KEN KIRSCHENBAUM, ESQ
ALARM - SECURITY INDUSTRY LEGAL EMAIL NEWSLETTER / THE ALARM EXCHANGE
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Comment on are water shut off valves NRTL listed and should you install them
May 10, 2021
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Comment on are water shut off valves NRTL listed and should you install them - from May 4, 2021 article
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Ken
          Sprinkler systems are required in some larger homes by authority of the AHJ.
The installation of these systems is directly supervised and approved during construction. They consist of two pipes coming off the main connection; One going to the sprinkler system and the other to the homes regular plumbing supply.
          The piping going to the sprinkler system is the direct concern of the AHJ and they will usually not allow an electric shutoff valve to this part of the system. They usually will not allow a flow valve just for monitoring installed as in the small residential service it can restrict or clog, reducing the flow. Anything installed in these lines must be approved by the AHJ or you could be in for a large damage bill.
          Installing a cutoff or flow valve in the "plumbing" portion of the system may be allowed, especially where the plumbing was originally done in plastic (non-pex) years ago. Even then I would think twice and then refuse as the failure to detect water flow or shut off a leak may leave you open to more water damage than you want to pay for.
          In any case, let the plumber get the permits and install it.
          Monitoring it should be decided on how well you can sleep at night knowing that sensor is out there with a rope to your neck tied to it.
Richard M
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Response
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          Thanks for that perspective and information.  Good advice.  Not all water shut off valves are installed to shut off sprinkler water supply.  Even homes without sprinklers can experience damage from unwanted water flow and I suppose the shut off valve would be helpful in those situations.  Those applications would not involve the fire alarm AHJ. 
          I suppose damages could arise when a shut off valve works at the wrong time or doesn’t work at the right time.  Water flow from broken pipe; customer isn’t home; automatic shut off valve saves lots of water and potential damage.  But shut off valve closes water line for no reason; customer away for extended period and boilers dry out.  I guess you guys can come up with better examples. 
          The All in One agreements for both residential and commercial have been updated to cover the shut off valves because those valves will need to be installed by a licensed plumber if the valve is cut into the pipe. A valve that is closed by moving a valve already installed would not need a plumber.  In any event, all equipment you install and all services you provide will be covered by the All in One, and you should sleep better at night.
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Ken Kirschenbaum,Esq
Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum PC
Attorneys at Law
200 Garden City Plaza
Garden City, NY 11530
516 747 6700 x 301
ken@kirschenbaumesq.com
www.KirschenbaumEsq.com