SECTION 363.10. Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement

(a) To be eligible for a Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement an applicant must:

(1) hold a current Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, or Plumbing Inspector License; and

(2) have successfully completed an approved training program that provides the training necessary for the proper installation of a multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler system as required by the National Fire Protection Association Standard 13D and any other applicable codes and standards recognized by the state.

(b) The training program required by subsection (a)(2) of this section shall be at least twenty-four (24) hours in length, incorporate the training criteria included in the American Society of Sanitary Engineering Series 7000 as it relates to plumbing-based residential fire protection systems installers for one and two-family dwellings, and include:

(1) one (1) hour to review applicable standards, codes, and laws, including the Plumbing License Law, Board Rules, and the fire sprinkler rules set forth in 28 Texas Administrative Code §§34.701 et seq., and their integration and identifying the enforcing authorities;

(2) four (4) hours to study definitions, to identify, at a minimum, the various types, specific parts, specific terminology, and concepts of the system;

(3) four (4) hours to learn the acceptable type, material, location, limitation, and correct installation of equipment, including, but not limited to: pipe, fittings, valves, types of sprinkler heads, supports, drains, test connections, automatic by-pass valve, smoke alarm devices, and other appurtenances;

(4) two (2) hours to learn the acceptable type, configuration, and material--which may or may not be required for a water supply--including, but not limited to: backflow preventers, shut off valves, water meters, water flow detectors, tamper switches, test connections, pressure gages, minimum pipe sizes, storage tanks, and wells, including the ability to perform a water flow test of a city water supply;

(5) eight (8) hours to learn which rooms require sprinklers and the correct positioning of a sprinkler head based on its type, listing, temperature rating, and the building structure, including, but not limited to: understanding the concepts of the area of coverage, spacing, distance from walls and ceilings, listing limitations, dead air pockets, manufacturer's requirements, and obtaining knowledge of how structural features such as flat, sloped, pocket, or open joist ceilings, close proximity to heat sources,and other obstructions such as ceiling fans, surface mounted lights, beams, and soffits may adversely influence the location of a sprinkler head;

(6) three (3) hours to learn critical hydraulic concepts for the installer that may adversely affect the original design plan due to field construction changes, including, but not limited to: remote area sprinkler operation, flow versus pressure, elevation pressure loss, sprinkler K-factors, fixture units, minimum pipe diameters, additional pipe lengths, and understand which household water appliances affect or do not affect the sprinkler hydraulics/performance; and

(7) two (2) hours to learn the required testing, maintenance, and documentation, including, but not limited to: the final inspection and tests normally required by the local fire official, when permits, working plans, as-built plans, or hydraulic calculations are required, and who provides for the system maintenance and instructions.

(c) An applicant who holds a current Master or Journeyman Plumber License issued by the Board and a current RME-General or RME-Dwelling License issued by the State Fire Marshal's Office, Texas Department of Insurance, is exempted from completing the training program required by subsection (a)(2) of this section prior to taking the Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement examination.

Source Note: The provisions of this §363.10 adopted to be effective September 1, 2017, 42 TexReg 3771; amended to be effective February 16, 2023, 48 TexReg 682