Q: I have a client that needs to set up hydraulic placards on their sprinkler main vertical risers. I'm trying to get more information but can you help me with where this requirement comes from?

A: It is found in NFPA 13-2010, section 24.6, and says: “The installing contractor shall provide a general information sign used to determine system design basis and information relevant to the inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements required by NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.” The standard continues by saying general information shall be provided with a permanently marked weatherproof metal or rigid plastic sign, secured with corrosion-resistant wire, chain, or other acceptable means. Such signs shall be placed at each system control riser, antifreeze loop, and auxiliary system control valve. The sign shall include the following information:

1) Name and location of the facility protected

2) Occupancy classification

3) Commodity classification

4) Presence of high-piled and/or rack storage

5) Maximum height of storage planned

6) Aisle width planned

7) Encapsulation of pallet loads

8) Presence of solid shelving

9) Flow test data

10) Presence of flammable/combustible liquids

11) Presence of hazardous materials

12) Presence of other special storage

13) Location of auxiliary drains and low point drains on dry pipe and pre-action systems

14) Original results of main drain flow test

15) Name of installing contractor or designer

16) Indication of presence