The number of violations involving fire sprinkler piping and support systems has increased for many healthcare institutions in recent years, according to an article on the Grainger website.
The problem is often a contractor who sees the sprinkler pipes as an easy way to hang new data cables, electrical conduits or pneumatic tubes.
Data cables contacting sprinkler lines comprise nearly 2/3 of all sprinkler line load deficiencies, the article said.
Such scenarios are common and getting worse, says Kirk Kaiser, owner of Barrier Compliance Services. “As hospitals become more digital, the volume of cables is growing. Unfortunately, the sprinkler pipes are supporting an increasing percentage of the cabling, in violation of the NFPA’s fire suppression system regulations.”
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