Fire sprinklers are essential safety devices on any property. Nowadays, most people install the best fire sprinklers- even those with fire alarms. These devices play a notable role in fire breakouts and help control the spread by containing the fire.
However, there are various steps to ensure that your system stays in optimal condition and performs efficiently. These involve inspecting, testing, and maintenance. This schedule should be performed and per the NFPA guidelines and should be done by a professional.
How often should I test my fire sprinkler?
You can conduct multiple tests to ensure improved efficiency and functioning of your system. The tests are in-depth, and the duration varies depending on the type of check. The common schedules are;
Quarterly– Perform quarterly checks if you own a mechanical device.
Semi-annually– If your system features a vane and pressure switch, test the appliance semi-annually.
Annually– Perform full testing and tagging yearly. Dung the procedure, the technician should check all the parts of your system, which include;
- Water flow testing
- Fire pump testing
- Antifreeze concentration tests
- Alarm tests
- Dry pipe trip tests
That’s not all, have the technician test and replace all sprinklers exposed to extremely high temperatures or harsh environments. For the dry sprinklers, test or replace after 10 years and 20 years for fast response sprinklers. Click here to find out more on NFPA Regulations on fire sprinkler system testing.
What are the steps to fire sprinkler inspection & testing?
1. Test the valve control
The initial step to testing your fire sprinkler involves testing the valve control. It has a tamper switch installed that will send a supervisory signal to the fire alarm panel. Why is this important? It notifies the people in the building that the control valve is closed or partially open. Therefore, in case a fire breaks out, this may hinder water from reaching the hazard area.
2. Take gauge readings
The gauge of the water sprinkler system ensures adequate water pressure for the unit to function optimally. During testing, the technician will check the gauge readings and open the main drain. This helps determine whether there’s sufficient water pressure to supply the sprinkler in case of a fire. What’s more, the procedure checks for blockages that can affect the system’s efficiency.
3. Locate the inspector’s test& activation
You’ll find the inspector’s test at the far end of the sprinkler. The technician will locate it and open it to activate the system. This will send a signal to the alarm panel immediately. Also, the professional will verify that all the signals were conveyed to the monitoring firm and restore the system.
4. Documentation
Once all tests and checks are complete, the technician l will document the findings. This shows that the procedure was conducted as per the regulations. These are for personal filing and come in handy when public health officials request them.
Final thoughts
Fire sprinkle inspection and testing is an important procedure that verifies that the system stays in excellent condition and performs as required. The tests will help determine any issues early enough, which helps avoid disastrous fires and damages to the building. If you’re seeking to conduct such tests and checks, engage a skilled technician to prevent damaging the fire sprinkler system.