Sprinkler Systems
Sprinkler Systems
One of the most widely used fire protection systems is the sprinkler system. Having a building completely protected by a fire sprinkler system is one of the best ways to avoid losses due to fires.
To ensure the system will operate properly when needed, a program of regular inspections, testing, and maintenance is required. A variety of national, state, and local codes applies, depending on the type of facility, occupancy, and hazard classification.
The following National Fire Protection Association publication serves as the basis for detailing minimum requirements.
NFPA 25 –Standard for inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Fire Protection (1998 Edition)
The 3 basic requirements for compliance are:
Inspection of the System and Components
Testing and Maintenance at Prescribed Intervals
Recordkeeping
Inspection of the System and Components
A facility owner is required to inspect the system and its components visually to have reasonable assurance that the system is ready for use and operable. Elements of the inspection are completed weekly, monthly, and/or quarterly depending on the components being used. An inspection should include the following:
Gauges and control valves
Alarm devices
Sprinkler heads, including spare supply
Fire-department connections
Hydraulic nameplate
Main drain
Testing and Maintenance
All systems must be tested and maintained per code and manufactures. Specific requirements are detailed in NFPA 25, but typically they must be done quarterly and annually.
Wet systems are required annually
Dry stems are required annually
Wet and dry systems are required quarterly
Anti-freeze systems are required annually
Major areas of testing include:
Testing the back-flow preventer
Checking the condition of all sprinkler heads, including the clearance between the sprinkler head deflector and top of storage
Verifying temperature ratings of sprinkler heads for their location
Inspecting fire-department connections
Performing a main-drain flow test
Testing supervisory and water-flow alarms
Verifying that all valves are working and in proper position
Inspecting the facility for changes that could negatively impact performance of the system
In addition to system inspections, private fire service hydrants and fire pumps also need to be inspected annually.
NFPA 25 also requires certain items to be maintained every 5 years. Typical items include replacement of high-temperature sprinklers, check-valve maintenance, alarm check-valve maintenance, flushing private hydrants and underground mains, and gauge calibration or replacement.
Recordkeeping
Records of inspections, tests, and maintenance of the system and its components must be retained for 2 years. Records should indicate work performed, servicing company, results, and date of service. All records must be made available to the authority having jurisdiction upon request.
Major areas of annual testing include:
Control panel function
Checking batteries for charge and corrosion
Testing all manual stations for operation
Testing all detectors for operation, including sensitivity testing for all smoke detectors
Testing all audiovisual devices for operation
Testing central station or fire department monitoring connections
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