Have you thought about what happens during an Albuquerque fire sprinkler inspection? Well, that depends on whether it is a wet or dry fire sprinkler system.
To learn more, let’s take a look at each kind of sprinkler system inspection.
Wet Fire Sprinkler System Inspection Basics
A wet sprinkler system inspection follows these steps:
The initial step in a wet fire sprinkler system inspection is an inspection of each valve at the rise, followed by a gauge check to ensure that each is calibrated or in date.
This is where it is checked that there are enough spare heads available and that wrenches are stored with the spare head toolbox.
Then, a complete fire sprinkler inspection is maintained on the system to identify any system irregularities such as building areas without fire protection, loaded sprinkler heads covered in dirt, dust, grime or grease. In the course of this investigation of the sprinkler system, it may become evident that multiple sprinkler heads must be replaced or cleaned thoroughly so that the system functions properly when needed.
Then, to ensure enough coverage (proper spacing), correct heads, a complete pipe inspection is performed ensuring there’s no problems, system leaks, rust or corrosion, etc.
A full hanger check is done ensuring that all hangers are properly secured and spaced correctly. After the hanger check a full “main drain” is performed.
A “main drain” consists of opening the main drain valve and then reading the pressure gauge. Next, the control valves for the sprinkler systems are operated to verify and confirm its supervisory switches report to the panel.
The final step involves doing an actual flow to run the alarm, and the time it to make certain it arrives at a passing time of 60 to 90 seconds. The time for the test is recorded and then it is applied in writing on the system’s tag.
Dry Fire Sprinkler System Inspection Basics
Now, we’ll learn what parameters to be considered in dry sprinkler system inspection.
During a dry fire sprinkler system inspection, dry valves are tripped out. This is known as a “choke trip.” The primary difference between a wet and dry inspection is that dry system must operate the dry valve. What we do is what we call a “choke trip”. This step mimics an actual fire, and also “chokes” the water below from rising. Dry sprinkler systems are commonly found in commercial buildings in the areas of a building that are subject to freezing, including building attics and exterior canopies.
With a dry sprinkler system, the pipes are filled with air and water is maintained below the system. As part of an annual system inspection and test, each valve is tripped to confirm valve trip function. Every third year, a full trip test is conducted on a dry sprinkler system.
The test entails running water to the end of the lined and timing. 60 to 90 seconds flow time is a passing time.
No full trip tests are conducted from Oct. 31 to April 1 due to the risk of freezing. Spring is the ideal season for a full trip test, allowing the system to dry out in the heat of summer.
In the Second step, all wet sprinkler system checks are performed through visual inspection, spacing check and corrosion.
Fire Sprinkler Inspection Facts and Requirements
In a conventional sprinkler system, all heads have to be replaced every half century. All sprinkler heads shall be replaced every 20 years with a quick response sprinkler system.
Fire sprinklers systems (wet and dry) should be inspected once a year.
Dry fire sprinkler system inspections are more expensive, as testing needs two technicians.
Fire suppression systems in Albuquerque should be inspected every year. So when the time comes when your commercial properties fire sprinkler system needs its inspection, test or service, get the pros at Brazas Fire a call at 505-889-8999.