut-off valves are located in anaccessible location where they can beeasily shut off if there is a problem andthe entire basement floods. �

Ron George is President of RonGeorge Design & Consulting Services.He has served as Chairman of theInternational Residential Plumbing &Mechanical Code Committee. He isactive in plumbing code and plumbingproduct standard development com-mittees with ICC, IAPMO, ASSE,ASME, ISEA and ASTM. His companyspecializes in plumbing, piping, fireprotection and HVAC system designand consulting services. He also pro-vides plumbing and mechanical codeconsulting services and he providesinvestigations of mechanical systemfailures and litigation support. Hiscompany also provides 3D cad ser-vices and Building InformationModeling (BIM) services.

To contact Ron, w-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.rongeorgedesign.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this col-umn are those of the author and do not reflectthose of Plumbing Engineer nor its publisher,TMB Publishing.

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FPE Corner

Fire Sprinkler Design — Part 2


publishing them. In certain cases, they may exceed mini-mum codes and, to a lesser extent in some cases, may notmeet minimum code requirements.

It is my opinion that the United Facilities GuideSpecifications (UFGS) located on this website provide thebest guide for a fire sprinkler system specification.

The following represents what I think is a good sug-gested recipe for a properly prepared specification sectionfor a wet pipe fire sprinkler system. The standard specifi-cation has three major parts.

• Part 1 Addresses general requirements such as scopeof work, reference publications, design criteria, submittalrequirements, and qualifications.

• Part 2 Addresses the products and materials involvedwith the fire sprinkler system.

• Part 3 Addresses execution, which normally dealswith the installation, testing requirements, and closeoutrequirements.

Each part should contain the following minimum infor-mation:

Part 1 — General Requirements

References — One needs to identify all pertinent codesand standards used by the specification. This section alsoshould identify the specific edition of the document whichis to be used. First and foremost would be the applicablesprinkler standard, i.e., NFPA 13 NFPA 13R, or NFPA13D. Other important NFPA documents which may applyare NFPA 14, 20, 24, 25, and 72. There also would be stan-dards for various system components such as ASME andANSI standards for pipe, fittings and AWWA standards forunderground pipe and fittings. Also, the directories of thenationally recognized testing and approval organizationssuch as Underwriters Laboratories Fire ProtectionEquipment Directory and/or Factory Mutual ApprovalGuide should be identified.

Related Specification Sections — Here, one may havereferences to specification sections for fire pumps, stand-pipes, fire alarms, painting and electrical work.

System Description or Scope of Work — A brief para-graph describing the general scope of the project. Identifythe building or area to be protected, if the project is for anew sprinkler system or an existing system being modi-fied, and indicate the extent of coverage (which is usuallythe entire building). The description should include listingrequirements and identify approving authorities.

Sprinkler System Design Requirements — This sectionshould define requirements for hydraulic design and seismicprotection. The section also may include sprinkler locationand spacing that is more restrictive than NFPA 13 limita-tions, sprinkler discharge criteria, including design densitiesand design areas, hose stream allowance requirements and

The engineer’s design of a fire sprinkler system mustinclude a basis of design, the contract or bid draw-ings, and a set of specifications. Last month in our

discussion of the engineer’s design of a fire sprinkler sys-tem we dealt with the project basis of design and the con-tract or bid documents. In this article, we will be dis-cussing the specifications for the fire sprinkler system.

A properly-written sprinkler system specification is thebackbone of the sprinkler system design. Unfortunately, itis all too common for a poorly edited, or even uneditedsprinkler specification to be submitted as the design. It’sas if the engineer copied the spec from the last job andsubmitted it as is. This can be a cause of several problems.First, because the sprinkler design is performance-based, aproperly prepared specification is essential to obtaining acorrect design. Second, a poor specification creates oppor-tunities for change order seeking contractors to win pro-jects away from competent sprinkler contractors. Third,poor specifications seem to go hand-in-hand with poorlyprepared basis of design and contract drawings. This pro-vides ammunition for those in our industry who feel it issprinkler contractors, not engineers, who should beresponsible for the design of fire sprinkler systems.

The sprinkler specification can take different forms.The specification form chosen depends on the size of thesprinkler system and the requirements of the reviewingauthorities. For a minor project perhaps involving reloca-tion of a few sprinklers, it could be as simple as a fewnotes on a drawing indicating compliance with local codesand identifying the appropriate sprinkler installation stan-dard such as NFPA 13, Standard for Installation ofSprinkler Systems. More often it will be a separate textdocument.

The starting point is normally a guide specification thatcan be tailored to the specific fire sprinkler system design.Many consulting firms maintain their own library of guidespecifications for commercial projects. Also, one can go tothe Master Format website and purchase guide specifica-tions from one of the vendors supporting the MasterFormat. The new Master Format 2004 system is the indus-try standard for construction specifications. This formatexpanded the old 5-digit system from the 1995 version.For example, what used to be Section 13930 FireSuppression Wet Pipe Sprinklers is under Master Format2004 now Section 21 13 13.00 20.

There are also specifications used by various federalgovernment agencies that can be downloaded for free atthe Whole Building Design Guide website of the NationalInstitute of Building Sciences athttp://www.wbdg.org/ccb/browse_lib.php?l=02. Onemust take care when using these specifications as the start-ing part as they have a great deal of information in themthat relates to specific requirements of the federal agencies


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0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10



purposes. The engineer should use the Part 2 to prohibitspecific types of products that, in the engineer’s opinion,have not performed well. For example, many engineers donot permit the use of plain-end fittings.

Regarding the use of proprietary specifications, if theclient or authority having jurisdiction permits the use ofproprietary specifications, then it would be the engineer’soption to go with a proprietary specification providedthere is good technical justification for favoring one man-ufacturer over another. In general, it has been my experi-ence with fire sprinkler system design and the resultinginstallation that a non-proprietary specification serves theclient better and has not diminished the quality of theresulting installed system.

Part 3 Execution

Installation Practices — This section will call forinstallation in accordance with NFPA 13 and other applic-able standards. It also can cover items of installation notregulated by the standards that the engineer deems neces-sary. This could include:

1. Concealing all piping in areas with finished ceilings. 2. Painting of all exposed sprinkler piping (the engineer

may even want to require painting of all sprinkler piping).

3. A prohibition against the use of bushings as reducing fittings.

Test Requirements and Acceptance Criteria — Thispart also must identify all required preliminary and finaltests and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) responsi-ble for recommending acceptance of the system. Theacceptance criteria for a wet pipe sprinkler system is rela-tively straightforward, but we also want to ensure that allpost-installation documents have been provided prior toacceptance; this would include O & M manuals, as-builtor record drawings, spare parts, etc.

Training — Part 3 also will contain any trainingrequirements that may be required by the client.

Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance — I havefound that requiring the installing contractor to providedITM for the system in accordance with NFPA 25 and theAHJ during the required warranty period to be a valuableservice to clients.

So before the next sprinkler design is due, please take alook at your sprinkler guide specs, make sure they are upto date and include the necessary provisions to make foran excellent sprinkler system design. Combine a well-written spec with a well-thought-out basis of design andproperly prepared contract drawings and the chances of asuccessful installation with minimal construction issueswill be greatly improved. ■

Samuel S. Dannaway, PE, is a registered fire protection engi-neer and mechanical engineer with bachelors and mastersdegrees from the University of Maryland Department of FireProtection Engineering. He is past president and a Fellow of theSociety of Fire Protection Engineers. He is president of S. S.Dannaway Associates, Inc., a 15-person fire protection engineer-ing consulting firm with offices in Honolulu, Hawaii and Guam.

water supply data. If some or all of this information is con-tained on the drawings, then it may be better for this sectionto refer to the information on the drawing rather than repeat-ing it and risking a mistake that could create a conflict withthe drawings. This is a good general rule to follow for avoid-ing conflicts between specifications and drawings.

Submittals — The submittal requirements should beclearly identified. This includes the parties (the engineer,building department and/or fire department) the contractormust have review and approve the submittals before instal-lation can proceed. In addition to the minimum require-ments for working drawings, hydraulic calculations, andmeeting the requirements of Chapter 22 of NFPA 13, thespecification also should require the submittal of productdata. The product data must have sufficient technical infor-mation to allow reviewers to determine compliance withthe specifications, and where there are choices betweendifferent model, part or style numbers, the cut sheetsshould be annotated to identify which specific items arebeing provided. This section also will identify the submit-tal requirements that occur later in the project includingtest plans, test reports, i.e., NFPA 13 Contractor’s Materialand Test Certificate for Underground Piping and theContractor's Material and Test Certificate for AbovegroundPiping; operations and maintenance manuals, as-builtdrawings, and spare parts. This section should also containa provision prohibiting partial submittals.

Installer Qualifications — The contractor’s qualifica-tions may include a level of experience and licensesrequired by the jurisdiction. One also may wish to includecertification requirements for the sprinkler contractor’s lay-out technician. One way to do that is to require the layout tobe performed by a NICET Technician with minimum Level3 certification in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout.

Part 2 — Products

This section is used to specify requirements for all thevarious components in the sprinkler system. This wouldinclude that portion of the underground piping system thatmay fall within the purview of these specifications. Above-ground piping components include pipe, fittings, hangersand supports, seismic bracing, branch line restraints, valves,alarm valves, alarm valve trim, sprinklers, fire departmentconnections, backflow prevention devices, drains, signage,spare sprinkler cabinet and relief valves.

In general, all components must be listed or approved bya nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL or FM.

As with design criteria, one must make sure productspecifications do not conflict with information on thedrawings. A common conflict arises when specificationsand drawings allow different kinds of piping materials ordifferent types of sprinklers.

Because a certain fire sprinkler product complies withNFPA 13, and is properly listed, does not necessarilymean that the product must be permitted to be used. Theengineer has the option to require a higher standard of per-formance, as indicated by their experience and knowl-edge. It is also important to be aware of any specialrequirements of the client that exceed the minimumsestablished by NFPA 13. This could include limitations ofthe type of pipe and fittings that will be allowed or the useof concealed, recessed pendent sprinklers for aesthetic

Fire ProtectionContinued from page 26

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those ofthe author and do not reflect those of Plumbing Engineer nor itspublisher, TMB Publishing.

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Modern HydronicsBy Paul Rohrs, Radiant Expert, Biggerstaff Radiant Solutions, Lincoln, Neb.

Installing multiple storage tanks or water heaters is a pretty com-

mon occurrence for contractors. With a focus on the time to pipe

up these units, let’s look at the cost differences of material and

labor in the manifolded method of piping multiple units, as well as

the reverse return method. Most manufacturers have recommended

piping diagrams for the water heaters and storage tanks they produce

and sell, but will approve alternate piping methods if asked.

There is a hotel going up in our area and they have slated three AO

Smith BTH400s to be installed to provide domestic hot water. Figure

1 (image below) shows the water heaters already installed in the

manufacturer-recommended method of a properly manifolded three

heater system.

Piping with 3", 2", and 11/2" piping, it took approximately 16

hours to pipe. Copper tube and fittings for this manifolded install cost

$1,798.00 and with burdened labor our total installed cost $2,470.00.

(This did not include the cost of the water heaters, gas piping or vent-

ing, as they would be the same.)

Manifolded water heaters have been around quite a while and one

of the primary considerations is that all piping must be equal to get

equal flow and pressure drop through each unit. If this piping is out

of kilter a little bit, one of the three water heaters will be the work-

horse and will have quite a large percentage of the heating responsi-

bilities. This usually equates to a premature death of a single heater,

which then throws the remaining units out of balance.

Now, let’s talk about reverse return method. This staple of hydron-

ic piping can often be found in heat emitter piping with the basic

premise that the first radiator or fin tube supplied on the inlet will be

the last radiator returned to the outlet.

Growing up in rural Nebraska has given me ample opportunity to

work on farms. If I had a nickel for every bail of hay/alfalfa/brome I

have “put up,” I would have a big bag of nickels. One of the perks to

putting up bails for farmers is that sometimes they would feed you

lunch. It’s not just any ol’ lunch either. It’s the kind of lunch that you

want to be the first one at the table and the last one to leave. Now

keep that in mind as we segue back to hydronics.

Let’s simplify this line of thought and apply it to our heaters and

call it “First-In Last-Out” or FILO for short. Figure 2 will illustrate

our three water heater set-up with the reverse return method. Notice

that with water heaters being set with equal distances, this will dic-

tate that the pip-

ing to the cold

supply will be

equidistant as is

the hot outlet pip-

ing. We will not

need circuit set-

ters in this set up

as the flow and pressure drop will be inherently balanced.

As we did with manifolded heater set-up, let’s look at the installed

cost difference with the reverse return method. Right away you will

need less Tees for the install but a little more pipe. With reverse

return, we were able to shave two hours off the install time. Copper

tube and fittings came to a total of $1,241.00, which is 31% less than

the materials needed for the manifolded piping arrangement.

Calculating 14 hours of labor at the same rate previously used

brought our total install cost to $1,829.00, again not including the

cost of the heaters, gas piping or venting.

Look again at Figure 2 and see if you can see if flow will be affect-

ed if one unit is taken down for service. Let’s close the ball valves on

the inlet and outlet of the first heater. Now, only heaters 2 & 3 are in

service. Will the flow in and out of the heater be balanced? The

answer is yes. Removing any one of the three heaters out of service

will not affect the entire system balance. I will agree that in the ser-

vice life of the heaters, taking a unit out of service would be for a very

small percentage of time, but this is a hotel and most occupants know

when they do not have sufficient hot water.

This particular job moved along fairly quickly, but be aware of

requirements in your region for requesting piping changes. This

would have been an excellent opportunity to write up a RFC,

“Request for Change,” sometimes also considered and RFI,

“Request for Information.” The premise of these requests are that if

you think there is a better way to do something on a commercial pro-

ject and you want to deviate from the engineered print, you have to

request, and typically prove, that what you want to do is:

1. Going to work;

2. Shows some kind of benefit, i.e. works better, more cost effec-

tive, quicker;

3. Going to work; and

4. Oh yeah, did I mention it has to work.

The last thing an architect, engineer or project foreman wants is

for a requested change to be accepted and not work.

Check your current piping practices to see if there are any avenues

to save in labor and material costs, because in these difficult eco-

nomic times, keeping more $$$$ in the bank at the end of the week

is what it is all about. With a few more dollars in the bank, you can

afford to be the first one to the buffet line, and the last one out, but

would you be so kind as to leave me a piece of pie? �

Paul Rohrs welcomes your comments. Contact Paul at

[email protected].

First at the dinner table


Figure 2

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Solar SolutionsBristol Stickney, technical director, Cedar Mountain Solar Systems, Santa Fe, N.M.

In previous columns I have introduced and explained some of the

elemental concepts of hydronic solar home heating. Water tank

heating, mass floor heating, thermostat control, glycol loops,

combi-systems and flow centers have been discussed in earlier

issues. These individual concepts are typically grouped together and

installed in every Solar Hydronic Combi-system that we have built

in the past five years or so. Of course, every solar home heating sys-

tem was installed with the wiring and controls to make it work prop-

erly. Let’s take a closer look at a Primary Check-Loop solar heating

system and the controls that make it work. In this column I will dis-

cuss the Solar Combi-system we most commonly install and the

Basic controls required for reliable operation. Please look online to

review the previous columns in the PE and Phc News archives.

Primary Loop “Flow Center” Piping

In our region, the most typical Solar Hydronic Combi-system

includes a (1) solar heat collector array, a (2) gas boiler backup, a (3)

domestic water heater and a (4) radiant heated floor. I introduced

this application in an earlier issue (spring 2009) as Combi-system

101, since I have installed these features so many times in home

heating projects. This system includes only four items, two heat

sources and two heat loads and so presents a relatively simple exam-

ple for discussion.

The diagram seen in Figure 14-1 shows the configuration that has

become my basic standard piping arrangement for over a decade for

Combi-system 101. There are a number of additional benefits when

using this system in real-world installations. The primary loop is typ-

ically installed horizontally, hanging from the ceiling. The swing

check valves must me installed horizontally or “flow upward,” since

they may not close properly if installed “flow downward.”

For the purpose of this discussion, I will present the very simplest

control system that will provide the homeowner with Reliable and

Effective use of the solar heat available from this sample heating

system. Keep in mind, that as a simple example, it does not include

night cooling, baseboard heat, heat storage tanks for space heating

or other relatively common options. Each additional option would

require additional control components to be included in our wiring

and control system. So to keep this article brief we will limit the dis-

cussion to the bare minimum heating system components using the

bare minimum controls.

This type of system is typically installed with an economical num-

ber of collectors that are tilted to maximize winter space heating.

With a limited number of collectors, all the solar heat can normally

be delivered to the cool mass of the radiant heated floors, or stored in

the domestic water heater. If the collector tilt is matched to the sum-

mer load properly, all the solar heat available can be controlled by

storing it in the domestic hot water tank and any excess solar heat can

be dissipated to the floor mass without overheating the rooms. When

properly designed and installed, this version of the Solar Combi-sys-

tem can be about as simple, economical and effective as any active

solar home heating system can be. This is because most of the heat-

ing equipment (boiler, tank, radiant floors) had to be there anyway,

even without the solar collectors.

Basic Control Requirements

A complete wiring diagram for the Combi-system 101 is shown

in Figure 14-2. This diagram is adapted from the control boxes that

we have deployed on many similar installations. It contains a 2-stage

set-point control, a differential control, four relays (DPDT), a 2-stage

room thermostat for each zone valve, a zone valve control box, and

two pump control relay boxes. The models and brand names of the

components are included for example only, and do

not constitute an endorsement or recommendation.

There are certain controls for this heating system

that are required, and then some that are optional.

Here is a short list of the most important functions.

All the “required” functions are included in the

components shown on Figure 14-2.

Combi-System 101 — Solar Domestic Hot

Water Tank Control (DHW)

Required Temperature Controls

• Low limit aquastat “AQ” (Usually comes with

the hot water tank.)

• Solar heat storage ON (Provided by Tekmar

155 differential control.)

• Solar heat storage OFF (Provided by Tekmar

155 differential control.)

• High Limit OFF (Provided by Tekmar 155 dif-

Bristol’s six principles of good solar hydronic design

Basic Combi-System Controls

Figure 14-1

In this series of articles, I have been making the case that the key

ingredients for solar/hydronic design and installation can be divided

into six categories, listed below, roughly in order of their importance.

1. RELIABILITY

2. EFFECTIVENESS

3. COMPATIBILITY

4. ELEGANCE

5. SERVICEABILITY

6. EFFICIENCY

The success of any solar hydronic home heating installation

depends on the often-conflicting balance between any of these six

principles. Finding the balance between them defines the art of solar

heating design.


ferential control.)

• Safety High Limit (P & T valve shown on the DHW tank in

Fig. 14-1.)

Optional Temperature Controls for DHW

• Low limit aquastat priority (Requires another relay control.)

• Solar heat source low limit (ON delay requires another temp.

control.)

• AC solar circulator instead of PV (Requires another differential

control.)

Combi-System 101 — Solar Heated Warm Mass Floor Zone

Control

Required Room Temperature Control (Provided by 2 Stage

Room Thermostats)

• Auxiliary low limit “Stage 2” Heat ON (Backup or Auxiliary

ON)

• Minimum comfort temperature “Stage 2” Heat Off (Auxiliary

OFF)

• Solar Heat Banking Allowed — “Stage 1” Solar Room Heat ON

• Maximun comfort temperature “Stage 1” Solar Room Heat OFF

Required Solar Collector Temperature Control

(Provided by Tekmar 152, 2 Stage Set-Point Thermostat)

• “Solar Priority” low limit (Solar Only ON, Boiler OFF, Heat

Banking ON)

• “Heat Dissipation” high limit (a.k.a. Solar heat dump, Overheat

protection)

Features and Functions of the 101 Basic Controls

The 101 control system allows the warm floors and the DHW

tank to warm up more when it is sunny and less when it is not sunny,

all within a comfort range that is programmable using the 2 Stage

thermostats and Tekmar controls shown in Figure 14-2. As long as

the floors and water tank are even a few degrees warmer than the

boiler control set points, the boiler will not fire. This delay and pre-

Solar SolutionsContinued from page 32


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The combination of significant global eco nomic challenges and a transition in the family business leaders hip resulted in the company being slow to change and adapt. We have made a number of mistakes and you, our customers have suffered. We are now making the necess ary strate gic and operat ional changes to improve our company and our products. We are confident that these changes will enable us to regain the trust and confidence you our customers have placed in us for over a century and enableing us to re-estab lish De lany Prod ucts as one of your preferred manufacturers again. These changes come from an unsatisfactor y stat us quo, a vision of better alternatives, and a clearly defined process to move toward a new vision. We have entered into a strate gic alliance with a global manufacturer that will enable us to offer innovative product des igns, consistency in manufacturing excellence and an expanded line of environmentally friendly products beyond flush valves. We are now Delany Prod ucts. Our new vision and strate gy will allow us to perso nalize our service to the unique needs of our customers. Going forward, we are committed to pro viding the unwavering high quality perso nal service that our customers have come to expect and to depe nd upon. We look forward to serving you as part of our extended family.

Changing for the better – Wo rking to be the best

Delany Products P.O. Box 411 Charlottesville, VA 22902 Tel: (434) 296-0166 Fax: (434) 977-3596

www.delanyproducts.comCircle 23 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

The combination of significant global economic challenges and a transition in

the family business leadership resulted in the company being slow to change and

adapt. We have made a number of mistakes and you, our customers have

suffered. We are now making the necessary strategic and operational changes

to improve our company and our products. We are confident that these changes

will enable us to regain the trust and confidence you our customers have placed

in us for over a century and enableing us to re-establish Delany Products as one

of your preferred manufacturers again.

These changes come from an unsatisfactory stat us quo, a vision of better

alternatives, and a clearly defined process to move toward a new vision.

We have entered into a strategicalliance with a global manufacturer that will

enable us to offer innovative product designs, consistency in manufacturing

excellence and an expanded line of environmentally friendly products beyond

flush valves. We are now Delany Products.

Our new vision and strategy will allow us to personalize our service to the

unique needs of our customers. Going forward, we are committed to providing

the unwavering high quality personal service that our customers have come to

expect and to depend upon. We look forward to serving you as part of our

extended family.



solar-only functions will stop, and the boiler will be allowed to

take over.

Common optional control functionsAll of the following options have been designed and installed

on local Combi solar heating systems in our area. Each requires

some additional thought and explanation to wire it properly into

an integrated control box. All of these options have been suc-

cessfully installed many times using the flow center piping as

shown in Figure 1, along with temperature controls and relays

added to the Basic 101 system. This approach allows piping

modules and control modules to be added together with a mini-

mum of redesign.

• Wireless 2-Stage Room Thermostats for difficult retrofits.

• Programmable 2 Stage thermostat set points, differentials

and deadbands.

• Larger heat storage tanks with storage in and storage out

controls.

• Baseboard zones (do not require 2 Stage room stats).

• Pool or Spa solar heating (Similar to a low temp. solar water

tank.)

• Solar only switch for room heat, DHW, or whole house heat.

• Night tank cooling through the solar panels.

• Night floor cooling through the solar panels.

• Solar heat dissipation using pools, ice melt zones or other

controlled heat sinks.

• Additional collector cooling ‘fins’ or panels.

• Web interactive t’stats that can be operated from any remote

computer.

• Data logging and BTU meters for recording solar heat and

energy flow.

Flow Center Control Systems are evolving

If there is one thing you may have gathered from this article,

it is that there are a lot of control decisions to be made by a Solar

Combi control system. Some of the control decisions are condi-

tional or multi-layered, and the architecture of the components

and the wiring can be complicated. I have often wished for a sin-

gle control box that allowed all of these control decisions to be

easily modified and installed.

In the past year I decided to stop waiting for a better solar

home control, and develop one locally. So, with two other part-

ners, we have formed a new company Solar Logic LLC which is

developing a “Control Center” for the Flow Center Combi. This

control box is known as the Solar Logic Integrated Controller

(SLIC) and our first prototypes are in operation in our solar home

heating laboratory. This control system is capable of implement-

ing all the Basic functions along with all the optional features

mentioned above. Web access will be a standard feature of the

SLIC control box and we are operating the prototypes entirely by

remote control. While we continue to build control boxes full of

relays at the present time, I believe those days are numbered. �

Bristol Stickney, partner and technical director at CedarMountain Solar Systems in Santa Fe, N.M., has been designing,manufacturing, engineering, repairing and installing solar hydron-ic heating systems for more than 30 years. He holds a Bachelor ofScience in Mechanical Engineering and is a licensed mechanicalcontractor in New Mexico. He is the chief technical officer forSolarLogic LLC and is involved in training programs for solarheating professionals (visit www.cedarmountainsolar.com for moretraining information.)

vention of boiler operation is where the solar savings comes from.

Auxiliary Backup Only

When there is no solar heat, the hydronic boiler operates the

same way a conventional heating system works. The DHW

aquastat “AQ” keeps the hot water tank up to shower tempera-

ture, and the Stage 2 switch in each room thermostat keeps the

rooms at a minimum comfort level using the boiler.

Solar Preheat

During partly sunny weather, the solar collector pump will run

on Photovoltaic power. This will circulate warm glycol through

the heat exchanger on the primary loop. If water is circulating

around the primary loop, it is preheated by the solar heat

exchanger before reaching the boiler. The boiler provides the

final temperature boost. The internal aquastat that controls the

boiler temperature can be set to the lowest required temperature

to give priority to solar heat.

Solar Only

When the solar glycol loop temperature exceeds the low-limit

settings in the Tekmar controls, the boiler is shut off, and both

water heating and floor heating will continue using solar heat

only. The floors will continue to heat up until the room ther-

mostats reach the Stage 1 high limit. The DHW tank will con-

tinue to heat up until it reaches the high limit setting in the

Tekmar solar water tank control. If all the solar heating loads are

at their high-limit, the heat dissipation control keeps the collec-

tor from overheating by using cool fluid from the floor to main-

tain a safe collector temperature. If the sun sets or cloudy weath-

er causes the solar loop to cool off below the solar low limit, the


Solar SolutionsContinued from page 34

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CSA International has earned accreditation and recognition from ANSI, HUD, IAS, NIST/NVLAP, OSHAand SCC. We test and certify plumbing products to applicable North American standards and codes,including those published by ANSI, ASSE, IAPMO, CSA, ASME, ASTM, and NSF. And we are knowledgeableand experienced with IPC and UPC requirements. No one is more knowledgeable of the standards,and no one is more experienced in testing and certifying plumbing products than CSA International.

The Mark of LeadershipCSA marks are found on products from the industry’s leading manufacturers – products found on theshelves of North America’s major retail chains and inventoried by product distributors coast to coast.But we define leadership more broadly than that. That’s why CSA International is also at the forefrontof important industry initiatives to simplify testing and certification, and make it easier for you to identifyproducts that meet standards for safety, performance, and health effects.

Learn More…Learn more about CSA International, certification services,CSA marks, and the products that display them. Visit us at www.csa-international.org for listings of products certified by CSA International. Or call toll free: 1-866-797-4272.

The One Mark You Want to See



By Peter Gobis III

Now that more than half of the U.S. has adopted the2009 International Plumbing Code (IPC) at thestate level, and about another dozen states admin-

ister the code at the local level, understanding how tocomply with water mixing devices has become a hot topic.

According to the 2009 IPC, tempered water for non-res-idential occupancies shall be supplied for bathing andwashing purposes. The code specifically mandates thedelivery of tempered water with a device that limits watertemperature to a maximum of 110ºF.

The portion of the code pertaining to public handwashing applications is particularly drawing discussionbecause it marks a major shift in temperature controlrequirements. All public sinks must now use an ASSE1070 device to limit final temperature. How one inter-prets the code and installs 1070 devices can differ, how-ever: Some inspectors interpret the code and prefer that a3/8" point-of-use valve is used for each sink, whereas oth-ers deem that a ½" or ¾" unit for a bank of lavatories isadequate.

Either of these approaches can work, and they are bothvast improvements over installing a mechanical mixer thatdoes not have an internal thermostatic device to make

modifications for incoming temperature changes. Stricterguidelines and code enforcement are intended to bettersafeguard end users in public hand washing applications,which will continue to drive significant increases in point-of-use products — however professionals choose to com-ply with the code.

ASSE 1016 for showers

Shower applications are also greatly affected by thecode change. The IPC now requires ASSE 1016 devicesthat regulate water temperature and/or pressure.

There are currently three shower valve classificationsfor 1016. The first is a Type T thermostatic valve thatcompensates for 20% changes in supply pressures tomaintain a desired output temperature and also compen-sates for fluctuations in inlet supply temperatures. Whenthe valve senses decreases in cold temperature, for exam-ple, it will adjust the incoming hot water to maintain thedesired temperature.

The second type, a pressure-balanced Type P showervalve, senses changes in the incoming pressure. Thesevalves are engineered to respond to 50% changes in waterpressure in five seconds or less to maintain the correct out-put temperature within +/-3.6ºF.

The Type T/P combined thermostatic and pressure-bal-

2009 IPC Calls on Advanced MixingDevices to Better Protect End Users


anced shower valve is the final type. This is a single valvethat has to meet both temperature and pressure require-ments. Previously, Type T/P valves needed two mecha-nisms: one to respond to temperature, and another forpressure. Technological improvements have producedvalves capable of meeting and exceeding temperature andpressure requirements of ASSE 1016. The Type T/P valvenow uses a single mechanism to meet the dual listings ofthe T and P valves, which is more cost effective than hav-ing two different devices.

The Type T/P valve is an emerging market. More spec-ifications are calling for these valves, and demand forthese products is on the rise. One reason for T/P valves’rise in popularity is safety. A combination shower valvethat is listed to Types T and P is more capable of provid-ing the highest level of protection for end-users againstharmful temperature and pressure fluctuations.

Another reason is maintenance, or lack thereof: Mastermixing valves in the field are sometimes not maintainedproperly. An ASSE 1017-listed master mixer is typicallythe first valve used to temper water from the boiler as itgoes through a domestic hot water loop to showers andlavatories. If that master mixer is not maintained regular-ly, it may impair the integrity of the valve and prohibit itfrom performing properly. Although in principle, a facili-

ty has multiple valves operating to safeguard people indifferent instances, individuals could still be exposed topoorly tempered water conditions if valves are not main-tained properly. A T/P listed shower valve is a viable lastline of defense for end-users.

ASSE 1017: Scalding and Legionella protection

The dangers of scalding are commonly known, and theIPC addresses scalding prevention by stating that showerand combination valves need to be equipped with a meansto limit the temperature setting to 120ºF. City or state ordi-nances may differ for nursing homes and other specializedfacilities. In these settings, code variations often push thislimit down to the 105ºF-115ºF range.

For ASSE 1017 master mixers, there are different tem-perature tolerances to which valves need to adhere,depending on the amount of flow through the valve. Forvalves that are 3-5 gpm, the permissible temperature vari-ation is +/-3ºF; for 5-40 gpm valves, it is +/-5ºF; and forvalves in excess of 40 gpm, the range is +/-7ºF.Maintaining the tightest possible temperature tolerancerange is important to protect individuals. Especially whenthe facility is experiencing low system demands, it is crit-ical to offer end-users the tightest possible tolerance tosafeguard them from exposure to thermal shock.

Plumbing engineers, however, should also be con-cerned with Legionella. Legionnaire’s disease is a type ofpneumonia bacteria that is present in many water systems.To help combat this deadly disease, typically boilers andother hot water sources store water at 140ºF to killLegionella bacteria, as it dies after 32 minutes of expo-sure. Because this water is much too hot to send throughthe system, facilities need an ASSE 1017 master mixer totemper water to a safer temperature (in the 120ºF range).

The 2009 IPC has put forth stricter regulations for pro-tecting the public, and numerous mixing valves haveadvanced technologically to the point where they can pro-vide better safeguards. �

Peter Gobis III is the national sales manager forLeonard Valve Company in Cranston, R.I., which hasmanufactured thermostatic water mixing valves since1913, Leonard Valve Company has been the quality leaderin the manufacture of thermostatic water mixing valves.For more information, call (800) 222-1208, e-mail:[email protected] or visit: www.leonardvalve.com.

The dangers of scalding are commonly known, and the IPC addresses scalding prevention by stating that shower and combination valves need to be equipped with a means to limit the temperature

setting to 120ºF.

shadows causing significant losses. Shading also occursfrom objects such as trees, other buildings and hills. Theseare particularly prominent when the sun is low in the skysuch as during winter or at high latitudes.

Solar radiation, the earth’s most abundant energy sup-ply, falls for us free from the sky every day. Thereare many ways to make use of this energy: for exam-

ple, we already use it to light our buildings, grow ourplants and even obtain a suntan. But solar radiation alsocan be used to provide both hot water and electricity tosupplement more traditional energy sources.

The equipment designed to collect solar radiation isfixed onto the outside of our buildings, either flat (hori-zontal) or more often pitched up to best face towards thesun. The two main forms of collectors found on roofs arefor water heating (solar thermal) and photovoltaic (solarelectricity). The increasing problem in today’s crowdedbuildings is firstly finding the best position to fit solar col-lectors and secondly deciding which of these two tech-nologies gets priority.

The “fight” for roof space grows more significant everyyear, not only as equipment becomes more affordable andhence larger but also because optimum locations are firstoccupied by other equipment. This can include roof sky-lights but also flues, extract ducts, air conditioning andaerials. Such equipment not only reduces the availableroof area but also can cast shadows that reduce the perfor-mance of solar equipment. Shading has a particularlystrong effect on photovoltaic modules with even small


Solar site selectors — an ideal

accompaniment for computer simulations — can be used to

anticipate shading.

By Chris Lawton


The advent of 3D animated shading in photovoltaiccomputer simulations now greatly enhances the designexperience.

Optimizing Solar Contribution


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tion software to work outthe best use of a givenroof area. This allows for rapid calculation of the totalannual energy output from each hour of the year, as wellas easy comparisons of all the options. Good quality pro-grams allow for comparison between different brands ofequipment and user load profiles. Separate programs are

In order to correctly position solar col-lectors, consideration must be given to thedaily sun path between sunrise and sunset.This sun path also alters seasonally accord-ing to the latitude of the location. There arealso local climatic conditions to considerwhere perhaps morning mists or afternoonthunderstorms predominate. It is worth not-ing that particular collector types react dif-ferently to the sun’s constantly changingposition. In some cases, automatic trackingdevices are used to improve performanceby altering the collectors to always face inthe optimum direction. This affects what isknown as the ‘angle of incidence’ of thebeam solar radiation onto the collector.Solar radiation in fact falls onto collectorsby one of three routes: “beam” radiation ina straight line from the sun; “diffuse” from all points in theatmosphere; and a proportion that is reflected from othersurfaces (called the “albedo”). During a typical day, notonly is the total radiation changing but so is the proportion of these three types. Some collectors usemirrors and tubular absorbers to improve the performanceof a collector through a longer arc of the sun’s path.

Professional solar engineers now use computer simula-

Solar EnergyContinued from page 40

Mapping out the best use of a roof areaallows for rapid calculation of total energyoutput from each hour of the year.

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used for solar water heating and pho-tovoltaics because they are two fun-damentally different technologies.For example, the conversion efficien-cy of solar radiation to thermal occursat a much higher rate than it does forconversion to electricity. Also, heat isusually stored in water, whereas elec-tricity is either sold straight to theutility grid or stored in batteries. It isimportant not to underestimate the

effect of changing loads on domestichot water heating or the existence ofa surplus feed-in tariff for electricity.The user may indicate a desire to altertheir patterns of use to optimize solarcontribution; however, it is unlikelythat this will be retained through staffor ownership changes. Professionalsimulation software can visualizeeach of these situations and present aclear interpretation to clients.

The accuracy of any simulationmodel depends strongly on the accu-racy of the data entered into the pro-gram. To increase confidence in sim-ulation results, any engineer shouldbe prepared to reveal their assump-tions for scrutiny to allow double-checking. The assumed climate datahas particular importance for bothsolar radiation and ambient tempera-tures, and it is always best to use cer-tified collector values when usingcomputer simulations for clients.Most engineers use a long-term aver-age data set from the last 20 yearsfrom a trusted and published source.

Where a roof becomes crowded,the more efficient solar products arelikely to be prioritized in order to givethe smallest foot-print. Computersimulations will anticipate the bestoverall total energy production to dis-place conventional energy sources.An on-site tool such as a solar siteselector is used to anticipate any shad-ing — an ideal accompaniment forcomputer simulations. These allowfor real-time analysis of any site usinga template and viewfinder, the resultsof which can then be recorded digital-ly. Generally speaking, if both solarwater heating and photovoltaics col-lectors are being used, the prioritygoes to the latter if this permits avoid-ing shading.

The advent of 3D animated shadingin photovoltaic computer simulationsnow greatly enhances the design expe-rience and sets a new benchmark inthe industry. With professional simula-tion software, the solar industry canmove forward with technologicaladvances in equipment and providehigh quality support to design engi-neers. Training packages are availableto assist familiarization with thesenew developments. �

Chris Laughton isthe managingdirector of UK-based The SolarDesign Company,The Solar DesignCompany is offer-ing free trials ofT*SOL and

PV*SOL solar simulation softwareavailable to download from its web-site: www.solardesign.co.uk.


Solar EnergyContinued from page 42

p [ 800 ] 591 | 9372

[email protected]

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EQUAL ACCESSANYTIME, ANYWHERE.And Compliant Too!

The S0430-BF-IWH1 offers a low cost safety solu-

tion in today’s workplace. Not only does it provide

equal access for employees with any physical condi-

tion, it meets all of the requirements for eyewashes

as specified in ANSI Z358.1. This model incorpo-

rates an instantaneous water heater that provides

tepid flushing fluid as required in section 5.4.6.

EMERGENCYDRENCH EQUIPMENT

Member of Acorn Engineering’s

Family of Companies



Located in the northern California town of SanRafael is Centertown, the affordable 60-unit apart-ment complex built by non-profit housing develop-

ers BRIDGE and EAH Housing, with well over 13,000homes to their names. In January 2008, when managementdecided to install solar hot water at Centertown, theycalled Sun Light & Power (a certified Heliodyne tradeally, known as a Helio-Partner) to have them install aHeliodyne system.

After reviewing the energy requirements for the build-ing, they installed a system (comprised of 14 HeliodyneGOBI 410 collectors, divided into three separate arrays)which now provides hot water for all 60 apartment units.The system uses a heat exchanger to transfer the heat fromthe collectors to the solar storage tank which provides hotwater to the residents.

Back-up heating was also taken into consideration (fortimes when there is little or no sun) by using 3 existing gaswater heaters.

Because the apartment complex is owned by a non-profit organization with no tax liability, the 30% federaltax credit could not be utilized. However, even without the

advantage of incentives, return on investment (ROI) forthe solar hot water system will be just more than nineyears at the current price level for natural gas.

With a life expectancy of 25 years or more, Centertowncan expect many years of reliable performance, helping tosave not only money, but also the environment.

System description

Sleek Heliodyne GOBI 410 solar collector panels linethe roof of Centertown for optimum solar exposure. Thereare a total of three arrays: two 5-collector arrays, and one4-collector array, totalling 14 collectors. Inside each col-

lector are thin metal tubes filled with a special non-toxicsolar fluid. When heated, the solar fluid is circulated fromthe collectors through a heat exchanger, which transfersthat heat to an 800 gallon solar storage tank filled withwater.

For more information, www.heliodyne.com.

PRODUCT APPLICATION

Numbers at a glance

• System cost (equipment + labor) — $51,000• Total therms billed 2007 (before system installation)

— 9078 therms* • Total therms billed 2008 (after system installation)

— 5827 therms*• Expected average annual utility savings — $5,364• Expected average therms/year saved — 3,000• Equivalent annual output — 39,379 kWh• Equivalent annual CO2 reduction — 47,255 lbs.

Apartment complex banks on solar



With all the time, resources and effort put intodeveloping plumbing products, you certainlywant to prevent your inventions and designs

from being copied. Patents, either utility or design, can dojust that. The patent office grants exclusive property rightsto inventors in exchange for disclosing their inventions. Acommon misconception is that patents grant the right tomake a product, but actually, they grant the right to excludeothers from making, using, offering, selling or importinginventions covered by the patent.

It is important to understand the differences betweenutility patents and design patents to ensure that the properornamental or structural aspects are protected.

Utility patents

Typically thought of as a “patent,” a utility patent maybe granted to anyone who invents or discovers any newand useful process, machine, article of manufacture, orcomposition of matter, or any new and useful improve-ment of those items. Structural and functional aspects ofnew plumbing devices might be protected as long as theyare novel and non-obvious.

Design patents

A design patent protects the new, original, ornamental

appearance of a design of an article of manufacture.Ornamental aspects of new plumbing products may beprotected as long as similar or obvious designs are notalready known. A design patent does not protect function-al aspects or the “idea” itself. Such functional aspectswould have to be protected by a utility patent.

After a patent is granted, the terms and fee requirementsare different. Generally, the term of a new utility patent is20 years from the filing date of the application, or some-times, from the filing date of an earlier related application,subject to paying three maintenance fees at 3.5, 7.5 and11.5 years. No maintenance fees are due for U.S. designpatents, which last 14 years from issuance.

While it may take a year for a U.S. design patent toissue, utility patents often take longer and are also typi-cally more involved and expensive.

The scope of patents is determined by their claims. Fora utility patent, its claims are interpreted and comparedwith a potentially infringing device to analyze coverage.The scope of design patent protection is somewhat nar-rower, in which an ordinary observer must view the designas substantially the same to be deceived and induced intopurchasing the copy thinking that it is the original.

The term “patent pending” or “patented” is a barrier for

By Tim Engling


Patents properly protecting plumbing products



others entering the market or at leastfrom copying the invention or theexact design. To “design around” apatent, some element, limitation orsometimes equivalent in the claimedinvention must be avoided. But smallchanges in appearance can some-times avoid a design patent.

Patentability searches

A preferred initial step, apatentability search can identifywhether filing an application is war-ranted. A patentability searchincludes analyzing prior art to seewhat similar devices exist. Suchsearching is not required to file either

a utility or design patent application,but it may be useful in determiningwhether bathroom or kitchen designsare new or non-obvious over theexisting art. Searches are more typi-cal for utility patents than designpatents. Patentability searches andopinions may help in determining thescope of potential protection, prepar-ing patent claims, and providing priorart to disclose to the patent office aspart of filing an application.

Prompt filing may be important topreserve rights in the U.S. and othercountries

Factors other than existing prior artmay preclude the availability ofpatent protection. For example, bystatute, patent protection is not avail-able in the U.S. for an invention thatwas sold, offered for sale, or in pub-lic use in the U.S. more than one yearprior to the filing date of a U.S. patentapplication, or that was described in aprinted publication anywhere in theworld before the invention or morethan one year prior to the filing dateof a patent application. Thus, sale,use or publication of the inventionmay preclude patents.

Similarly, patent protection inother countries may be precluded ifthe invention was publicly divulgedprior to the actual filing date of apatent application in that country, orprior to the earliest claimable prioritydate. Ideally, an application should befiled before invention is made knownto maintain absolute novelty beforedisclosure and sale.

In conclusion, patents are usefultools to protect rights in plumbingproducts. Utility and design patentsprotect different, but significant,aspects of new inventions. �

Tim Engling assists clients in ana-lyzing, securing, protecting, manag-ing and enforcing their intellectualproperty rights, including copyright,trademark, patent, various designs,trade secret, and related rights. He isa registered U.S. patent attorney andis authorized to practice trademarklaw in the U.S. and Canada. He hashelped clients obtain and protectintellectual property rights through-out the world. He can be reached [email protected].


Plumbing PatentsContinued from page 48

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Suddenly, it’s simple to identify energy efficient waterheaters. Contractors and specifiers just have to keep aneye out for the familiar ENERGY STAR® logo.

Energy efficient water heaters have been available for quitesome time, but it was the beginning of this year when theENERGY STAR label for residential water heaters (whichcan be used for light commercial) came into effect. TheENERGY STAR logo makes highly efficient water heatersrecognizable to consumers who value the financial and envi-ronmental benefits that energy efficiency can provide.

ENERGY STAR, a joint program of the U.S. Departmentof Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA), has been around since 1992. It is a voluntarylabeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Assuch, it relies on manufacturers and energy experts workingtogether to reduce air pollution through efficiency by bring-ing ENERGY STAR products to consumers.

ENERGY STAR qualified products save energy andmoney and are of the same caliber or even better quality thannon-ENERGY STAR qualified products. According to theannual survey of ENERGY STAR brand awareness, threequarters of the consumers surveyed recognized the ENERGYSTAR label and nearly two thirds of households surveyedassociated the ENERGY STAR label with energy savings.

It is obvious why a homeowner would be interested inan ENERGY STAR water heater: water heating canaccount for 15 percent of a home’s total energy bill — sec-ond only to cooling and heating your home. DOE esti-mates that the average consumer will spend $360 to $505annually heating water, though this amount will varydepending on local utility rates and how individual home-owners use hot water. ENERGY STAR qualified waterheaters are expected to save consumers from $26 per yearup to $277 per year, depending on what kind of ENERGY

STAR water heater is chosen. ENERGY STAR qualifiedwater heaters could save end users across the nationapproximately $823 million in utility costs over the nextfive years. Plus, they could help to reduce carbon dioxideemissions by 4.2 million tons over the same time period.

The ENERGY STAR program encompasses a widevariety of water heaters, giving homeowners a number ofoptions. The conditions in individual homes can vary, sosome water heaters may be ideal for some homes and notfor others. Be sure to follow manufacturers’ instructionswhen installing ENERGY STAR qualified water heaters,and make it a point to discuss what the installation willentail with homeowners before you start the job. A littlebit of time spent with homeowners up front to make surethat they are buying the right ENERGY STAR waterheater for their homes and habits is likely to leave bothinstallers and homeowners more satisfied with the job.

Wholesalers and installers also have clear reasons toappreciate the ENERGY STAR program. Because it is sowidely recognized by consumers, the new ENERGYSTAR labels make it easy for a contractor to get a conver-sation started with a homeowner.

North West Climate Controls, Inc. is one of the HVACcontractors within Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) serviceterritory area in Washington State. Matt Painter, presidentof North West Climate Controls, has found ENERGYSTAR qualified water heaters to be an important additionto the available water heater options.

“North West Climate Controls, Inc, believes that con-sumers have come to recognize and trust the ENERGY STARlabel and seek to purchase equipment with the logo becauseof their knowledge of these products,” commented Matt.“Financial savings, in conjunction with tax credits, are a greatincentive and motivator for a consumer to purchase new, ener-


The ENERGY STAR water heater way

...benefiting the

environmentBy Kara Rodgers



gy savings appliances. Customer satis-faction is achieved in added comfort inthe home, lower energy bills, and mon-etary credits and rebates being an addi-tional bonus.”

Some local utility companies offerincentives to installers who success-fully install an ENERGY STAR qual-ified water heater for a consumer.Other utilities may offer rebates toconsumers that could help plumbingand HVAC professionals close thesale. Visit www.eswaterheaters.org tofind a list of rebates offered by utilityand state energy efficiency programs.

Being knowledgeable about themost recent industry changes, techno-logical advancements, federal taxcredits, and the ideal water heater forthe end user’s needs will positioninstallers to become trusted experts inthe customer’s eyes.

Displaying ENERGY STAR waterheaters in a showroom can also helpthe homeowner feel confident withthe available options. As the surveydata from the ENERGY STAR

awareness survey indicates, con-sumers recognize and understandwhat the label represents. One of thehardest steps in the sales process —educating the customer — is madeeasier. The next step will be to helpdetermine which type of ENERGYSTAR water heater is right for thathomeowner’s unique situation.

Five categories of residential waterheaters are eligible for the ENERGYSTAR program, each with their ownspecific requirements to qualify. TheDepartment of Energy establishedcriteria that took effect January 1,2009 for whole-home gas tankless,high-performance gas storage, resi-dential gas condensing, drop-in orintegrated heat pump and solar ther-mal ENERGY STAR qualified waterheaters. Currently, whole home gastankless and high-performance gasstorage are the most widely availablein the U.S. market.

Some ENERGY STAR qualifiedwater heaters may be eligible for afederal income tax credit. For detailson the availability of tax credits forENERGY STAR water heaters andother energy efficiency measures,

including which ENERGY STARwater heaters qualify for a U.S. feder-al tax credit, please visit www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.

After the launch of the ENERGYSTAR program for water heaters, theConsortium for Energy Efficiency(CEE) has established the Coalition forENERGY STAR Water Heaters. Thiscampaign is dedicated to providingcontractors and end users with theresources and education they need toselect the most energy-efficient waterheater to meet their individual needs.Coalition sponsors include energy effi-ciency program administrators andwater heater manufacturers, in partner-ship with the U.S. Department ofEnergy and Natural Resources Canada.

To learn more about energy effi-ciency in water heaters, visitwww.eswaterheaters.org. �

Kara Rodgers issenior programmanager for theConsortium forEnergy Efficiency.


Energy StarContinued from page 52

To Find A Wholesaler Call 800.523.2931 | www.bradfordwhite.com | Built to be the Best™

*Ranking is based on the 2008 CLEAReport by Clear Seas Research. Please visit www.clearseasresearch.com for additional information. ©2009, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved.

For three years, the CLEAReport Water Heater Study by Clear Seas Research has shown Bradford Whiteas the water heater brand most purchased by contractors. Just as importantly, Bradford White came out

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The Perfect Choice



Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor

I appreciate columnist Ron George’s mention of the

International Code Council’s green construction code initiative

for commercial buildings in his column “Green building codes

and standards” in the July issue of Plumbing Engineer. However,

I must take exception to the statement: “Not to be left in the dust

the model building code organizations and some standards writ-

ing organizations have jumped on the green bandwagon… .”

Yes, the International Code Council is creating an

International Green Construction Code (IGCC), which will

reduce energy usage and the carbon footprint of commercial

buildings. But we are not jumping on the bandwagon. The

International Code Council has been a leader in the development

of green model codes for more than 30 years. In response to the

1973 energy crisis, model energy codes were developed to

address the design of energy-efficient buildings and the installa-

tion of energy efficient mechanical, lighting and power-systems.

In 1976, the Council’s legacy groups developed the Model Code

for Energy Conservation in New Building Construction, which

became the foundation for the International Energy

Conservation Code (IECC) first published in 1998. Today, 42

states and Washington, D.C., enforce an edition of the IECC at

the state or local level. The 2009 IECC will produce approxi-

mately 15% in energy efficiency gains compared to the 2006 edi-

tion, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Richard P. Weiland, CEO

International Code Council.

Ron,

I read your Plumbing Engineer article online “What are safe

hot water temperatures?” which recommended setting a water

heater at 140F and installing an ASSE 1017 master mixing valve

to deliver 120F water to the plumbing system. My question to

you is: How can you have a recirculating pump maintaining a

120F loop fed from a valve off of a 140F hot water heater that

has to mix in cold water to deliver the 120F water to the loop

when there is no water usage occurring off of the loop? Cold

water cannot be added to a system that is using no water but you

still want to maintain 120F available to your fixtures.

Dale Redhage, P.E.

BIS Frucon Engineering Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Dale,

You ask a good question. The correct way is to pipe the HWR

to a tee after the circulating pump and associated valves and

trim. Split the flow in two pipes. One goes to the cold water inlet

of the water heater (include a balancing valve) the other goes to

the cold water inlet of the thermostatic mixing valve or the recir-

culation connection of the mixing valve. I submitted this as a

code change to the international plumbing code several years

ago and it needs to be submitted to the UPC. The 100 to 110

degree HWR mixes with the 140 degree hot water at the mixing

valve to deliver 120 degree HW. See the sketch. (Courtesy of

Symmons)

Ron

Follow up question:

Our understanding is that if we're feeding multiple sinks and

showers from the 120F recirculating loop we would then need to

put individual ASSE 1070 valves set to 110F at these fixtures

(individually or possibly a few fixtures together on one valve?)

to comply with IPC 2006. If we set the loop in your diagram to

110F instead of 120F does this comply with the code if individ-

ual ASSE valves are not installed at the fixtures? In other words,

does setting this loop at 110F with no additional valves comply

with the code requirements?

Thanks again,

Dale

Dale,

There are only three places in the 2009 International

Plumbing code that reference ASSE 1070 and they are listed

below:

• 408.3 Bidet water temperature. The discharge water tempera-

ture from a bidet fitting shall be limited to a maximum tempera-

ture of 110°F (43°C) by a water temperature limiting device con-

forming to ASSE 1070.

• 416.5 Tempered water for public hand-washing facilities.

Tempered water shall be delivered from public hand-washing

facilities. Tempered water shall be delivered through an

approved water-temperature limiting device that conforms to

ASSE 1070 or CSA B125.3.

• 424.5 Bathtub and whirlpool bathtub valves. The hot water

supplied to bathtubs and whirlpool bathtubs shall be limited to a

maximum temperature of 120°F (49°C) by a water-temperature

limiting device that conforms to ASSE 1070 or CSA B125.3,

except where such protection is otherwise provided by a combi-

nation tub/shower valve in accordance with Section 424.3.

I am not aware of any code requirement for ASSE 1070 for

showers or sinks/showers require an ASSE 1016 device or an ASSE

1069 device. Sinks currently have no temperature limits or tem-

perature control requirements. The installation would comply with

section 415.5 for public hand-washing if the master mixing valve

serving the loop was an ASSE 1017/1070 valve. (The ASSE 1070

valve has tighter temperature tolerances) Please be advised there

are some states like Michigan that have amended the code to

require an individual ASSE 1070 valves at each fixture even though

the standard clearly states the devices are for individual fixtures or

a group of fixtures. There are manufacturers that have a dual list-

ings on their valves. Off the top of my head I cannot recall which

ones. You will need to do some research on a few manufacturers

websites. Try these manufacturers: Symmons, Armstrong-Rada,

Powers, Speakman, to see which models have the flow capacity

you need to handle the shower demand and the low flow (circulat-

ed flow rate) and have the dual listing.

Good luck,

Ron

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Fire Sprinkler Design — Part 1

Sam, thank you for addressing this

subject. I think this is one of the first arti-

cles in a magazine I have seen that has

directly addressed sprinkler design in a

step by step manner. In your list of items

that should be addressed, I believe you

also should mention the construction type

of the building and the products being

protected for storage designs.

As a plans examiner I have received

sprinkler plans months after the building

plans have been approved and in some

cases for buildings that have not had sprin-

klers installed. I have received plans from

contractors that fail to indicate, on the plans,

the construction type since they are working

from a master set of building drawings that

makes it the construction type clear or they

have been to the building and “know” with

what they are dealing. I have no idea what

construction type the building is, and to do

a compressive review, I need to know the

construction type (fire resistive-non fire

resistive, combustible-non combustible, etc.

or use the IBC or NFPA classifications).

Another area that needs to be

addressed is the design of systems that

protect storage. The type of commodity,

storage height, packaging, and the design

criteria being used, has to be on the plans

with an explanation of the concepts used

for determining the design when the

above is not known (spec buildings).

Respectfully,

Dave Baird, CFPE, FPO 1

Plan Reviewer, Fire Protection Specialist

Office of the State Fire Marshal

Chicago

Dave,

Your comments are very good and will

definitely be items that get more attention

in future articles I plan to write.

Regards, Sam

Sam, I enjoyed reading your article “Are

sprinklers required?” in the July 2009 edi-

tion of Plumbing Engineer. One thing that

caught my attention was “trade-offs.”

During my tenure at the National Fire

Sprinkler Association we used the phrase

“trade-up,” which was coined by Gene

Endthoff, as I understand it. It has been my

opinion that trade-off was somewhat nega-

tive or neutral for sprinklers. Whereas, trade-

up is more positive for sprinklers. The trade-

up concept helps to highlight the sprinkler

advantage which goes beyond the issues you

described such as height and area, interior

finish, travel distance, etc. The sprinkler

advantage includes reduction in life and

property losses, insurance savings, econom-

ic impacts, loss of employment/wages, etc.

As a sprinkler proponent I like the phrase

“trade-up” to the sprinkler advantage.

Robert Trotter, CBO, CFM

Manager, Sr. Life Safety Specialist

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.

Nashville, Tenn.

The German Diaries (June 2009)

John, I enjoyed reading “The German

Diaries.” My wife and I were privileged to

visit Germany in early March with a group

of U.S. manufacturers and salespeople. The

stated purpose of the trip was to visit ISH,

but it turned out to be a largely social affair.

In fact, I was so exhausted after tromping

through ISH the first day that my wife and I

stayed in Heidelberg, and did not accompa-

ny the group to Frankfurt the second day.

From your description, I think your group

and ours ate at some of the same places!

Germany was very interesting and the

people were friendly. We had never been

to Europe, but would go back in a heart-

beat. Thanks for reminding me of our trip!

Thomas RR Manz, CPD

Sr. Mechanical Designer

LABELLA Associates, P.C.

Rochester, N.Y.


Letters to the Editor

The Industry Standard in Valve Protection

hot-box.com800.736.0238 • [email protected]

HOT BOX® complies with ASSE 1060 Certification for our entire

product line. Included are all standard models of the HOT BOX ,

LOK BOX®, VALVE GUARD®, HOT ROK® and EZ BOX® lines. HOT BOX

and LOK BOX are certified up through the dual 10" OS&Y enclosure

for units with strainers - the HB10EDS. Contact our office with

any questions about the ASSE 1060 Standards, or to request copies

of our certifications.

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Developed by the industry for the industry, the UPC includes specific:

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NSF appoints VP of marketing

ANN ARBOR, MICH. — NSF International announced theappointment of Elizabeth A. Jones as its new vice presi-dent of marketing.

In her new position, Jones will beresponsible for strategic leadership, aswell as oversight of corporate marketingand branding, communications and reg-ulatory affairs. She will lead globalmulti-channel marketing for both busi-ness and consumer markets, drivingbrand recognition and growth for NSFInternational.

Bryan Steam announces retirement

PERU, IND. — Dick Holmquist retired as national sales andmarketing manager from Bryan Steam LLC in June.Holmquist served in sales capacities within the industrialheating industry for 43 years. He began at Iron Fireman inHarrisburg, Va. in 1966 selling commercial burners andboilers and then became involved with international salesafter Dunham-Bush purchased Iron Fireman.

AFSA announces award winner

DALLAS — Scottsdale, Ariz., Fire Marshal Jim Ford is themost recently announced recipient of the American FireSprinkler Association's (AFSA) Fire Sprinklers SaveLives award, a nationally recognized honor for continuedefforts to raise the level of fire safety technology aware-ness and understanding among the public. AFSA NationalVice Chairman Don Kaufman and AFSA Arizona ChapterChairman Mike Bair presented Ford with his award onFebruary 25 at a monthly meeting of the AFSA ArizonaChapter in Phoenix.

Aquatech, Inc. names ‘Special Hazards’ hire

MORRISVILLE, PA. — Aquatech announced that Joseph A.Franks will be head up its “Special Hazards” fire protec-tion department. Franks brings a wealth of knowledge tothe firm, with more than 25 years of experience in designand management of nuclear power plants, aircraft hangers,chemical plants, electric power plants and warehousefacilities.

BrassCraft names director of Wholesale Sales

NOVI, MICH. — Jim Pletcher has joined BrassCraft assenior director of Wholesale Sales. In this position, Jimwill add his extensive experience in contractor servicesand building products to BrassCraft’s growing customersupport staff.

Eemax announces new president & CEO

OxFORD, CONN. — Eemax, Inc., a manufacturer of com-mercial and residential electric tankless heaters, hasappointed Kevin M. Ruppelt president and CEO.

Ruppelt replaces Dave Corrado, who will stay withEemax as an outside director.

During his 26-year executive career with GeneralElectric, Ruppelt last served as GM forthe Water and Energy Managementwithin GE’s Consumer and Industrialbusiness. His other positions at GEincluded engineering, quality control,production planning, warranty manage-ment, international distribution, callcenter, sales & inventory planning,interactive marketing, eBusiness, andproduct management.

Elkhart Brass names regional sales manager

ELKHART, IND. — Elkhart Brass announced that RobertDornseif (Rob) has accepted the position of regional salesmanager for its Mideast territory region, which includesIllinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.

IAPMO elects Chair to NCPCCI Board

ONTARIO, CALIF. — The International Association ofPlumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) announcedthat Terrence Leppellere, IAPMO director of member ser-vices, has been elected to serve a two-year term asChairman of the National Certification Program ofConstruction Code Inspectors (NCPCCI) Board ofGovernors. Leppellere is a charter member of the NCPC-CI Board of Directors and previously served as its chair-man from 1988-89.

Leppellere, then manager of Training and Education withBuilding Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA),helped draft the NCPCCI bylaws and served on the Boarduntil 1993. He rejoined the Board again last December.

Fluidmaster announces CMO

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIF. —Fluidmaster, a global manufacturer oftoilet tank valves and fluid managementsolutions, has appointed Robert Roth asits new chief marketing officer (CMO).In this new role, Roth will serve as thedriving force in building and leading thegrowth of the company on a globalscale. His primary responsibilities asCMO will include piloting the compa-ny’s marketing efforts within its threeglobal channel organizations, (retail, OEM and wholesale).

Industry Movers

Ruppelt

Jones

Roth



Bracketing systemStrong Arm Bracketing System withPEX Bend Lock Block™ was createdto provide a vastly superior installa-tion when stubbing out with PEX tub-ing. Strong Arm Brackets with PEXBend Lock Blocks™ are the best wayto bracket PEX tubing. They are sim-ple to learn and install, equal thefastest installation ever, come at thelowest cost ever and provide strengthbeyond comparison. Traditionally,there were many problems with stub-bing out PEX. But now with the new,American-made PEX Bend LockBlock™, those problems are solved.Installers can now stub out easily,securely and with confidence. Sioux

Chief.Circle 101 on Reader Reply

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Forged brass PEX Fittings & ValvesFittings and valves are NSF and UPCapproved and manufactured to ASTMStandard F1807. They are to be usedwith cross-linked polyethylene PEXtubing manufactured to ASTMStandard F876/877. Family of PEXFittings & Valves consists of brass PEXelbows, tees, couplings, adapters (maleand female adapters plus male andfemale sweat adapters), plugs, com-pression couplings, copper and stain-less crimp rings, frost free sillcocks(with and without vacuum breakers),chrome-plated brass stop valves andforged brass ball valves. Matco-Norca.


Floor control assembliesRISERPACK® line of pre-assembledfloor control assemblies includes11/2" and 2" Male NPT x Grooveconnections available for both resi-dential (NFPA 13D/13R) and com-mercial (NFPA 13) applications. Themodel 8000 Residential RISER-PACK®s include a domestically castUL Listed bronze riser manifold,pressure gauge, water flow alarmswitch, and UL Listed/FM Approvedmodel 3011 INSPECTOR’STEST®ball valve with NFPA required ori-fice. The model 8000 CommercialRISERPACK® includes a domesti-cally cast bronze riser manifold, pres-sure gauge with globe valve, waterflow alarm switch, and UL Listed/FMApproved model 2500 TES-TANDRAIN® valve with NFPArequired orifice. AGF

Manufacturing.Circle 102 on Reader Reply

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Water line installation solutionsThe EZ Quick family installs newappliances to existing water supplylines; consists of three quick-con-

nect valve sizes for ice machines,refrigerators, humidifiers, under-cabinet water filters and evaporativecoolers. Certified NSF/ANSI 61.Available in complete kits or in indi-vidual valves. Dormont Mfg.


Product NewsVariable speed pump controller

New Technologic® 502 variable speed

pump controller utilizes the latest gener-

ation hardware platform with advanced

pumping software

and proven algo-

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more cost-effi-

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for HVAC and

pressure booster

applications. The

new 502 integrat-

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troller and

adjustable fre-

quency drive offers new features that

increase ease of set-up and menu navi-

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lower operating costs: Control up to

four parallel pumps; four analog inputs;

and customized algorithms handle the

entire range of pumping applications.

Bell & Gossett.Circle 100 on Reader Reply

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TC Series pumpsTC Series — single stage, double suc-tion, vertical split case pumps is used inheating, air conditioning, pressureboosting, cooling water transfer andwater supply applications. The TCSeries’ top suction and discharge makesthis product line the ideal choice forminimizing installation footprint intight mechanical rooms. TC Seriespumps are available in 1160 and 1760RPM in bronze fitted and all iron ver-sions. Standard operating temperatureis 250º F and 175 PSIG in accordancewith ANSI Standard B16.1 (Class 125).Optional operating pressure is 300PSIG at 250º F temperature. Taco.


Product News

CPVC water piping systemReUze™, a new CPVC water pipingsystem, gives engineers and others inthe green/sustainability industry apractical, easy-to-install system fornon-potable water uses inside ofcommercial

and residentialbuildings. ReUze™ is manu-

factured using the highest qualityCPVC compound along with a purplepigment (purple is the universallyaccepted color for non-potable watersystems). It is marked with two linesof type clearly identifying the con-tents as “WARNING: NON-POTABLE WATER DO NOTDRINK.” Charlotte Pipe and

Foundry Company.Circle 111 on Reader Reply

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Condensing boilerXFyre modulating, condensing boiler,available is sizes 300 to 850 mbtu.Efficiency 94% thermal at full fire, upto 99% part load. Indoor/outdoor con-struction standard. Certified for PVC,CPVC, and SS venting. SS heatexchanger w/ASME H stamp. Indoorcombustible clearance requirement iszero, except access. Top water connec-tions and 9.5-sq.-ft. footprint minimizespace requirements. Design includesDSI ignition, fuel air synchronization,soft start and 5:1 modulation. Digitaloperating controls plus 0-10 VDCinput from BMS. An easily read LCDstatus display, Full diagnostics, andfault memory, and California LoNOxcertification. Raypak.


Stainless steel perforated sink gridNew K-610 Stainless SteelPerforated Sink Grids are manufac-tured with 16ga 304 S/S and sit one

inch off the bottom of the sink bowl.This allows for the collection ofrefuse and full drainage while at thesame time protecting the bowl fromdaily wear and tear. The K-610Stainless Steel Perforated Sink gridhas been designed for use in bothAdvance Tabco drop-in and free-standing sinks that utilize a “drawnbowl,” and are available for multiplebowl sizes. Advance Tabco.


High efficiency toiletsBriggs Industries is capitalizing on sur-prisingly strong demand for its pushbutton-operated Conserver Dual FlushHET with six new models that addstyle, shapes and functionality to itsproduct line of high efficiency toiletsthat are pending EPA WaterSense cer-tification. The company’s Maelstromseries, which provides powerful one-flush performance, now includes HETversions that “force conservation” byusing only 1.28 gpf and come in round,elongated and ComfortFit ADA mod-els. Briggs Industries.


Booster pumping systemsNew full-color, 12-page brochure fea-tures Patterson Pump Co.’s line ofhigh-performance AquaFloControl™plumbing systems and accessories.These booster pumping systems offerproven quality and reliability when itcomes to delivering clean water at con-trolled volume and pressure to high-density residential, light industrial,independent water systems, dormito-ries and office buildings. EachAqua~FloPac™ pre-engineered pack-aged system eliminates the need forjob-by-job system engineering involv-ing individual pumps, accessories andcontrols. Patterson Pumps.


Indirect solar water heating unitsBradford White Water Heatersrecently introduced 14 new indirectsolar water heating units, increasingthe company’s offerings in the solarcategory to a total of 32 models. The14 new water heaters include sixEcoStor2 SC double wall, single coilgas backup models, six EcoStor2 SCdouble wall, single coil TTW gasbackup models and two EcoStor2 SCdouble wall, single-coil Eco-Defender gas backup models.



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Advertiser IndexHeliodyne ............................................................33Holby ...................................................................10Hot Box...............................................................58Hubbard/HOLDRITE®.......................................53IAPMO ..........................................................13, 59Josam .................................................................11Leonard .................................................................7Liberty Pumps ....................................................61McWane, Inc. ......................................................15Mifab ...................................................................45Moen ..................................................................19Navien .................................................................17National Bronze & Metals .................................42

The Noble Company .............................................4Plumberex.............................................................3Powers Process ..................................................51Precision Hydronic Products .............................34Rockford Seperators ...................................22, 23See Water Inc. ...................................................52Smith Mfg. Co., Jay R. ......................................16Stiebel Eltron......................................................21Symmons ..............................................................9T & S Brass .......................................................54Tyler Pipe ...........................................................49Watts...................................................................29Webstone ..............................................................2Zurn ...................................................................68

Acorn Safety ......................................................44AHR Expo ............................................................47Bell & Gossett ....................................................67Bradley ..................................................................5Bradford White ...................................................55Calculated Industries .........................................36Charlotte Pipe .............................................24, 25Chicago Faucets.................................................43CSA .....................................................................37Delany Products, Inc. ........................................35Goulds Pumps ....................................................27Grundfos .............................................................31Heat-Flo Products ..............................................41

September2009

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complete with a heat exchanger tank, collector panels, a con-troller, multi-speed pump, thermal expansion tank and otheressential items.

Since the advent of the federal Stimulus Plan in february,Solar water heaters are within the financial reach of morehomeowners. Additionally, many local utilities and govern-ments are offering additional incentives in addition to thefederal tax credit. Homeowners can visit dsireusa.org to findlocal incentives in their area.

SolPak is an active solar water heating system, meaningthat it uses a circulating pump to transfer water through thesystem. Due to the circulating pump, active systems do notuse roof-mounted tanks unlike passive solar water heatingsystems, which rely on natural methods to circulate waterthrough the system. Active solar water heaters account for90 percent of the US solar-thermal market because thisvisually-pleasing compatible configuration complies withmost homeowner association-governed neighborhoodcovenants.

SolPak uses roof mounted Solar rating and CertificationCommittee certified collection panels designed to for aes-thetic design conformity. The heat exchanger tank, circulat-ing pump and controller are located in the home, typically ina utility room, garage or basement. Sensor wires measurethe temperature at various points in the system and activatethe pump to circulate the heated fluid from the collectorsdown to the tank and back until water is heated to the desiredtemperature.

Fagan Co. awarded mechanical systems contract at KCP&L

NorWALK, CoNN. — EMCor Group, Inc. announced thatits fagan Company subsidiary has received a contract forthe installation of the mechanical systems for a majorretrofit at the new headquarters for Kansas City Power andLight (KCP&L) located in Kansas City, Mo.

fagan will be responsible for HVAC and plumbing sys-tem refurbishment and installation associated with 11.5floors (230,000 square feet) in KCP&L’s headquartersfacility located in downtown Kansas City. Scope of workincludes, refurbishment of existing air handling units, aswell as installation of distribution ducts, fan-poweredboxes, fan coil units, sound attenuators, grilles and dif-fusers. fagan also will install temperature controls,plumbing, and new fixtures. Additionally, work includesmodifying piping to accommodate the raised floor air dis-tribution, connection to existing chilled water air handlingunits for cooling and ventilation, and providing electricheat in the new fan powered boxes. The building has beendesigned to LEED Gold standards as determined by theU.S. Green Building Council.

Habitat for Humanity receives Caroma donation for LEED project

HILLSBoro, orE. — Habitat for Humanity, an ecumenical

Christian organization dedicated to eliminating povertyhousing, has received a donation from Caroma of highefficiency dual flush toilets to help Habitat BaldwinCounty, Alabama, with their first certified “green” home.Habitat for Humanity provides simple, decent housing toqualified families. Since 1992, Baldwin County Habitatfor Humanity has built 72 homes and is expecting 75 morehomes built in the next five years.

“When we began this project, our goal was to build ahome to help a needy family obtain better housing,”explains Alex Cary, construction manager at Habitat forHumanity of Baldwin County. “It was also important toprovide significant utility savings for the family that wasmoving in along with reduced lifecycle costs while striv-ing for LEED Gold certification. The Caroma donation ofwater-conserving toilets will help not only reduce waterand energy costs but also help obtain LEED certification.”

The Caroma high efficiency toilets donated to Habitatprovide an average flush volume of 0.96 gallons per flush.The family of six that is moving into this house will savemore than 7000 gallons of water per year over the nation-ally-mandated 1.6 gallon toilet, saving considerable waterand energy costs.

Honeywell Fire Systems extends product warranty period

NorTHforD, CoNN. — Honeywell fire Systemsannounced the limited warranty period on its fire alarmproducts manufactured within the United States is to beextended from 18 to 36 months, effective immediately.The warranty extension applies to Honeywell’s Notifier,fire-Lite Alarms, Gamewell-fCI and Silent Knight-brandfire alarm control systems manufactured in the U.S.

To help ensure all products currently in the marketplaceare covered, the warranty extension is retroactive, applica-ble to products manufactured on or after January 1, 2009.Therefore, products with a date code stamp of “0109” orlater are protected by the new 36-month policy. Date codedigits one and two indicate the week in which the productwas manufactured with the last two digits representing theyear.

According to Honeywell fire Systems’ vice presidentof operations, John Chetelat, warranty terms were extend-ed as another means of customer support. “We have rigidquality-assurance standards employed throughout ourproduct development and manufacturing processes. But ifa product is found to have an inherent defect, we want ourcustomers to trust we’ll back them.”

The warranty extension joins other customer-supportinitiatives recently enhanced by Honeywell fire Systems.A third training center for Notifier and Gamewell-fCIcustomers was just opened in Lincolnshire, Ill., toimprove access to hands-on training. Silent Knight hasintroduced a new Lunch-N-Learn fire protection programaimed at educating specifiers and facilities personnel,while fire-Lite continues to host more than 60 fire alarmsystems trainings throughout the country, free of charge.


Industry News


Constant Speed

Pump ControllerTechnologic® 502 Variable

Speed Pump Controller

Flow Head

Load Hours (GPM) (FT) Cost/t/Day Wire/e W/W/ ater

20% 2.40 100.0 78.54 $0.68 52.17%

40% 2.40 200.0 74.99 $0.99 68.45%

50% 4.80 250.0 70.58 $2.27 70.30%

60% 4.80 300.0 63.98 $2.49 69.58%

70% 4.80 350.0 53.77 $2.68 63.52%

80% 2.40 200.0 74.99 $1.98 68.45%

200.0 74.99 $1.98 68.45%

90% 1.20 225.0 72.99 $1.06 69.77%

225.0 72.99 $1.06 69.77%

100% 1.20 250.0 70.58 $1.13 70.30%

250.0 70.58 $1.13 70.30%

Two Pump Operating in Parallel

y

Total hours/year 8,760

Total KW hours 48,507

Cost per kwhr $0.10

Annual Operating Cost:Total hours/year 8,760

Total KW hours 35,775.3

Cost per kwhr $0.10

Flow Head

Load Hours (GPM) (FT) Cost/t Day Wire/e/WWater

20% 2.40 100.0 26.8 $0.20 60.2%

40% 2.40 200.0 32.1 $0.45 64.3%

50% 4.80 250.0 36.1 $1.32 61.7%

60% 4.80 150.0 41.0 $1.77 62.9%

150.0 41.0

70% 4.80 175.0 46.8 $2.33 63.5%

175.0 46.8

80% 2.40 200.0 53.4 $1.52 63.6%

200.0 53.4

90% 1.20 225.0 61.0 $0.97 63.6%

225.0 61.0

100% 1.20 250.0 69.4 $1.24 63.5%

250.0 69.4

Two Pump Operating in Parallel

Annual Operating Cost:

Speed Pump Controller

We’ve done the math for you.The new Bell & Gossett Technologic® 502 pump controller and variable speed drive saves energy. And that’s just for starters. Introducing the new Bell & Gossett 502 pump controller and variable speed drive, designed with exclusive Bell & Gossett Technologic pumping software and proven algorithms. The result is a smart, efficient and cost-saving pump system suitable for HVAC and pressure booster applications.

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We’ve done the math for you.


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