NM MS-12 Fire Protection Systems: Backflow
Prevention & System Design Questions and
Answers| Latest Update
Backflow
The unintended reversal of water flow from a private or contaminated source into
the potable water supply.
Condition causing backflow
A significant drop in water main pressure.
Back siphonage
Back siphonage happens when the pressure in the supply system falls below
atmospheric pressure, creating a siphon effect that draws water backward.
Cross-connection
A direct arrangement of piping connecting a potable water supply and a
non−potable system.
Backflow prevention device
A device used to prevent the reversal of water flow, ensuring the safety of the
potable water supply.
Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)
,A device commonly used for backflow prevention in fire sprinkler systems due to
its reliability and relatively low pressure loss.
Backflow prevention assembly test cock
An outlet for routine maintenance drainage that allows certified testers to verify
the functionality of each valve in the assembly.
Enforcement of backflow prevention regulations in New Mexico
Primarily enforced by the Construction Industries Division (CID) and local
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) device
A backflow prevention device that may be required in certain high−hazard
scenarios instead of a Double Check Valve Assembly.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
A device used for backflow prevention that allows air into the system to prevent
backflow.
Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assembly
A backflow prevention device designed to protect against backflow in high-hazard
situations.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
,A device used to prevent backflow by allowing air into the system when negative
pressure occurs.
Test *****
Connections on backflow assemblies that allow for testing and verification of
valve functionality.
Local health department
One of the entities that may be involved in enforcing backflow prevention
regulations.
International Code Council (ICC)
An organization that provides codes and standards for building safety, including
fire protection systems.
National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA)
An organization that may provide guidelines and support for fire sprinkler systems.
Water main pressure drop
A condition that can lead to backflow, allowing contaminated water to enter the
potable supply.
Surge of high−pressure water
A condition that can trigger fire sprinkler heads but is not related to backflow.
, Routine flushing procedure
A method to remove debris from the system, not directly related to backflow.
Manual valve
A valve that controls two separate water supply lines, not a cross-connection.
Looped network of sprinkler lines
A configuration of sprinkler lines in a building, not related to cross-connections.
Single check valve
A valve used for multiple branch lines, not a cross-connection.
RPZs
RPZs provide protection against both backpressure and backsiphonage in
high−hazard conditions.
Backflow prevention device upstream of a fire pump
The pump might overheat due to water stagnation.
NFPA 25
NFPA 25 typically requires annual testing of backflow prevention devices in
water−based fire protection systems.
Prevention & System Design Questions and
Answers| Latest Update
Backflow
The unintended reversal of water flow from a private or contaminated source into
the potable water supply.
Condition causing backflow
A significant drop in water main pressure.
Back siphonage
Back siphonage happens when the pressure in the supply system falls below
atmospheric pressure, creating a siphon effect that draws water backward.
Cross-connection
A direct arrangement of piping connecting a potable water supply and a
non−potable system.
Backflow prevention device
A device used to prevent the reversal of water flow, ensuring the safety of the
potable water supply.
Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)
,A device commonly used for backflow prevention in fire sprinkler systems due to
its reliability and relatively low pressure loss.
Backflow prevention assembly test cock
An outlet for routine maintenance drainage that allows certified testers to verify
the functionality of each valve in the assembly.
Enforcement of backflow prevention regulations in New Mexico
Primarily enforced by the Construction Industries Division (CID) and local
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) device
A backflow prevention device that may be required in certain high−hazard
scenarios instead of a Double Check Valve Assembly.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
A device used for backflow prevention that allows air into the system to prevent
backflow.
Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assembly
A backflow prevention device designed to protect against backflow in high-hazard
situations.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
,A device used to prevent backflow by allowing air into the system when negative
pressure occurs.
Test *****
Connections on backflow assemblies that allow for testing and verification of
valve functionality.
Local health department
One of the entities that may be involved in enforcing backflow prevention
regulations.
International Code Council (ICC)
An organization that provides codes and standards for building safety, including
fire protection systems.
National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA)
An organization that may provide guidelines and support for fire sprinkler systems.
Water main pressure drop
A condition that can lead to backflow, allowing contaminated water to enter the
potable supply.
Surge of high−pressure water
A condition that can trigger fire sprinkler heads but is not related to backflow.
, Routine flushing procedure
A method to remove debris from the system, not directly related to backflow.
Manual valve
A valve that controls two separate water supply lines, not a cross-connection.
Looped network of sprinkler lines
A configuration of sprinkler lines in a building, not related to cross-connections.
Single check valve
A valve used for multiple branch lines, not a cross-connection.
RPZs
RPZs provide protection against both backpressure and backsiphonage in
high−hazard conditions.
Backflow prevention device upstream of a fire pump
The pump might overheat due to water stagnation.
NFPA 25
NFPA 25 typically requires annual testing of backflow prevention devices in
water−based fire protection systems.
