[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 1]
[Revised as of Octobery 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR34.15-15]

[Page 452]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
         CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
 
PART 34_FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT--Table of Contents
 
       Subpart 34.15_Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems, Details
 
Sec. 34.15-15  Piping--T/ALL.

    (a) The piping, valves, and fittings shall have a bursting pressure 
of not less than 6,000 pounds p.s.i.
    (b) All piping, in nominal sizes not over \3/4\-inch shall be at 
least Schedule 40 (standard weight) and in nominal sizes over \3/4\-
inch, shall be at least Schedule 80 (extra heavy).
    (c) All piping, valves, and fittings of ferrous materials shall be 
protected inside and outside against corrosion unless specifically 
approved otherwise by the Commandant.
    (d) A pressure relief valve or equivalent set to relieve between 
2,400 and 2,800 pounds p.s.i. shall be installed in the distributing 
manifold or such other location as to protect the piping in the event 
that all branch line shut- off valves are closed.
    (e) All deadend lines shall extend at least 2 inches beyond the last 
orifice and shall be closed with cap or plug.
    (f) All piping, valves, and fittings shall be securely supported, 
and where necessary, protected against injury.
    (g) Drains and dirt traps shall be fitted where necessary to prevent 
the accumulation of dirt or moisture. Drains and dirt traps shall be 
located in accessible locations where possible.
    (h) Piping shall be used for no other purpose except that it may be 
incorporated with the fire-detecting system.
    (i) Piping passing through living quarters shall not be fitted with 
drains or other openings within such spaces.
    (j) Installation test requirements are:
    (1) Upon completion of the piping installation, and before the 
cylinders are connected, a pressure test shall be applied as set forth 
in this paragraph. Only carbon dioxide or other inert gas shall be used 
for this test.
    (2) The piping from the cylinders to the stop valves in the manifold 
shall be subjected to a pressure of 1,000 pounds p.s.i. With no 
additional gas being introduced to the system, it shall be demonstrated 
that the leakage of the system is such as not to permit a pressure drop 
of more than 150 pounds per square inch per minute for 2-minute period.
    (3) The individual branch lines to the various spaces protected 
shall be subjected to a test similar to that described in the preceding 
paragraph with the exception that the pressure used shall be 600 pounds 
p.s.i. in lieu of 1,000 pounds p.s.i. For the purpose of this test, the 
distribution piping shall be capped within the space protected at the 
first joint ahead of the nozzles.
    (4) In lieu of the tests prescribed in the preceding paragraphs in 
this section, small independent systems protecting spaces such as 
emergency generator rooms, lamp lockers, etc., may be tested by blowing 
out the piping with the air at a pressure of at least 100 pounds p.s.i.