What is the minimum type of containment protection required for a non-health hazard, non-chemical sprinkler?

For a non-health hazard, non-chemical sprinkler system, the minimum type of containment protection required is a double check valve. This is because double check valve assemblies are specifically designed to prevent backflow and are suitable for systems where there is a low risk of contamination from the water supply.

In such scenarios, the presence of non-hazardous substances means the risk of harmful pollutants entering the potable water system is minimal. The double check valve assembly effectively isolates the supply line from potential backflow, ensuring that if there is any slight pressure change or cross-connection, the risk of contaminants being drawn back into the drinking water supply is mitigated.

While other options such as single check valves and air gaps are used in certain contexts, they do not provide the same level of protection as a double check valve in this situation. A single check valve is less secure, as it does not have redundancy, and air gaps are typically required for higher risk systems. Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies, while excellent for higher hazard scenarios, are not necessary for non-health hazards and entail more complexity and cost. Thus, a double check valve aligns perfectly with the requirements for a non-health hazard sprinkler system, balancing effectiveness in containment without over-engineering the solution