Fire Sprinkler System Inspections

Wet Systems

A wet system is the most “basic” fire sprinkler system. These systems are composed of a control valve, an alarm device, an inspector’s test drain, and of course piping and fire sprinkler heads. These systems require the least amount of maintenance as well as they are typically the easiest to perform  inspections, testing, and maintenance on. When a wet system activates, the bulb in a fire sprinkler head surpasses its temperature rating, resulting in immediate release of water from the sprinkler head’s now open orifice.

Dry Systems

A dry system is similar to a wet system in terms of activation.  They differ in equipment used and the system is filled with air as opposed to a wet system, which is always filled with water. When a dry system is activated, the fire sprinkler head will burst due to temperatures exceeding its rating and the air will release from the system allowing a clapper in the dry valve to open flooding the system with water which escapes from the burst head.

Pre-action Systems

A pre-action system is a fire sprinkler system that has to have two actions in order to activate. These systems require direct coordination with a detection device, a mechanical activation, as well as an activation through a sensing device. Most pre-action systems will be set up with a smoke detector or heat detector for the sensing device, as well as the typical “dry system style” activation.

Deluge Systems

A deluge system is similar to the pre-action. Instead of the lines being filled with air until activation, the deluge system has sensing lines that run parallel to the fire sprinkler system. When a head on the sensing line bursts activation action 1 has occurred.  When both activation actions occur the system will then flood with water. Deluge systems are unique due to them being the only systems that activate the way Hollywood portrays. Once one head activates, they all activate. This is due to the fire sprinkler heads attached to the actual system being bulb-less. This means there’s nothing stopping the water from escaping through the fire sprinkler heads open orifice.

Fire Pumps

A fire pump is a device used to increase the pressure of a water based fire sprinkler system. These are required when the city or water storage tank provide the proper GPM and volume but not the proper pressure to supply the fire sprinkler system. Fire Pumps are required to be tested annually for full functionality whether they are diesel or electric powered. It is also very wise to speak to your inspector about proper maintenance of your diesel motor. Many times we find that they have gone un-serviced for large periods of time.

Foam Systems

Commonly found in air-craft hangers, marine craft, chemical plants, and other places subject to Class A or Class B fires, foam water-based fire sprinkler systems are one of the most effective ways to fight a fire. The foam-concentrate mixed with water on a pre-determined water to foam-concentrate ratio. A foam system uses one of three different expansion levels: low, medium, and high. A foam system is made up of a deluge valve, foam-concentrate tank, piping and a discharge device, such as foam fire sprinkler heads, foam cannons, etc.

Backflow Preventers

In addition to NFPA 25 inspections, our inspectors are proud to provide backflow preventer testing and repair. Backflow preventers are devices required by a city that prevent your water from returning to the city’s water supply. The two most common backflow devices are double check and RP devices. An RP device provides a higher level of protection than a double check by allowing water to dump from the relief valve in the event of back pressure. Cities require all backflow prevention devises be tested on a yearly basis as well as immediately after installation.