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Fire Sprinkler Systems

 

It's startling how quickly a fire can start and spread, but properties with well-maintained fire sprinkler systems have a big advantage. A quick response can slow a fire’s progress and help minimize damages until the Fire Department arrives. From pre-action and deluge to foam-water and standpipe, there are many sprinkler system types in the field today. In order to be as effective as possible, fire sprinklers should be tested at least quarterly. During this routine fire sprinkler inspection, the most important things to check for are valve seizures, sensor malfunctions, broken seams, leakage, and other valve issues, as these areas are the ones most likely to cause big problems if they are not working optimally. Full testing and tagging should be performed annually. During a complete fire sprinkler system test, physical checks should be performed on all the parts of your fire sprinkler system including 5 year obstruction inspections, Annual Walk through/Visual inspections of the entire system, Annual and Quarterly water flow tests, Quarterly tamper valve alarm tests, Annual Antifreeze refractometer tests and Annual trip tests of dry pipe, deluge, and pre-action valves.

 

During our scheduled visit to your facility, FASTEC's Fire Sprinkler Technicians can carry out a thorough inspection of your sprinkler system that often includes:

• Identifying site conditions or clearance problems that might compromise system performance

• Checking sprinkler heads and control valves for position, condition, accessibility and signage

• Conducting required water-flow tests

• Inspecting Fire Department connections

• Testing sprinkler alarm components

• Checking reserve supply of sprinkler heads

• Inspecting visible piping hangers, drain valves and gauges

• Testing air compressors, pre-action valves, pilot lines and solenoid strainers

• Testing low-pressure alarms, supervisory circuits and auxiliary functions

• Inquiring about system modifications, obstruction or changes in storage

• Tagging devices and performing required record keeping

• Providing a detailed inspection report explaining deficiencies and recommending corrective action

 

Through testing and inspecting, FASTEC Fire Protection gives you the confidence that all your sprinkler systems are ready to actuate in an emergency. We’re always here to help ensure that they’re not just functioning properly, but also in compliance with current fire codes. We have over 15 years of experience working on sprinkler systems of all types. Our technicians have worked on everything from small systems to large warehouse facilities and multi-level high rises doing sprinkler system testing, service work, repairs and installations. Let us show you why using our team of Fire and Safety Technicians can be the best choice for your company.

 

 

Wet Sprinkler Systems

The majority of commercial as well as residential Fire Sprinkler Systems in use today are wet pipe sprinkler systems. They are the most simple fire suppression method and are comprised of pipes that constantly contain pressurized water. When an individual sprinkler in the system is activated by heat from fire, the automatic, closed-type sprinkler head immediately discharges water onto the fire. As more individual sprinkler heads are subsequently activated by heat, they too will discharge water onto the fire until it is controlled or extinguished.

 

Anti-Freeze Sprinkler Systems

Antifreeze loops protect areas in a building that are prone to freezing. A check valve isolates the antifreeze loop from the rest of the sprinkler system. There is also a main drain and a fill cup to assist in the draining and refilling of the loop. Antifreeze loops are filled with a variety of different liquids the most common being: propylene glycol, glycerin and ethylene glycol. If the sprinkler system is connected to a public water supply ethylene glycol should not be used because it is considered poisonous. Depending on your jurisdiction your system may be required to have a Back-flow preventer to prevent the antifreeze from back-siphoning into you water supply. Also, systems that are constructed out of CPVC plastic pipe should only be filled with glycerin.

 

Dry Sprinkler Systems

Specifically designed for buildings susceptible to freezing, dry pipe sprinkler systems feature automatic and closed-type sprinkler heads connected to pipes filled with pressurized air or nitrogen. The compressed air holds a remote valve, known as a dry pipe valve, in a closed position to prevent water from entering the pipe. When heat activates one or more sprinklers, the compressed air in the pipe is released, and its pressure decreases, opening the dry pipe valve and allowing water to flow through open sprinklers. Typical dry pipe installations include unheated warehouses and attics, outside exposed loading docks and within commercial freezers.

 

Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems

Pre-action fire sprinkler systems employ the basic concept of a dry pipe system. Water is held from piping by an electrically operated valve, known as a pre-action valve. Valve operation is controlled by independent flame, heat, or smoke detection tied to a releasing panel. This system provides an added level of protection against inadvertent discharge. For this reason, pre-action systems are frequently employed in water sensitive environments such as archival vaults, fine art storage rooms, rare book libraries and computer centers.

 

....Contact us for more info on our Fire Sprinkler Installation, Repair & Testing Services.