Fire Hose Services

Automatic Sprinkler Systems are one of the most important parts of a fire protection system. When a properly maintained sprinkler system is on site, the risk of someone dying in a fire is reduced by 50-75%, according to the Congressional Office of Compliance. It’s extremely important to ensure that automatic sprinklers are in working order to make sure that they are successful when needed.

The Purpose

Fire sprinkler inspections are done to ensure a reasonable degree of protection for life and property from fire through regular inspection and testing methods as outlined within the NFPA standards. Inspection and testing should be performed by a properly trained and competent professional.

The Inspection

Different types of sprinkler systems need to be inspected in different ways, but they should all be inspected at least once a year, however, some cities and states or insurance carriers require you to get your system inspected more often. Many cites choose or are required to conduct monthly inspections, quarterly inspections, and annual inspections as required by NFPA 25. In addition to the regular inspections, a fire sprinkler system should be inspected any time there is a change or modification to either the system or the building.

The Checklist

There are lots of pieces and parts, both electrical and mechanical, that can fail and cause a fire sprinkler system to not function properly, which is why inspection and testing is so important. All of these things need to be addressed during the inspection and testing process.

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OUR INSPECTIONS

1. INSPECTION OF VALVES – Verify the following conditions:

  • Easily accessible
  • In good condition, no physical damage
  • In their normal open or closed position
  • Sealed, locked, or supervised correctly
  • No external or internal leaks
  • Properly labeled
  • (Alarm Valves) Retarding chamber or alarm drains are not leaking

2. INSPECTION OF GAUGES – Verify the following:

  1. Wet System
    • In good working condition, no physical damage
    • Normal water supply pressure is properly maintained
  2. Dry System
    • The gauge on the supply side of the dry pipe valve shall indicate that the normal supply water pressure is being maintained
    • The gauge on the quick-opening device, if provided shall indicate the same pressure as the gauge on the system side of the dry pipe valve
    • Gauges on systems with low air or nitrogen pressure alarms shall be inspected monthly

The quarterly inspection should include everything in the monthly inspection as well as the following:

  1. Inspection of the water flow alarm and supervisory alarm devices for physical damage.
  2. Inspect and test the water flow alarm by opening the test connection on a wet pipe system and the bypass connection on a dry pipe system.
  3. If the sprinkler system is hydraulic, inspect the hydraulic nameplate to ensure that it is attached and visible.
  4. Inspect the fire department connections to make sure they are visible and undamaged. Ensure that the gaskets and check valves are not leaking.
  5. Inspect the pressure reducing valves and relief valves, if provided to verify the following:
    • In the open position
    • Free of leaks
    • Maintaining downstream pressure according to the system design.
    • In good condition, with hand-wheels installed and unbroken

This inspection is more involved than the monthly inspection and should be done once every three months.

The annual inspection should include everything in the monthly and quarterly inspection items as well as the following:

  1. Inspect all sprinkler heads, including the piping, fittings and seismic bracing.
  2. Ensure that there are extra sprinkler heads on site, as well as the tools to change out the sprinkler heads
  3. Interior of dry pipe valves
  4. Conduct a main drain flow test to determine if there has been a change in the condition of the water supply piping
  5. Test the riser flow switch to ensure it transmits a signal to the fire alarm control panel and set off the building occupant notification system in the process.

The 5 Year inspection should include everything in the quarterly and annual inspection items as well as the following:

  1. Back Flush the FDC to remove any foreign matter or obstructions.
  2. Interior inspection of the Riser Check Valve.
  3. Obstruction Investigation of the cross main and branch line piping – inspecting for obstructions or foreign matter.

If obstructions are found during the 5 Year Test, a complete flushing of the overhead piping will be required to remove all foreign materials from the piping.

Note: This inspection checklist is based on wet and dry pipe fire sprinkler systems. There are a multitude of fire sprinkler systems out there and they all have their own set of rules and requirements. Some examples of other systems include anti-freeze, standpipe, hose, water spray and foam. Call your fire protection expert to find out how to keep your employees safe and your fire protection systems code compliant.

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