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PIV Installation: Standards, Requirements, and Positioning

Kennedy PIV

In fire protection, every little detail matters. Whether it’s adherence to the stringent standards for the system as a whole or thoughtful positioning of individual components, every part of the infrastructure must be designed and implemented to ensure compliance, safety, and practicality.

Inherently, post-indicator valves (PIVs) are subject to the same strict criteria, especially considering their critical role in fire protection systems. However, in 2010, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) revised these criteria, making them a bit more flexible.

The problem is, the said revision also made the requirements a bit “blurry”. That’s why, today, we’ll help you familiarize yourself with these guidelines, giving you the info necessary to optimize your Kennedy PIV installation for both effectiveness and regulatory compliance.

What are the requirements for an NFPA 13 post-indicator valve?

With the release of the 2010 edition, the NFPA 13 standards define only two specific requirements and one exemption for configurations where PIVs are required:

  • Installation height: The top of the installed post must be positioned 32-40 inches above the final grade (to ensure accessibility and visibility);
  • Protection from damage: The installed PIV must be safeguarded against mechanical damage (to maintain functionality and integrity).
  • Exemption for wall-mounted PIVs: The above height requirement does not apply to wall-mounted PIVs, since they are mounted differently.

As it currently stands, aside from guidelines on installation height and damage protection, the NFPA 13 does not pertain to anything else PIV-related, including their mandatory use in specific fire protection systems (as it used to).

Instead, the decision to use PIVs can be subject to other standards (primarily NFPA 24 and NFPA 14 to an extent), local building codes, and specific requirements of Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

What is the clearance of the post-indicator valve?

While the NFPA codes and standards dictate that PIVs should be located to permit easy operation and inspection, once again, the specific clearance dimensions aren’t provided. Therefore, it’s best to use healthy logic when installing them or a “general rule of thumb”, which is to ensure at least 3 feet of clearance around the valve for comfortable access.

What are the requirements for an NFPA 13 post-indicator valveHow close can a PIV be to a building?

The distance of a PIV to a building is clearly defined in NFPA 24, and it states that the post-indicator valve must be installed at least 40 feet from a building. The exception is if the building is less than 40 ft. tall, in which case the PIV can be installed closer to the building but not closer then the height of the wall.

Where is the best place to install a PIV unit?

With NFPA standards being murky in many aspects, finding an ideal location to install a PIV can prove to be quite the challenge. However, with everything being said up until now, we can say that determining the ideal placement will be about balancing the ease of access with protection from potential hazards. Therefore, the factors that should be taken into consideration are:

  • Accessibility: PIVs should be installed in areas where they can be easily accessed by firefighting and maintenance personnel.
  • Visibility: The indicator post should be clearly discernible from the access point, enabling for a quick and clear status check.
  • Protection: PIVs should be placed away from areas that feature a high potential for mechanical damage (e.g., high-traffic roads) or extreme environmental conditions.

Which distributor has high-quality Kennedy PIVs for sale near me?

With nearly seven decades in the industry and a long-standing partnership with Elmira-based Kennedy Valve, Blair Supply Corp. is the best place to acquire their always-reliable post-indicator valves and other products. 

Although we’re based out of Watertown and Rochester in NY, our well-developed distribution network ensures reliable, on-time delivery in every part of the US. Reach out to us today and reap the benefits of top-quality PIVs!


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