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Home Sprinkler Systems Sprinkler System in the News Sprinkler System Types Wet Dry Preaction and Deluge Sprinkler System Myths Sprinkler Head Types Temperature Ratings Coverage Responses Storage Applications Head Recalls Sprinkler System Inspection Requirements Sprinkler System Inspection Frequencies Sprinkler System Maintenance Tips

Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler Systems in the News

Planet Earth – Fire Sprinklers Save Lives and The Earth

By ARA

http://cfc.wjla.com/affinity/affarticle.cfm?id=41

(ARA) - Home fire sprinkler systems save lives, reduce property damage and cut homeowner insurance premiums. These are facts few people debate. According to the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, a non-profit educational organization, you can reduce the risk of death in a home fire by a whopping 82 percent by installing smoke alarms in combination with a fire sprinkler system.

But if that’s still not enough reason to convince you to install a fire sprinkler system in your home, then consider this – fire sprinkler systems are also good for the environment. So whether you’re a die-hard tree hugger or just mildly concerned about issues such as global warming, overcrowded landfills, and runoff into groundwater supplies, take a minute and think about all the eco benefits a home fire sprinkler system has to offer.

If a fire burns out of control prompting intervention by the local fire department, it’s going to require a substantial amount of water. Fire hoses, on average, use more than eight times the water that sprinklers use to contain a fire, according to the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.

More specifically, according to the Scottsdale Report, a 15-year study of fire sprinkler effects, the typical sprinkler system will use 341 gallons of water. In comparison, a firefighter’s hose will use roughly 2,935 gallons in a single fire. Not only do sprinklers disburse less water at one time but, typically, only the sprinkler closest to the fire will be activated. The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition has documented that nearly 90 percent of fires are extinguished by the operation of just one sprinkler.

The reduced amount of water consumption equates to less groundwater runoff. Those thousands of gallons of water from the firefighters’ hoses have to flow somewhere. And they do – right into groundwater supplies – along with all the toxins and debris that are disbursed from the fire.

A fire sprinkler system also reduces the amount of toxins being released into the air. Even forest fires cause advisories from the American Lung Association – and that’s typically just trees and plants burning. Now add in the effects on air quality from burning polyester, insulation and dry wall, not to mention all the household cleaners and chemicals found in a typical home. It’s not just the smoke that’s harmful, but also all the microscopic particles that are being blown into the air.

Home fire sprinklers have been proven to contain and often extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive on the scene. That minimizes the amount of time the structure and contents are burning and spewing black gritty smoke.

Landfills are another concern resulting from an uncontrolled house fire. Whether a house is completely destroyed in a fire or is only damaged, tons of building materials, furnishings and other ruined possessions are hauled to the dump. According to a green building guidelines report created by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority (San Leandro, Calif.), it’s estimated that 21 percent of materials disposed in county landfills are construction and demolition debris. Rebuilding a home will not only require new building materials but also generates tons of construction waste. The report states that total construction waste generated from one 2,000-square-foot new home is nearly 13 tons.

Fire sprinklers help minimize the amount of fire-damaged materials that need to be replaced by quickly extinguishing the fire or containing it to a small area of the home.
Water usage, groundwater runoff, toxins in the air, and landfill overcrowding are the more serious environmental concerns created by a household fire – aside from the obvious life-threatening effects. All of these can be minimized and, in some cases, eliminated with the installation of a properly working fire sprinkler system.

The system itself can offer additional environmental benefits depending on the material used. Today, across the globe, more and more homes feature a BlazeMaster CPVC fire sprinkler system, not only because it’s more cost-effective to purchase and install than a traditional metal system, but also because of its superior reliability in long-term performance, as well as its green advantages.

From a reliability standpoint, a BlazeMaster CPVC fire sprinkler system is immune to the effects of both interior and exterior corrosion. As a result, the water spraying from a BlazeMaster system is clear and not discolored from pipe corrosion. It also offers a longer service life that is uninterrupted by the effects of pinhole leaks or microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). CPVC requires less energy to produce other piping materials on the market today, including steel. It also generates very little waste during production, and what is generated can easily be recycled.

For more information on the environmental benefits, as well as the obvious life-saving benefits, of a home fire sprinkler system, visit www.blazemaster.com.

Courtesy of ARA content

Sprinkler system types

Wet – Wet type systems are the most common type of sprinkler system that is installed.  A wet pipe system has water in the pipes in the ambient or normal condition and has heat responsive elements on all sprinklers.  Thus, water is instantaneously discharged from a sprinkler when it actuates.

Dry – In areas where low temperatures could cause a wet pipe system to freeze, a dry pipe system is intended for use.  Dry pipe systems are pressurized with air in the ambient condition and experience an inherent delay in the discharge of water to allow the pressurized air in the system to escape.  When a sprinkler actuates, air is released through the sprinkler, allowing water to flow into the piping system through the dry pipe valve. NFPA 13 mandates that the time for the water to reach the most remote sprinkler be no longer than 60 seconds.  This time delay allows the fire to grow larger than it would with a wet pipe system of similar design, and the larger fire size results in more sprinklers in the fire area actuating.

To limit the size of dry pipe systems, a volumetric limitation with a maximum capacity of 750 gallons is placed on dry pipe systems.  A quick opening device, such as an accelerator or an exhauster, is installed to rapidly remove air from the system and speed the operation of the dry pipe valve and is required when the system volumetric capacity exceeds 500 gallons.

Pre-action and Deluge – Pre-action systems and deluge systems required fire detectors (smoke, heat, etc.) for the actuation of the system.  A deluge system uses open sprinklers or nozzles, so that all flow water is discharged when the deluge valve actuates.  Deluge systems can be used for occupancies where the hazard is considered severe, such as with flammable liquid hazards where the fire could spread over a large floor area.

Pre-action system have closed heads and pipes filled with pressurized air that supervise a piping system, and can be considered for the protection of valuable assets or irreplaceable property.  The detection system for a pre-action system can be designed to prevent water discharge in cases of a false alarm from the detection system, or in case of a sprinkler whose element has encountered mechanical damage.

The detection system on a pre-action system can be designed with a pre-action logic capable of meeting one of the following objectives:

-Actuation of a fire detector trips a deluge valve to admit water into the sprinkler piping to await the actuation of a sprinkler.

-Actuation of a fire detector or actuation of a heat-responsive element on a sprinkler trips a deluge valve to admit water into the sprinkler piping.

-Actuation of a fire detector and actuation of a heat-responsive element on a sprinkler trips a deluge valve to admit water into the sprinkler piping.  

Sprinkler system myths:

Myth: When a sprinkler system actuates, all sprinklers on the system go off at the same time.

FACT: Each sprinkler has a heat-sensitive element with a predetermined temperature and sensitivity that responds individually to heat from a fire.  Only those sprinklers in the immediate vicinity of the fire actuate and discharge water.  It is not uncommon for only one or two sprinklers to go off in a fire.

Myth: Sprinkler systems cause excessive water damage.

FACT: In most cases, water flowing from a sprinkler causes much less damage than the fire would have caused in the absence of the sprinkler.  A fire has the potential to completely destroy a building, and sprinkler systems have a solid record of performance in saving lives and property, with minimal water damage.  It is also important to note that the water damage from a fire hose operated by the fire service during fire fighting operations in an unsprinklered building could greatly exceed water damage from a sprinkler, because the rate of discharge from a fire hose is several times the rate of discharge from a sprinkler.

Myth: Sprinkler systems don’t work.

FACT: Most studies of sprinkler system effectiveness show that sprinkler systems are between 98% and 99.8% effective in the control of fire.  The majority of incidences  of ineffectiveness are related primarily to the failure of building owners in keeping sprinkler control valves in the open position.

Myth: Automatic fire detection systems are an acceptable substitute for sprinklers:

FACT: Automatic fire detection systems do not control or suppress a fire and are not a substitute for an automatic sprinkler system.  Detection systems have a good record of providing notification, but do not provide suppression.

Myth: Accidental sprinkler discharge is common.

FACT: Sprinklers have an impressive history of reliable service in an emergency and discharge in the absence of a fire is very rare.

Myth: Sprinkler systems cost too much.

FACT: Sprinkler system are not prohibitively expensive.  They usually are only a small fraction of the total cost for a building.  It is not uncommon for an owner of a commercial property to recover the cost of the sprinkler system in 5 to 10 years through insurance rate reductions.  A residential sprinkler system connected to a public water costs about $1.16 per square foot, less than the cost of most carpets.

Myth: Sprinklers are ugly.

FACT: Sprinkler systems can be designed to maintain the beauty of a building.  Pipes can be concealed above ceilings or behind soffits, and sprinklers can be selected from a wide range of aesthetic models.  Ornamental and decorative sprinklers are available that allow concealment above the ceiling with only a small plate showing below the ceiling, with a wide range of factory-applied colors.  While sprinklers can be concealed, management of a building may elect to use a visible presence of sprinklers as a sales tool to emphasize life safety in a building, especially hotels.

Sprinkler Head Types

Spray sprinklers are manufactured in three basic styles.  A standard spray upright (SSU) sprinkler is mounted on upright above a branch line pipe, usually in a room with exposed structural elements, and has a deflector, a metal plate whose edge is distinctively bent to deflect water downward from the sprinkler.  A standard spray pendant (SSP) sprinkler is mounted below the branch line, usually mounted at or below the surface of a suspended ceiling and is characterized by a flat deflector.  SSU and SSP discharge patterns are designed to be the same.  Sidewall sprinklers have a specifically designed deflector that allows the sprinkler to discharge water from a wall-mounted position.

Variations on upright, pendant, and sidewall sprinkler are the dry upright, dry pendant, and dry sidewall sprinklers.  These special sprinklers are manufactured with a seal at the inlet that prevents water from entering the nipple until the sprinkler actuates.  These sprinklers can be extended from a wet pipe system into an unheated area, such as a walk-in freezer, an outside loading dock, or an unheated attic space, or can be used in the pendant position on a dry pipe system to prevent condensation from entering the sprinkler and freezing.

        

       Pendant Head           Upright Head              Sidewall head        Concealed Head

                                                               

                                                                   Dry Pendant Head

Sprinkler Head Temperature Ratings

Max Ceiling Temperature (F)	Head Temperature Rating (F)	Temperature Classification	Color Code	Glass Bulb Color
100	135-170	Ordinary	Uncolored or Black	Orange or Red
150	175-225	Intermediate	White	Yellow or Green
225	250-300	High	Blue	Blue
300	325-375	Extra High	Red	Purple
375	400-475	Very Extra High	Green	Black
475	500-575	Ultra High	Orange	Black
625	650	Ultra High	Orange	Black

 

Sprinkler Coverage

Another development in sprinkler manufacturing is the extended coverage sprinkler.  The deflectors on these sprinklers are designed to discharge water over larger areas than standard sprinklers.  While this means that each sprinkler must have a higher flow, it results in increased allowable distance between sprinklers, with the possibility that fewer sprinklers may be required in a compartment given size.

Sprinkler Responses

A major development in sprinkler technology was the quick response sprinkler, a sprinkler with a specially designed response element that allows the rapid transfer of heat to the heat-responsive element and provides a more expeditious delivery of water to the fire.  At the time of sprinkler actuation, the fire should be smaller with a quick response sprinkler than with a standard response sprinkler, resulting in fewer sprinklers likely to actuate.  Sprinkler elements are either glass bulbs or eutectic (soldered) elements.

 The response of quick response and standard response sprinklers can be modeled by designers to estimate the time for a sprinkler to actuate, given ceiling height, fire size, and response time index (RTI), using the DETACT computer program, developed by the Building and Fire Research Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).  Response time index is a measure of the sensitivity of a sprinkler heat responsive element, with low RTI values being very sensitive to actuation by heat, and high RTI values being less sensitive.

Sprinkler for Storage Applications

ESFR and large Drop sprinklers are for specialized high challenge fire hazards.  An ESFR sprinkler has a quick response element and an extra large orifice that allows for greater amounts of water to be applied early in the fire development, usually on  a high challenge fire.  Large drop sprinklers have large deflectors with widely spaced teeth to facilitate the creation of large water drops intended to penetrate a high velocity fire plume without evaporating, resulting in some water reaching the burning materials.  The fire plume is the column of smoke and gas traveling upward from a fire.

Sprinkler Head Recalls

Globe Fire Sprinkler Corp. Recalls Dry Fire Sprinklers (July 12, 2007)
Model J Heads Can Fail to Operate During a Fire

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07209.html

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.

Name of Product: Globe Model J Series Dry Fire Sprinklers

Units: About 300,000

Manufacturer: Globe Fire Sprinkler Corp., of Standish, Mich.

Hazard: The sprinkler heads can deteriorate over time and fail to operate in a fire.

Incidents/Injuries: Globe has received five reports of sprinklers that failed to operate as intended during a fire. Globe has received no reports of injuries caused by sprinklers failing to operate.

Description: Model J Series dry fire sprinklers come in pendent, upright, and sidewall configurations. The name "Globe," the letter "J" and the year of manufacture (1990 though 1999) are embossed on the frame of each sprinkler. These dry sprinklers were designed to be installed in areas of buildings where the sprinklers or water supply pipes may be subject to freezing, such as unheated attics, freezers and coolers, parking garages, porches and warehouses.

Sold by: Fire protection contractors nationwide from January 1990 through December 1999 for between $27 and $36 per sprinkler head.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Contact Globe immediately to arrange to receive replacement sprinkler heads at a reduced cost of $9 per sprinkler head.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Globe at (800) 248-0278 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.globesprinkler.com and click on the "Recall" link.

CPSC Warns Consumers to Replace Star ME-1 Dry Fire Sprinklers Made by Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee (April 25, 2003)
-- Administrative Lawsuit Settled, Firm Financially Unable to Conduct Recall –

http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml03/03117.html

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today is warning consumers regarding approximately 400,000 Star ME-1 dry fire sprinklers manufactured from 1983 through 1995 by Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, Inc. (SCM), formerly known as Star Sprinkler Corporation. CPSC warns that these sprinklers present a safety risk and should immediately be replaced. This warning follows the resolution of an administrative proceeding filed by CPSC on October 9, 2001, in which CPSC alleged these sprinklers are defective and are likely to fail to operate in a fire, thereby exposing consumers to the risk of death or serious injury. CPSC reports that samples of Star ME-1 dry sprinklers removed from several locations and tested by independent testing laboratories did not operate as intended. CPSC has received reports of two failures involving Star ME-1 dry sprinklers. One report involved a 1976 sprinkler, and the other, sprinklers installed in 1990.

Because SCM is no longer in operation and has no assets, it is unable to conduct a recall, so no free replacement or refund is available for its sprinklers. Nevertheless, SCM urges building owners to follow CPSC guidance by inspecting the sprinkler systems in their buildings and replacing any Star ME-1 fire sprinklers manufactured from 1983 through 1995.

SCM's Star ME-1 sprinklers have the following information molded onto the sprinkler: the name "Star," the designation "ME-1," and the year of manufacture starting with 1983 and ending with 1995. These sprinklers were typically installed in areas of buildings where the sprinklers or water supply pipes may be subject to freezing. Examples of such areas include unheated attics, freezers and coolers, porches and parking garages. The types of facilities in which the sprinklers were installed include nursing homes, convalescent and long-term care facilities, supermarkets and other stores, warehouses, hospitals, and office buildings.

Replacing these sprinklers also complies with the requirements of the recently revised "National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems." Specifically, NFPA 25 now advises that all dry sprinklers that have been in service for 10 years or more should be immediately replaced or tested. Star ME-1 fire sprinklers produced before 1994 are specifically subject to this requirement. Although not subject to the revised standard, Star ME-1 fire sprinklers produced from 1994 through 1995 also should be replaced because, according to CPSC, over time, they can cease to operate effectively in a fire.

For more information about testing and replacing dry type fire sprinklers, visit NFPA's Web site at www.nfpa.org. For more information on the SCM Star ME-1 fire sprinklers, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638- 2772 or visit the National Fire Sprinkler Association's Web site at www.nfsa.org

This notice applies only to Star ME-1 fire sprinklers with manufacturing dates from 1983 through 1995. The following firms are recalling Star ME-1 fire sprinklers produced before 1983 and after 1995. Further information can be found by contacting the recalling firms: 1961-1976 - Mealane Corporation at (800) 866-7807 or www.star-recall.com.

CPSC, Central Sprinkler Company Announce Voluntary Recall To Replace O-Ring Fire Sprinklers (July 19, 2001) NOTE: RECALL ENDED AUGUST 31, 2007.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01201.html

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and Central Sprinkler Company, an affiliate of Tyco Fire Products LP, of Lansdale, Pa., are announcing a voluntary replacement program. The company will provide free parts and labor to replace 35 million Central fire sprinklers with O-ring seals. The program also includes a limited number of O-ring models sold by Gem Sprinkler Company and Star Sprinkler, Inc. totaling about 167,000 sprinkler heads.

Central initiated this action because it discovered the performance of these O-ring sprinklers can degrade over time. These sprinkler heads can corrode or minerals, salts and other contaminants in water can affect the rubber O-ring seals. These factors could cause the sprinkler heads not to activate in a fire. Central is providing newer fire sprinklers that do not use O-ring seals, and is voluntarily launching this program to provide enhanced protection to its sprinkler customers. This is the third largest replacement program in CPSC history.

"I am pleased that Central is voluntarily undertaking this major program proactively to replace sprinklers nationwide and protect consumers from the risk of fire," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown.

Central will provide free of charge replacement sprinkler heads and the labor needed to replace the sprinklers. Central will arrange for the installation by using either its own Central Field Service crews or by contracting with professional sprinkler contractors.

This replacement program includes two kinds of sprinklers, "wet" and "dry." "Wet" sprinklers are installed in piping that is filled with water. "Dry" sprinklers are used in areas that may be exposed to very cold temperatures and the exposed piping does not contain water. Central has received 4 reports of "wet" sprinklers failing to activate during a fire and 9 similar reports on "dry" sprinklers. These incidents resulted in two property damage claims against Central.

The sprinklers were installed nationwide in a wide variety of buildings, including houses, apartments, hospitals, day care facilities, schools, dormitories, nursing homes, supermarkets, parking garages, warehouses, and office buildings.

Central manufactured 33 million "wet" sprinklers with O-rings from 1989 until 2000 that are covered by this program. Central also manufactured 2 million "dry" sprinklers with O-rings from the mid-1970's to June 2001 that are covered by this program. The program also covers 167,000 sprinklers with O-rings manufactured by Gem Sprinkler Co. and Star Sprinkler Inc. from 1995 to 2001. A listing of all the models covered under this voluntary replacement program is attached to the end of this release.

The fire sprinkler heads have the words "CENTRAL" or "STAR", the letters "CSC", the letter "G" in triangle, or a star-shaped symbol stamped on either the metal sprinkler frame or on the deflector. The model designation and date may also be stamped on the frame or deflector. The deflector is the flower, or gear-shaped metal piece at one end of the sprinkler head.

http://www.sprinklerreplacement.com/

http://www.sprinklerreplacement.com/deadline.html

CPSC, Central Sprinkler Recall Omega Fire Sprinklers; Settle Lawsuit (October 14, 1998) RECALL ENDED AUGUST 1, 1999.

http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/PRHTML99/99008org.html

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Central Sprinkler announced today the nationwide recall of approximately 8.4 million Omega brand fire sprinklers manufactured since 1982 by Central Sprinkler Corp. and its subsidiary, Central Sprinkler Co., of Lansdale, Pa. CPSC alleges that Omegas are defective and could likely fail in a fire. This recall announcement follows the resolution of the lawsuit filed by the Commission staff against these companies on March 3, 1998.

CPSC alleges that, on average, between 30 and 40 percent of Omegas removed from various locations across the country for testing failed to activate as they should. In some buildings, all Omegas tested failed to activate. CPSC is warning consumers that they are at risk of bodily injury or death and should have Omegas replaced as soon as possible. CPSC is urging consumers to take immediate action to determine whether the buildings where they live and work are equipped with Omegas, and if so, to call the Omega Sprinkler Recall Hotline to participate in the recall. Properly functioning fire sprinklers save lives when a fire occurs. With the Omega sprinklers, this line of defense may not be there when it is needed most.

CPSC has received reports of Omega sprinklers not functioning in 17 fires. At least four persons suffered injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation. Over $4.3 million in property damage has been reported. The fires occurred between 1990 and the present in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. In some cases, the sprinkler directly above the fire failed to operate.

Omega fire sprinklers are installed in homes, schools, hospitals, dormitories, nursing homes, prisons, offices, hotels and other buildings as well as federal buildings, including the Smithsonian Museums and the U.S. Capitol, which house many of the country's historical artifacts. Omegas have been or are being removed from many state and federal buildings, including the White House. As part of the settlement agreement, Central has asked Underwriters Laboratories to withdraw its listing of approval for all Omega brand fire sprinklers.

Consumers themselves should be able to determine whether their homes or other buildings are equipped with Omega fire sprinklers. On most models, consumers will be able to see three flat round metal disks stacked one above the other with a small space between each disk. Consumers should not attempt to unscrew the sprinkler or shut down their sprinkler system to determine if they have Omegas. Central will send consumers a packet of information to help them identify the sprinklers involved.

The recall of the Omega sprinklers includes models referred to or marked as follows:

C1 (or C-1)

C1A (or C-1A)

C-1A PRO (or C1-A PRO)

C1-A PRO QR

EC-20

EC-20A

R-1

R-1A

R-1M

Flow Control (FC, Flow Control-FC)

Protector-M or M Protector (Upright, Pendent, Sidewall, Sidewall EC)

HEC-12

EC-12 RES

HEC-12 EC

HEC-12 EC PRO

HEC-12 ID

HEC-12 PRO

HEC-12 PRO QR

HEC-20

Prohibitor QR and AC.

Central is offering consumers free replacement glass bulb fire sprinklers and reimbursement toward the cost of having Omega sprinklers removed and replaced. CPSC routinely requires companies to pay the full costs associated with recalls. In this case, Central's reported financial condition reveals that its ability to pay the cost of replacing the Omega sprinklers is limited. Consumers are urged to call the Omega Sprinkler Recall Hotline, available 24 hours a day, at (800) 896-5685 or to access the Omega recall website at omegarecall.com to participate in the recall. For consumers to get any monetary reimbursement for installation costs, they must submit a proof of claim and release to Central postmarked by August 1, 1999. Consumers are urged to take immediate action and call today.

Since Omegas may not operate in a fire, it is particularly important that consumers have at least one fully operational smoke detector on every floor of their home, especially near bedrooms. To ensure that the detector's batteries are working, test the detector every month. Consumers also should have a well-defined and rehearsed escape plan and an alternate escape plan in the event of a fire.

Sprinkler System Inspection Requirements

NFPA requires that certain activities be performed at prescribed frequencies.  However, rarely does an inspection and test agreement assign all of these activities and frequencies to a fire prevention company.  To comply fully, an implied partnership is formed between the owner or the owner’s representative and the contractor.  All of the requirements of NFPA 25 are the responsibility of the owner, and the contractor relies on the owner to perform all inspections and tests not specified in the agreement.

A common agreement for a wet sprinkler system will have the fire protection contractor coming to the building on an annual basis to conduct the annual inspections (See Below), while the owner or owner’s representative performs the quarterly, monthly, and weekly required inspections.

Unless specifically referenced in the agreement all other less-frequent activities are not included such as testing gauges every 5 years, testing sprinklers every 5, 10, 20, or 50 years; and internally inspecting alarm valve, check valves, strainers, filters, and orifices.  These activities are normally performed by the fire protection contractor but are invoiced as additional periodic services.

Sprinkler System Inspection Frequencies

Device	Activity	Frequency
Sprinkler System
Gauges (Dry, Pre-Action, Deluge Systems)	Inspection	Weekly/Monthly
Control Valves	Inspection	Weekly/Monthly
Alarm Devices	Inspection	Quarterly
Gauges (Wet Pipe Systems)	Inspection	Monthly
Hydraulic Nameplate	Inspection	Quarterly
Buildings	Inspection	Annually (prior to freezing)
Hanger/Seismic Bracing	Inspection	Annually
Pipe and Fittings	Inspection	Annually
Sprinklers	Inspection	Annually
Spare Sprinklers	Inspection	Annually
Fire Department Connections	Inspection	Quarterly
Alarm Devices	Test	Quarterly/Semi-Annually
Main Drain	Test	Annually
Anti-freeze Solution	Test	Annually
Gauges	Test	5 years
Sprinklers -- Extra High Temperature	Test	5 years
Sprinklers -- Fast Response	Test	At 20 years and every 10 thereafter
Sprinklers	Test	At 50 years and every 10 thereafter
Valves	Maintenance	Annually or as needed
Obstruction	Maintenance	5 years or as needed
Low Point Drains (Dry Pipe Systems)	Maintenance	Annually prior to freezing and as needed
Private Fire Service Main
Hose Houses	Inspection	Quarterly
Hydrants (Dry Barrel with Wall)	Inspection	Annually and after each operation
Monitor Nozzle	Inspection	Semi-Annually
Hydrants (Wet Barrel)	Inspection	Annually and after each operation
Mainline Strainers	Inspection	Annually and after each significant flow
Piping (Exposed)	Inspection	Annually
Piping (Underground)	Inspection	See NFPA 25
Monitor Nozzle	Test	Flow Annually (Range and Operation)
Hydrants	Test	Flow Annually
Piping (Exposed and Underground)	Flow Test	5 years
Mainline Strainers	Maintenance	Annually and after each operation
Hose Houses	Maintenance	Annually
Hydrants	Maintenance	Annually
Monitor Nozzle	Maintenance	Annually
Standpipe
Control Valves	Inspection	Weekly/Monthly
Pressure Regulating Devices	Inspection	Quarterly
Piping	Inspection	Quarterly
Hose Connections	Inspection	Quarterly
Cabinet	Inspection	Annually
Hose	Inspection	Annually
Hose Storage Device	Inspection	Annually
Alarm Device	Test	Quarterly
Hose Nozzle	Test	Annually
Hose Storage Device	Test	Annually
Hose	Test	5 years/3 years

Pressure Control Valve	Test	5 years
Pressure Reducing Valve	Test	5 years
Hydrostatic Test	Test	5 years
Flow Test	Test	5 years
Main Drain Test	Test	Annually
Hose Connections	Maintenance	Annually
Valves	Maintenance	Annually or as needed
Water Storage Tanks
Conditions of Water in Tank	Inspection	Monthly/Quarterly
Water Temperature	Inspection	Daily/Weekly
Heating System	Inspection	Daily/Weekly
Control Valves	Inspection	Weekly/Monthly
Water Level	Inspection	Monthly/Quarterly
Air Pressure	Inspection	Quarterly
Tank Exterior	Inspection	Quarterly
Support Structure	Inspection	Quarterly
Catwalks and Ladders	Inspection	Quarterly
Surrounding Areas	Inspection	Annually
Valves
Control Valves
Sealed	Inspection	Weekly
Locked	Inspection	Monthly
Tamper Switches	Inspection	Monthly
Alarm Valves
Exterior	Inspection	Monthly
Interior	Inspection	5 years
Strainers, filters, orifices	Inspection	5 years
Check Valves
Interior	Inspection	5 years
Pre-Action/Deluge Valves
Enclosure (cold)	Inspection	Daily/Weekly
Exterior	Inspection	Monthly
Interior	Inspection	Annually/5 years
Strainers, Filters, Orifices	Inspection	5 years
Dry Pipe Valves/Quick Opening Devices
Enclosure	Inspection	Daily/Weekly
Exterior	Inspection	Monthly
Interior	Inspection	Annually
Strainers, Filters, Orifices	Inspection	5 years
Pressure Reducing and Relief Valves
Sprinkler System	Inspection	5 years
Hose Connections	Inspection	Quarterly
Hose Racks	Inspection	Quarterly
Fire Pump	Inspection	Weekly
Backflow Prevention Assemblies
Reduced Pressure	Inspection	Weekly/Monthly
Reduced Pressure Detectors	Inspection	Weekly/Monthly
System Devices
Fire Department Connections	Inspection	Quarterly
Main Drains	Test	Annually/Quarterly
Water-Flow Alarms	Test	Quarterly
Control Valves
Position	Test	Annually
Operation	Test	Annually
Supervisory	Test	Semi-Annually
Pre-Action/Deluge Valves
Priming Water	Test	Quarterly
Low Air Pressure Alarm	Test	Quarterly
Full Flow	Test	Annually
Pre-Action/Deluge Valves
Priming Water	Test	Quarterly
Low Air Pressure Alarm	Test	Quarterly
Full Flow	Test	Annually
Dry Pipe Valves/Quick Opening Devices
Priming Water	Test	Quarterly
Low Air Pressure Alarm	Test	Quarterly
Quick Opening Devices	Test	Quarterly
Trip Test	Test	Annually
Full Flow Trip Test	Test	3 years
Pressure Reducing and Relief Valves
Sprinkler System	Test	5 years
Circulation Relief	Test	Annually
Pressure Relief Valves	Test	Annually
Hose Connections	Test	5 years
Hose Racks	Test	Annually
System Devices
Backflow Prevention Assemblies	Maintenance	Annually
Control Valves	Maintenance	Annually
Pre-Action/Deluge Valves	Maintenance	Annually
Dry Pipe Valves/Quick Opening Devices	Maintenance	Annually

Sprinkler System Maintenance Tips

SPRINKLER MAINTENANCE TIPS

By Central Sprinkler Company

Sprinklers can have their performance affected when they are installed in environments that are aggressive, such as those with harsh water supplies.    Just like a building’s heating and cooling systems, sprinkler systems must be properly maintained to ensure that they are in good working order and will activate in the event of a fire. Owning a sprinkler system without having it inspected and maintained is like owning a car and never changing the oil. NFPA Standards 13 and 25 contain requirements related to installation and inspection/maintenance of sprinklers and sprinkler systems that affect the long-term integrity of sprinklers.

Factors Affecting Sprinkler Performance

There are many factors that can affect the performance of a sprinkler and system components.

These factors include: water quality, atmospheric and environmental conditions, water bacteria such as microbiological influenced corrosion (MIC), physical damage, extreme changes in temperature, and piping system debris such as rust and scale.

The NFPA 25 Committee has suggested changes for the 2008 Edition of the Standard to provide additional requirements for more frequent sprinkler inspections and testing. NFPA 25 proposals are also in place to more adequately test for and treat water sources and water environments that are deemed aggressive and may reduce the useful life of sprinkler components and system piping. Most of the proposed changes are targeted to increasing the inspection and maintenance criteria for sprinklers and for controlling environmental conditions that negatively affect installed sprinklers and sprinkler system components.

NFPA Standards

The sprinkler industry is continuing to learn from situations where sprinklers have reduced performance characteristics due to site-specific characteristics that affect the installed sprinklers. From the review of products and installations this effort will develop stronger codes and test standards for fire protection products. A number of current NFPA 13 and 25 code sections should be referenced when performing sprinkler system maintenance. Some of these code sections are identified below for your use with building owners.

Although Central Sprinkler Company produces state-of the-art sprinklers that conform to existing industry test standards published by Underwriters Laboratories, Underwriters Laboratories Canada, Factory Mutual, and various international test standards in certified ISO 9000 facilities, we strongly recommend that sprinklers be inspected, removed and physically tested in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association guidelines, or every 10 years, whichever is less.

Dry Sprinklers

The Tentative Interim Amendment 98-1 in the NFPA 25 Standard1998 Edition section 2-3.1.1

Exception Number Five (5) states: “Dry Sprinklers that have been in service for 10 years shall be tested or replaced. If maintained and serviced, they shall be tested at 10-year intervals.” Dry Sprinklers are often subjected to harsh environments that experience large temperature variations, are installed in exposed conditions, and are prone to corrosion from the conditions they encounter. Frequent and routine inspection and maintenance of all Dry Sprinklers is necessary to ensure performance of installed Dry Sprinklers.

Corrosion and Leaking

Central recommends that sprinklers installed in aggressive water and/or reactive environments should be tested and replaced frequently to ensure performance. NFPA 25 1998 Edition section 2-2.1.1 states: “Sprinklers shall be inspected from the floor level annually. Sprinklers shall be free of corrosion, foreign materials, paint, and physical damage and shall be installed in the proper orientation.

Any sprinkler shall be replaced that is painted, corroded, damaged, loaded or in the improper orientation.”  Most sprinkler manufacturers technical and informational instructions that are included with new sprinklers caution the sprinkler owner and/or sprinkler maintenance contractor to remove sprinklers that are found to be leaking or exhibiting visible signs of corrosion.

Building Owner’s Responsibility

As you know, testing and inspection of fire protection systems and devices is the responsibility of the building owner. NFPA 25 1998 Edition section 1-4.2 states “the responsibility for properly maintaining a water-based fire protection system shall be that of the owner(s) of the property. By means of periodic inspections, tests, and maintenance, the equipment shall be shown to be in good operating condition, or any defects or impairments shall be revealed. 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.”

Any sprinkler system deficiency or performance related issue shall be repaired by the building owner. NFPA 25 1998 Edition section1-4.4 states that “the owner or occupant promptly shall correct or repair deficiencies, damaged parts, or impairments found while performing the inspection, test, and maintenance requirements of this standard. Corrections and repairs shall be performed by qualified maintenance personnel or a qualified contractor.”

Water Supply and Quality

Water supplies should be tested prior to sprinkler installation to reduce the likelihood of contamination from water source bacteria. Additionally, the quality of the water should be understood to reduce corrosion that is induced from highly alkaline or acidic water supplies. NFPA 13 1999 Edition states in section 9-1.5 that “in areas with water supplies known to have contributed to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of sprinkler system piping, water supplies shall be tested and appropriately treated prior to filling or testing of metallic piping systems.”

NFPA 13 1999 Edition section 10-2.1 states “Fire service mains (from water supply to system riser) and lead-in connections to system risers shall be completely flushed before connection is made to sprinkler piping. Water supplies should be flushed to ensure that pipe scale and debris is not introduced into the sprinkler system at the time of installation. The flushing operation shall be continued for a sufficient time to ensure thorough cleaning.”