(a) The piping, valves, and fittings shall have a bursting pressure of not less than 6,000 pounds per square inch.

(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 per square inch shall be installed in the distribution manifold or such other location as to protect the piping in the event that all branch line shutoff valves are closed.

(e) All dead-end 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 per square inch. 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 a 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 subparagraph with the exception that the pressure used shall be 600 pounds per square inch in lieu of 1,000 pounds per square inch. 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 paragraph, small independent systems protecting spaces such as emergency generator rooms, lamp lockers, chemical storerooms, etc., may be tested by blowing out the piping with air at a pressure of at least 100 pounds per square inch.