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Installation of Diesel Fuel Tanks for Fire Pumps (2021 IFC)

After you have determined the size of fuel tank you need for a diesel fire pump, what are the general requirements for installation?  Assuming that you are under under the International Building/Fire Codes, you would go through the following chain of code references: IFC (2021 edition) 5701.2 Nonapplicability. This chapter shall not apply to liquids as otherwise provided in other laws or regulations or chapters of this code, including: ... (4) Storage and use of fuel oil in tanks and containers connected to oil-burning equipment. Such storage and use shall be in accordance with Section 605. For abandonment of fuel oil tanks, this chapter applies.. IFC (2021 edition) 605.1 General. The design, construction, installation, operation, alteration, repair and maintenance of nonportable gas-fired appliances and systems shall comply with the provisions of this section and the International Fuel Gas Code. The design, construction, installation, operation, alter...

Antifreeze Safety Alert


NFPA issued the following recommendation for residential sprinklers and antifreeze:
“If there is an antifreeze solution in the system, as an interim measure, drain the system and replace it with water only. Problems associated with freezing of sprinkler pipes can be mitigated by alternative measures such as insulation. NFPA hopes to provide further guidance based on additional testing before the winter freezing months.”

A copy of the California Explosion Report where “the blast caused window glass to be blown more than 86-feet … caused an interior door .. to be pulled out approximately 3-inch from the frame” can be found here Antifreeze Report.
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Diesel Exhaust Requirements

The exhaust from a diesel engine driving a fire pump is an often-overlooked item.  The high heat put out by the exhaust is a hazard to occupants and can greatly contribute to overheating the room itself. NFPA 20 (2013 edition), section 11.5 covers "Engine Exhaust" and should be carefully reviewed. However as a starting point, the following items should be considered. Exhaust Discharge Location The first step is to determine where you are going to discharge the exhaust gases. NFPA 20 section 11.5.3 for "exhaust discharge location" has the generic common-sense requirements of do not discharge where you might hurt people, damage the building, or directed on combustible materials. But very little specific requirements are provided. There is a loose reference in NFPA 20 back to NFPA 37 ( Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines ). In addition, the International Mechanical Code (IMC) section 915.1 directs us back to NFPA 3...
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Installation of Diesel Fuel Tanks for Fire Pumps (2021 IFC)

After you have determined the size of fuel tank you need for a diesel fire pump, what are the general requirements for installation?  Assuming that you are under under the International Building/Fire Codes, you would go through the following chain of code references: IFC (2021 edition) 5701.2 Nonapplicability. This chapter shall not apply to liquids as otherwise provided in other laws or regulations or chapters of this code, including: ... (4) Storage and use of fuel oil in tanks and containers connected to oil-burning equipment. Such storage and use shall be in accordance with Section 605. For abandonment of fuel oil tanks, this chapter applies.. IFC (2021 edition) 605.1 General. The design, construction, installation, operation, alteration, repair and maintenance of nonportable gas-fired appliances and systems shall comply with the provisions of this section and the International Fuel Gas Code. The design, construction, installation, operation, alter...
Read more