Fire System Inspection Intervals

Quarterly inspection includes:

• Inspect water flow alarm devices such as mechanical water motor gongs, Vane-type water flow devices and pressure switches that provide audible or visual signals
• Verify alarm devices are free of physical damage and that covers are in place and appear to be in proper working condition
• Inspect the hydraulic nameplate for hydraulically designed systems. Verify it is attached securely to the sprinkler riser and is legible
• Inspect fire department connections; if a cap is missing, verify there is no debris

Semi-annual inspection includes:

• Test valve tamper supervisory switches to make sure they report to the panel
• Test vane-type and pressure switch type water flow devices to make sure they report to the panel and monitoring company.

Annual inspection includes:

• Inspect and verify before the onset of freezing weather; buildings with wet pipe systems should be inspected to verify all areas are adequately heated. A minimum of 40°F is needed to prevent freezing
• Inspect all visible sprinkler heads, pipe, fittings, hangers and braces from the floor level
• Freezing point of solution in antifreeze to ensure specific gravity is within specs
• Each control valve shall be operated through its full range and returned to its normal position to test the integrity of the valve
• Each deluge or pre-action valve shall be trip tested at full flow in warm weather and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and NFPA
• Conduct main drain test at the system riser after the valve has been operated
• Test backflow preventers on fire lines when applicable and submit paperwork to proper authorities
• Review storage heights to verify storage is not too close to the sprinkler heads and the minimum needed clearance is provided
• Conduct main drain test at each water-based fire protection system riser to determine whether there has been a change in the condition of the water supply piping and control valves
• Train owner on proper maintenance of systems to include weekly and monthly checks

Three-year inspection includes:

• Trip test dry pipe valve with the control valve fully open and the quick-opening device, if provided, in service
• Trip test time recorded to verify water reaches the furthest point in the specified time as required

Five-year inspection includes:

• Replace or test by gauges by comparison with a calibrated gauge. Gauges must be accurate within 3 percent of the full scale, otherwise recalibrated or replaced
• Inspect alarm valves and their associated strainers, filters and restriction orifices internally unless tests indicate a greater frequency is necessary
• Inspect valves internally to verify all components operate correctly, move freely and are in good condition
• Investigate piping and branch line conditions by opening a flushing connection at the end of one main and removing a sprinkler toward the end of one branch line. Conduct a complete flushing program if an investigation indicates the presence of sufficient material that obstructs sprinklers
• Standpipes, hydrostatic test and flow test
• Replace sprinklers of high temperature rating
• Pressure reducing valves
• Hose racks, connections and hoses

Ten-year inspection includes:

• Test or replace dry sprinklers that have been in service for 10 years. If maintained and serviced, they shall be retested at 10-year intervals.
• Dry sprinkler heads are removed and sent to a lab for testing at the 10-year inspection. If the sprinkler heads pass the inspection, the sprinkler heads are not lab tested for another 10 years. If one or all of the sprinkler heads do not pass the inspection, we are required to replace all sprinkler heads