NFPA 17-1998 Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems

NFPA 17-1998 Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems. 1-1* Scope. This standard includes minimum requirements for dry chemical fire-extinguishing systems that discharge dry chemical from fixed nozzles or hand hose lines by means of expellant gas. It contains only the essential requirements and recommendations needed to make the standard workable in the hands of those skilled in this field. 1-2 Purpose. This standard is prepared for the use and guid- ance of those charged with the purchasing, designing, install- ing, testing, inspecting, approving, listing, operating, or maintaining of dry chemical fire-extinguishing systems in order that such equipment will function as intended through- out its life. Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent the use of new methods or devices, provided sufficient technical data are submitted to the authority having jurisdiction to dem- onstrate that the new method or devices are equivalent in quality, effectiveness, durability, and safety to those prescribed by this standard. 1-3* Qualifications. Only persons properly trained shall be considered competent to design, install, and service dry chem- ical systems. 1-4 Retroactivity Clause. The provisions of this document are considered necessary to provide a reasonable level of protec- tion from loss of life and property from fire. They reflect situ- ations and the state of the art at the time the standard was issued. Unless otherwise noted, it is not intended that the pro- visions of this document be applied to facilities, equipment, structures, or installations that were existing or approved for construction or installation prior to the effective date of this document. Exception: In those cases where it is determined by the authority hav- ing jurisdiction that the existing situation involves a distinct hazard to life or property, applicable portions of this standard shall apply to control the distinct hazard(s). 1-5 Definitions. For the purpose of clarification, the follow- ing general terms that are used with special technical mean- ings in this standard are defined as follows.NFPA 17 pdf download.