Author: Jonathan Willard

I would like to clarify the NFPA 99 requirements for zone valve box locations and an intervening wall between the zone valve and patient outlets per NFPA 99 (2015 Edition) 5.1.4.6.1 (1).

NFPA 99 requires testing to be performed anytime a medical gas system is “breeched.” The code has a broad definition of what it means to breech a medical gas or vacuum system. The code deems a breach of the system as anytime that there is a pipeline intrusion by physical separation OR when a system component is removed, replaced, or added.

In the 2015 and 2012 edition of NFPA 99, 5.1.4.5.3 says, “Service valves shall be placed in the branch piping prior to any zone valve box assembly on that branch.” Does that mean that on each pipe, to each zone valve box, there shall be a valve that will allow the zone valve to be isolated?