Inspections and testing of your fire sprinkler systems are one of the most important ways to improve life safety in your buildings. Some questions that frequently get asked about fires sprinkler inspections include:
Why Do I Need a Fire Sprinkler System Inspection?
Inspections of fire sprinklers help to protect lives and property while also helping to keep your facility in compliance with NFPA standards and local regulations. NFPA standards relating to inspections and testing:
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NFPA-25 1-4.2
The responsibility for properly maintaining a water-based fire-protection system shall be the obligation of the owners of the property. By means of periodic inspection, tests, and maintenance, the equipment shall be shown to be in good operating condition, or any defects or impairments shall be revealed.
These activities – inspection, testing, and maintenance – shall be implemented in accordance with procedures meeting or exceeding those established in this document [NFPA-25] and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. These tasks shall be performed by personnel who have developed competence through training and experience.
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NFPA-13 10.1.1 System Maintenance
A sprinkler system installed in accordance with this standard shall be properly inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, to provide at least the same level of performance and protection as designed. The owner shall be responsible for maintaining the system and keeping the system in good operating condition.
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NFPA-13R 2.7 Maintenance
The owner shall be responsible for the condition of a sprinkler system and shall keep the system in normal operating condition. Sprinkler systems shall be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
What is Involved in a Fire Sprinkler System Inspection?
Sprinkler system inspections include, but are not limited to the following:
- Alarms? Have system put in test mode.
- Visibly check components of each for serviceability:
a.) System’s type, size, & quantity.
b.) Number of inspections’ test.
c.) Hydrant, fire pump, controller, & jockey pump’s manufacturer and specifications.
- Check to determine if riser would be affected by freezing weather.
a.) Type of atmosphere system is exposed to.
- Check whether storage or stock is the proper distance below the sprinkler heads.
- Check whether valves are in their proper open or closed position.
- Perform water flow test (weather permitting) to determine adequate water supply.
- Check fire department connections and all outside control valves for accessibility and visibility.
- Check pumps, tanks, and reservoirs.
- Test anti-freeze system, and service as necessary.
- Check alarm valves, water flow indicators, retards, monitor switches, electric and water motor alarms.
- Check dry valve air pressure and priming water level.
- Trip test dry valve in accordance with the insuring authority having jurisdiction.
- Check air compressor for proper operation.
- Check systems low points during Fall and Winter inspection.
- Test special systems as required and accordance with manufacturers instructions.
- Check supervisory alarm transmission.
- Visibly check condition of sprinkler heads, sprinkler piping, hangers and related equipment.
- Check whether sprinkler heads are over 50 years old, free from corrosion, loading or obstruction.
- Check fire department connections and all outside control valves for accessibility and visibility.
- Check fire pump history.
- Fire pump: Perform water flow test (capacity of 100% 150%).
After an inspection is completed, all services conducted should be documented on approved forms and will be submitted to you for your records. Should any modifications or repairs be necessitated by these inspections, an obligation-fee proposal will be provided for your approval prior to any further work being performed. Minor adjustments, such as adjusting flow or tamper switches will be performed during the regular inspections at no charge.
How Much Does a Fire Sprinkler Inspection cost?
Because the size of buildings and the number of systems and/or other components such as fire pumps, hydrants, etc. varies for everyone; the price for inspections will also vary. For an accurate quote based on your fire protection system we ask that you contact International Fire Protection. Our team will be glad to put together a price quote to help you meet your fire protection inspection needs.
