How Do I Know It is Time for a Fire Sprinkler Inspection?

Inspection for a fire sprinkler system does not follow one set schedule for everyone in the world. These schedules are highly determined by the code in each area, and how well those codes are enforced. Depending on where you live, the inspection may be required yearly, twice a year, four times a year, or once every month. The local code, the type of building you reside in, and the components utilized for the system determine the schedule required for inspection. A high-rise has a fire pump to boost the effectiveness of the system to make sure the pressure of water needed to put out the fire is reached throughout the entire building, for example. Fire pumps impact the requirements and schedule for a fire sprinkler system inspection.

How is the Local Code Determined for Inspection?

The National Fire Protection Association’s code determines the code for local areas. The NFPA 25 is the standard followed when it comes to the maintenance, inspection, and testing of water-based sprinkler systems. The IBC, or International Building Code, also has a role in the regulations put in place for sprinkler systems. Each area adds its requirements but follows these guidelines to do so.

What is the Difference in Inspection and Testing?

It is not uncommon for people to use the term “inspection” to describe both inspections and testing. However, when you look at the code regulations, there is a clearly defined difference between the two. When a Manhattan Fire Sprinkler Inspection takes place a technician comes out and tests to ensure everything is in order and nothing is present to prevent the system from doing its job. They are going to look for paint, leakage, the orientation of the system if anything is blocking the sprinkler and corrosion. Normally inspection is passed if the head looks normal and nothing is obstructing or within eighteen inches of the sprinkler’s deflector. There are times where other factors may lead to a failed inspection, however.

When a system is tested, the technician goes through the process of performing various tests to ensure the sprinkler system is operating as it should. An example would be when the technician opens a butterfly valve to check that it has the correct pressure and flow of water to make sure it is working as it should. Many systems work in combination with fire alarm systems. For this reason, testing normally involves requirements to make sure the alarms are working properly when they are testing the sprinklers.

So,what is Required Maintenance?

There are times that fires happen, and the sprinklers are activated. When this occurs, all fire sprinkler heads in the room of or close to the fire must be replaced. Once this step has been completed, the valve and water flow are tested to make sure everything is back to normal.

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Laurel Symcox Joined: September 20th, 2020