MidWest Instruments


TEST YOUR SKILLS | FALL 2020

2 Comments
 09 Nov 2020   Posted by BP Journal


The need for cross-connection control for fire protection systems at times makes for interesting discussions. What, if any protection is required? How do we decide on the correct degree of hazard? Should we look to the plumbing code or is the NFPA Standards the correct reference books we need?  Let’s dig a little deeper into this part of the cross-connection puzzle. It’s time to pick up your pencil and test your knowledge. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions please contact Backflow Prevention Journal’s Technical Editor; Sean Cleary at sean.cleary@iapmo.org

Fall 2020

A double check valve assembly is the required protection on any water based fire protection system connected to the public water system.
According to the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code the minimum protection for a fire standpipe system is:
A water-based fire protection system containing an antifreeze filled with non-toxic antifreeze may be protected with either an ASSE 1048 double detector assembly or an ASSE 1047 reduced pressure detector assembly.
The bypass of an ASSE 1048 Type Two double detector assembly contains one:
The installation of a fire department connection on a fire protection system will result in a high hazard classification for the entire fire protection system.
Shutoff valve on backflow assemblies serving fire protection systems must be:
Since fire systems are in a static condition it is not necessary to close either shutoff when testing a backflow prevention assembly on a fire protection system.
According to the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code the addition of any chemicals to a fire protection system connected to the potable water supply with require that a reduced pressure principle assembly be installed as the proper cross-connection protection.
According to the 2021 International Plumbing Code backflow protection in not required on:
Backflow preventers on fire systems shall be installed:
The installation of a fire pump on a water-based fire protection system will result in the system requiring the installation of an ASSE 1013 reduced pressure principle assembly or a ASSE 1047 reduced pressure detector assembly for backflow protection.
The installation of backflow protection on existing water-based fire protection systems will require:
According to the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code the proper cross-connection protection on fire systems using piping rated for potable water in one- and two-family homes or townhouse is:
The National Fire Protection Association Standard for the installation of sprinkler systems is the:
An ASSE 1048 Type Two double check detector assembly is made up of:
American Backflow Products


2 Comments

Paul Jonker
4 years ago



I disagree with the given answer for number three. It states that a type two detector assembly has only one check valve, however it has three, two on the main line and one on the detector line. I get that they are just counting the check valves on the detector line, but the question asks about the whole assembly, not just the detector.
Great quiz though!

    Sean Cleary
    4 years ago



    I think you are looking at question 4. The question refers to only the by-pass of the assembly.