Automatic Fire Sprinkler System

Installation, Testing and Commissioning,

Operation and Maintenance

An Article Presentation by
Henry E. Suarez, pme/rmp
 DISCLAIMER
This presentation material deals with some
subjects related to the installation, testing,
commissioning, operation and maintenance
of automatic fire protection. This, however,
does not attempt to cover the totality of the
subject matter.

2
 COURSE OUTLINE

PART 1‐ INSTALLATION

PART 2‐ TESTING AND COMMISSIONING

PART 3- SYSTEMS OPERATION,

INSPECTION, TESTING AND
MAINTENANCE

20
PLANNING INSTALLER/ CONTRACTOR OWNER

DESIGN/
FCD
INSTALLATION Y

N
TESTING &
COMMISSIONING

N Y

Y OPERATION &
MAINTENANCE

N
20
PART 1‐ INSTALLATION

20
Components of an Automatic
Sprinkler System

1. Fire/ Jockey Pumps

2. Pipes and Fittings
3. Valves and Devices
4. Hangers and Supports
5. Sprinkler Heads

20
COMPONENTS OF FIRE SPRINKLER
SYSTEM TERMINOLOGIES

Fire Pump is a fire fighting equipment or apparatus usually

connected to the fire protection piping system and provided with a
dedicated source of steady water.

Jockey Pump is a small pump that maintain the required pressure in

the wet sprinkler system.

Fire Pump Controller is an electrical panel that controls the

operation of the fire pump automatically.

Jockey Pump Controller is an electrical panel that controls the

operation of the jockey pump automatically to maintain system
pressure.

89
COMPONENTS OF FIRE SPRINKLER
SYSTEM TERMINOLOGIES

Branch Lines. The pipes in which the sprinklers are placed, either directly or
through risers.
Cross Mains. The pipes supplying the branch lines, either directly or through
risers.
Feed Mains. The pipes supplying cross mains, either directly or through risers.

Risers. The vertical supply pipes in a sprinkler system.

Flexible Listed Pipe Coupling. A listed coupling or fitting that allows axial
displacement, rotation, and at least 1 degree of angular movement of the pipe without
inducing harm on the pipe. For pipe diameters of 8 in. (203.2 mm) and larger, the angular
movement shall be permitted to be less than 1 degree but not less than 0.5 degree.

Supervisory Device. A device arranged to supervise the operative condition of

automatic sprinkler systems.
COMPONENTS OF FIRE SPRINKLER
SYSTEM TERMINOLOGIES
COMPONENTS OF FIRE SPRINKLER
SYSTEM TERMINOLOGIES
COMPONENTS OF FIRE SPRINKLER
SYSTEM TERMINOLOGIES
A TYPICAL FIRE SPRINKLER PIPING LAYOUT

BRANCHLINE
SPRINKLER HEADS
CROSSMAIN

FEEDMAIN

FLOOR CONTROL VALVE

Fire Pump Foundation Checklist
1. Rigid foundation that prevents torsional
or linear movement of the pump and its
baseplate.
2. Mass of concrete foundation should be at
least 5x the total mass of the supported
equipment.
3. Baseplates must be secured to concrete
foundation with non‐shrinking epoxy or
cementitious grout.
Fire Pump Foundation Checklist
4. Pumps less than 500 HP:
a. top at least 3” wider and
b. 6” longer than the baseplate.
c. for greater than 500 HP – at leas 6” wider
VERTICAL‐IN‐LINE FIRE PUMP
Electric Motor Driven

Diesel Engine Driven

16
90
Engine‐ Driven Vertical Turbine Pump

17
90
JOCKEY PUMP

18
90
Piping Installation Few Rules
1. Use flexible isolator or connector on both
suction and discharge pipes.
2. Suction pipe should provide a straight,
unrestricted run that is 5x to 10x the
diameter of that pipe, between the suction
reducer and the first obstruction in the line.
3. Install eccentric reducer with the straight
side on top at the pump suction.
Piping Installation Few Rules
4. The pipe diameter on both inlet and the outlet sides
of the pump should be at least one size larger than
the nozzle itself.
5. Eliminate elbows mounted, or close to, the inlet
nozzle of the pump.
6. Eliminate the potential for vortices or air
entrainment in the suction source.
7. Arrange the piping in such a way that there is no
strain imposed on the pump casing.
Figure A-2-9.6 Right and wrong pump suctions.

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96
Figure A-3-3.1 Horizontal split-case fire pump installation with water supply under
a positive head.

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Suction Pipe with Anti-Vortex Plate

96
Vertical- Turbine Pump with Strainer

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Figure A-4-2.2.1 Vertical shaft turbine-type pump
installation in a well.

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Figure A-4-2.2.2 Vertical shaft turbine-type pump
installation in a wet pit.

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Figure A-4-3.1 Belowground discharge arrangement.

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Submersible Fire Pump

96
Package-Type Fire/ Jockey Pump Assembly,
Skid- Mounted

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Figure A-2-19.3 Jockey pump installation with fire pump.

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Figure A-2-9.4 Schematic diagram of suggested arrangements for a fire pump
with a bypass, taking suction from public mains.

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FIRE/JOCKEY PUMP CONTROLLER
96
Pressure Sensing Lines.

1. For all pump installations, including jockey pumps, each

controller shall have its own individual pressure-sensing line.
2. The pressure-sensing line connection for each pump,
including jockey pumps, shall be made between that pump’s
discharge check valve and discharge control valve.
3. The pressure-sensing line shall be brass, copper, or
series 300 stainless steel pipe or tube, and the fittings shall be
of 1⁄2 in. (15 mm) nominal size.
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PIPE MATERIALS
Pipe or Tube Materials and Dimensions
Materials and Dimensions Standard

Ferrous Piping (Welded and Seamless)

Specification for Welded and Seamless Steel

Pipe Black and Hot‐Dipped Zinc Coated ANSI/ASTM A53
(Galvanized)

Specification for Black and Hot‐Dipped Zinc

Coated (Galvanized) Welded ASTM A795
and Seamless Steel Pipe for Fire Protection Use

Wrought Steel Pipe ANSI B36.10M

Specification for Elec.‐Resistance Welded Steel

Pipe ASTM A135

61
PIPE MATERIALS

Materials and Dimensions Standard

Nonmetallic Piping Specification for Special

Listed Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride(CPVC) Pipe ASTM F 442

Materials and Dimensions Standard

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) ASTM F 437
Specification for Schedule 80 CPVC Threaded Fittings

Specification for Schedule 40 CPVC Socket‐Type Fittings ASTM F 438

Specification for Schedule 80 CPVC Socket‐Type Fittings ASTM F 439

61
PIPE FITTINGS

61
VALVES USED IN FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM

Butterfly Valve
Resilient Seated Gate Valves

Test & Drain Valve Sight Glass

VALVES USED IN FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM

Strainer

Check Valve

Double Wafer Brass Check Valve

Check Valve
Figure 1- Class I standpipe and 2 ½ inch hose valve with a 2
½ X 1 ½ inch reducing cap
Figure 2- Class II standpipe hose system cabinet.
Figure 3- Class III standpipe system. The lower pipe feeds a
Class II hose cabinet on the other side of the wall.
Figure 4- Combination standpipe and sprinkler system. The
sprinkler system feed is the topmost horizontal piping
Fire Department Connections
• First responders connect hose lines to the
fire department connection (FDC)
• Types of fire department connections
– Single inlet and double inlet
– Wall mounted or free‐standing

Wall mounted
 Flow Switch

Supervisory Switch
61
Alarm Check Valve

An alarm check valve is basically a check valve with an

alarm port. The main purpose of the alarm check valve
is to ring a mechanical bell called a water motor gong.
The valve should, (if properly maintained), help hold the
system pressure steady and reduce the possibility of
false alarms.
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61
Figure A-5-15.4.2(b) Floor control valve.

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Figure A-5-13.22 One arrangement of flanged joint at sprinkler riser.

61
Figure A-5-14.1.1 Examples of acceptable valve arrangements.

Figure A-5-15.1 Identification sign.

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Figure A-5-14.1.1.8 Pit for gate valve, check valve, and fire department connection.

61
Figure A-5-15.2(a) Fire department connection.

61
Figure A-5-15.2(b) Typical city water pit—valve arrangement.

61
Figure A-5-15.4.2(a) System test connection on wet pipe system.

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Figure A-6-3.2(a) Thrust forces acting on a bend.
Figure A-6-3.2(b) Typical connection to a fire protection system riser.
Figure A-6-3.2(c) Bearing thrust block.
Figure A-6-3.2(d) Gravity thrust block.
HANGERS AND SUPPORTS
 Table 6-2.2 Maximum Distance Between Hangers (ft-in.)
Nominal Pipe 3/
4 1 1 1 /4 1 1 /2 2 2 1 /2 3 3 1 /2
Size (in.)

Steel pipe except N/A 12‐0 12‐0 15‐0 15‐0 15‐0 15‐0 15‐0
threaded lightwall
Threaded lightwall steel N/A 12‐0 12‐0 12‐0 12‐0 12‐0 12‐0 N/A
pipe

Copper tube 8‐0 8‐0 10‐0 10‐0 12‐0 12‐0 12‐0 15‐0

CPVC 5‐6 6‐0 6‐6 7‐0 8‐0 9‐0 10‐0 N/A

Polybutylene (IPS) N/A 3‐9 4‐7 5‐0 5‐11 N/A N/A N/A

Polybutylene (CTS) 2‐11 3‐4 3‐11 4‐5 5‐5 N/A N/A N/A

Ductile Iron Pipe N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 15‐0 N/A

Table 6-1.4.1 Hanger Rod Sizes

Diameter of Rod
Pipe Size in. mm
Up to and including 4 in. 3/8 9.5

5, 6, and 8 in. 1/2 12.7

10 and 12 in. 5/8 15.9

Listed CPVC pipe and listed polybutylene pipe have specific requirements for
piping support to include additional pipe bracing of sprinklers. See Figure A-6-
2.3.3(a).

Figure A-6-2.3.3(a) Distance from sprinkler to hanger.

Figure A-6-1.1 Common types of acceptable hangers.
Figure A-6-2.3.3(c) Examples of acceptable hangers for end-of-line
(or arm over) pendent sprinklers.
LOCATION OF FLEXIBLE COUPLING IN PIPE RISER
LOCATION OF FLEXIBLE COUPLING IN PIPE RISER
LOCATION OF SWAY BRACES
Figure A-6-4.5.6(b) Typical location of bracing on a tree system.
Figure A-6-4.5.6(c) Typical location of bracing on a gridded system.
Figure A-6-4.5.6(d) Typical location of bracing on a looped system.
Figure A-6-2.3.4(a) Maximum length for unsupported armover.
Figure A-6-2.3.4(b) Maximum length of unsupported armover where the
maximum pressure exceeds 100 psi (6.9 bar) and a branch
line above a ceiling supplies pendent sprinklers below the ceiling.
Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler Heads Classification
Maximum Ceiling Sprinkler Activation
Classification Glass Bulb Color Fusible Link Color
Temperature Temperature
Orange (135°F)
Ordinary 100°F 135°F - 170°F black; no color
Red (155°F)
Yellow (175°F)
Intermediate 150°F 175°F - 225°F White
Green (200°F)
High 225°F 250°F -300°F Blue Blue
Extra High 300°F 325°F - 375°F Purple Red
Very Extra High 375°F 400°F - 475°F Black Green
Ultra High 475°F 500°F - 575°F Black Orange
Ultra High 625°F 650°F Black Orange

60
 Frangible Glass Bulb Sprinkler

Nominal Liquid colour code

release
temperature (ºC)

57 Orange
68 Red
79 Yellow
93 Green
141 Blue
182 Mauve
204 to 260 Black

Metallic Element Sprinkler

Nominal Yoke arm colour code

release
temperature (ºC)

68 to 74 Uncoloured
93 to 100 White
141 Blue
182 Yellow
227 Red
Water distribution pattern from typical upright and pendant spray sprinklers.
Water distribution pattern from a typical ‘conventional’ or ‘old style’ sprinkler.
Note that ‘conventional’ pattern sprinkler is able to be installed either upright or
pendant.
SPRINKLER HEADS

Photo 3: Residential sprinklers installed during

construction. Much of the system may be installed
using plastic pipe.
10
Photo 4: An upright sprinkler head
5-13.19 Return Bends.

Return bends shall be used where

pendent sprinklers are supplied from a
raw water source, a mill pond, or
open-top reservoirs. Return bends
shall be connected to the top of
branch lines in order to avoid
accumulation of sediment in the drop
nipples. (See Figures.)
Exception No. 1: Return bends shall
not be required for deluge systems.
Exception No. 2: Return bends shall
not be required where dry-pendent
sprinklers are used.
5-13.20.2
When pipe schedule systems are revamped, a nipple not exceeding 4 in. (102 mm) in
length shall be permitted to be installed in the branch line fitting. All other piping shall be
1 in. (25.4 mm) where it supplies a single sprinkler in an area. [See Figure 5-13.20.2(a).]
Exception No. 1: When it is necessary to pipe two new ceiling sprinklers from an existing
outlet in an overhead system, the use of a nipple not exceeding 4 in. (102 mm) in length
and of the same pipe thread size as the existing outlet shall be permitted, provided that a
hydraulic calculation verifies that the design flow rate will be achieved. [See Figure 5-
13.20.2(b).] Exception No. 2: The use of pipe nipples less than 1 in. (25.4 mm) in
diameter shall not be permitted in areas subject to earthquakes.

Figure 5-13.20.2(a) Nipple and reducing Figure 5-13.20.2(b) Sprinklers in

elbow supplying sprinkler below ceiling. concealed space and below ceiling.
Table 5-6.5.1.2 Positioning of Sprinklers to Avoid Obstructions to Discharge
(SSU/SSP)

Distance from Sprinklers to Maximum Allowable Distance of

Side of Obstruction (A) Deflector above Bottom of
Obstruction (in.) (B)
Less than 1 ft 0

1 ft to less than 1 ft 6 in. 21/2

1 ft 6 in. to less than 2 ft 31/2

2 ft to less than 2 ft 6 in. 51/2

2 ft 6 in. to less than 3 ft 71/2

3 ft to less than 3 ft 6 in. 91/2

3 ft 6 in. to less than 4 ft 12

4 ft to less than 4 ft 6 in. 14

4 ft 6 in. to less than 5 ft 161/2

5 ft and greater 18
Figure 5-6.5.1.2(a) Positioning of sprinklers to avoid obstructions to
discharge (SSU/SSP).

Figure 5-6.5.1.2(b) Obstructions against walls (SSU/SSP).

61
Figure 5-6.5.2.2 Minimum distance from obstruction (SSU/SSP).
Figure 5-6.5.2.3 Suspended or floor-mounted obstructions (SSU/SSP).
Table 5-7.5.1.2 Positioning of Sprinklers to Avoid Obstructions
(Standard Sidewall Spray Sprinklers)

Distance from SidewallSprinkler Maximum Allowable Distance of

to Side of Obstruction (A) Deflector above Bottom of
Obstruction (in.) (B)
Less than 4 ft 0

4 ft to less than 5 ft 1

5 ft to less than 5 ft 6 in. 2

5 ft 6 in. to less than 6 ft 3

6 ft to less than 6 ft 6 in. 4

6 ft 6 in. to less than 7 ft 6

7 ft to less than 7 ft 6 in. 7

7 ft 6 in. to less than 8 ft 9

8 ft to less than 8 ft 6 in. 11

8 ft 6 in. or greater 14

For SI units, 1 in. = 25.4 mm; 1 ft =

0.3048 m.
Note: For (A) and (B), refer to Figure 5‐
7.5.1.2.
Figure 5-7.5.1.2 Positioning of sprinklers to avoid obstructions (standard
sidewall spray sprinklers).
Table 5-7.5.1.3 Positioning of Sprinklers to Avoid Obstructions Along the Wall
(Standard Sidewall Spray Sprinklers)

Distance from Maximum Allowable Distance of

Sidewall Sprinkler Deflector above Bottom of
to Side of Obstruction (in.) (B)
Obstruction (A)
Less than 6 in. 1
6 in. to less than 1 ft 2
1 ft to less than 1 ft 6 in. 3
1 ft 6 in. to less than 2 ft 41/2

2 ft to less than 2 ft 6 in. 53/4

2 ft 6 in. to less than 3 ft 7

3 ft to less than 3 ft 6 in. 8
3 ft 6 in. to less than 4 ft 91/4

4 ft to less than 4 ft 6 in. 10

4 ft 6 in. to less than 5 ft 111/2

5 ft to less than 5 ft 6 in. 123/4

5 ft 6 in. to less than 6 ft 14

6 ft to less than 6 ft 6 in. 15
6 ft 6 in. to less than 7 ft 161/4

7 ft to less than 7 ft 6 in. 171/2

Figure 5-7.5.1.3 Positioning of sprinklers to Figure 5-7.5.2.2 Minimum distance
avoid obstructions along the wall (standard from obstruction (standard sidewall
sidewall spray sprinklers). spray sprinkler).
Distance from Sprinklers to Maximum Allowable Distance of
Deflector Side of Obstruction (A) above Bottom of
Obstruction (in.) (B)
Less than 1 ft 0
Distance from Sprinklers to Side of Maximum Allowable
Obstruction (A) Distance of Deflector
above Bottom of
Obstruction (in.) (B)
1 ft to less than 1 ft 6 in. 0

1 ft 6 in. to less than 2 ft 1

2 ft to less than 2 ft 6 in. 1

2 ft 6 in. to less than 3 ft 1

3 ft to less than 3 ft 6 in. 3

3 ft 6 in. to less than 4 ft 3

4 ft to less than 4 ft 6 in. 5

4 ft 6 in. to less than 5 ft 7

5 ft to less than 5 ft 6 in. 7

5 ft 6 in. to less than 6 ft 7

6 ft to less than 6 ft 6 in. 9

6 ft 6 in. to less than 7 ft 11

7 ft and greater 14
Figure 5-8.5.1.2(a) Position of sprinklers to avoid obstructions to discharge
(extended coverage upright and pendent spray sprinklers).
Figure 5-8.5.1.2(b) Obstructions against walls (extended coverage upright and
pendent spray sprinklers).
Figure 5-8.5.2.2 Minimum distance from obstruction (extended coverage
upright and pendent spray sprinklers).
Table 5-8.5.2.3 Suspended or Floor-Mounted Obstructions (Extended Coverage
Upright and Pendent Spray Sprinklers)

Horizontal Distance (A) Minimum Vertical

Distance below Deflector
(in.) (B)
6 in. or less 3

More than 6 in. to 9 in. 4

More than 9 in. to 12 in. 6

More than 12 in. to 15 in. 8

More than 15 in. to 18 in. 91/2

More than 18 in. to 24 in. 121/2

More than 24 in. to 30 in. 151/2

More than 30 in. 18

Figure 5-8.5.2.3 Suspended or floor-mounted obstructions (extended coverage
upright and pendent spray sprinklers).
5-9.4.1 Distance Below Ceilings and from Walls to Which Sprinklers are
Mounted.

5-9.4.1.1
Sidewall sprinkler deflectors shall be located not more than 6 in. (152 mm) nor less
than 4 in. (102 mm) from ceilings.
Exception: Horizontal sidewall sprinklers are permitted to be located in a zone 6 in.
to 12 in. (152 mm to 305 mm) or 12 in. to 18 in. (305 mm to 457 mm) below
noncombustible or limited-combustible ceilings where listed for such use.

5-9.4.1.2
Sidewall sprinkler deflectors shall be located not more than 6 in. (229 mm) or less
than 4 in. (102 mm) from walls on which they are mounted.
 Distance from Sidewall
Sprinkler to Side of Obstruction
(A)
8 ft to less than 10 ft
Maximum Allowable
Distance of Deflector
above Bottom of
Obstruction (in.) (B)
1

10 ft to less than 11 ft 2

11 ft to less than 12 ft 3

12 ft to less than 13 ft 4

13 ft to less than 14 ft 6

14 ft to less than 15 ft 7

15 ft to less than 16 ft 9

16 ft to less than 17 ft 11

17 ft or greater 14
Figure 5-9.5.1.2 Positioning of sprinklers to avoid obstructions (extended
coverage sidewall sprinklers).
Figure 5-9.5.2.2 Minimum distance from obstruction (extended coverage sidewall).
Table 5-9.5.2.3 Suspended or Floor-Mounted Obstructions (Extended
Coverage Sidewall Sprinklers)

Horizontal Distance (A) Minimum Allowable Distance

below Deflector (in.) (B)
More than 6 in. to 9 in. 4

More than 9 in. to 12 in. 6

More than 12 in. to 15 in. 8

More than 15 in. to 18 in. 91/2

More than 18 in. to 24 in. 121/2

More than 24 in. to 30 in. 151/2

More than 30 in. 18

Figure 5-9.5.2.3 Suspended or floor-mounted obstructions (extended
coverage sidewall sprinklers).
Figure A-5-13.4 Sprinklers around escalators
The stock of spare sprinklers shall include all types and
ratings installed and shall be as follows:

(1) For systems having less than 300 sprinklers, not fewer
than six sprinklers

(2) For systems with 300 to 1000 sprinklers, not fewer than
12 sprinklers

(3) For systems with over 1000 sprinklers, not fewer than 24
sprinklers
PART 2‐ TESTING & COMMISSIONING
Sprinkler System
Acceptance Testing
To complete the installation of
a sprinkler system, the
installing contractor must
complete the acceptance steps
required in NFPA 13: These
final steps in the design and
installation of sprinkler systems
are to confirm that the basic
requirements of NFPA 13 are
satisfied, that the work was
completed in an acceptable
manner, and that the customer
is receiving a system that
performs as intended.
The contractor must notify the Authority Having Jurisdiction, who will
then decide if they wish to witness the testing or not. The contractor
then conducts the individual system acceptance and operational testing
described in NFPA 13. The specific item tested will vary depending on
what type of sprinkler system is installed, but may include all or some
of the following:

1. Flushing the underground pipe.

2. Hydrostatic test.

3. The air test for dry systems (non-interlock preaction or double

interlock preaction systems).

4. The system operational test.

5. Submitting the contractor’s material and test certificate.

Acceptance Requirements.

10-2.1* Flushing of Piping.

Fire service mains (from the water supply to the system riser) and
lead-in connections to system risers shall be completely flushed
before connection is made to sprinkler piping. The flushing
operation shall be continued for a sufficient time to ensure
thorough cleaning. The minimum rate of flow shall be not less
than one of the following:

1. The hydraulically calculated water demand rate of the system

including any hose requirements
2. That flow necessary to provide a velocity of 10 ft/sec (3.1
m/sec)
Hydrostatic Tests.
All piping and attached appurtenances subjected to system working pressure
shall be hydrostatically tested at 200 psi (13.8 bar) and shall maintain that
pressure without loss for 2 hours. Loss shall be determined by a drop in gauge
pressure or visual leakage. The test pressure shall be read from a gauge located
at the low elevation point of the system or portion being tested.

Exception No. 1: Portions of systems normally subjected to system working

pressures in excess of 150 psi (10.4 bar) shall be tested at a pressure of 50
psi (3.5 bar) in excess of system working pressure.
Exception No. 2: Where cold weather will not permit testing with water, an
interim air test shall be permitted to be conducted.
Exception No. 3: Modifications affecting 20 or fewer sprinklers shall not
require testing in excess of system working pressure.

Exception No. 4: Where addition or modification is made to an existing

system affecting more than 20 sprinklers, the new portion shall be isolated
and tested at not less than 200 psi (13.8 bar) for 2 hours.
Exception No. 5: Modifications that cannot be isolated, such as relocated
drops, shall not require testing in excess of system working pressure.
Exception No. 6: In buried pipe, leakage shall be permitted as follows:
(a)* The amount of leakage at the joints shall not exceed 2 qt/hr (1.89 L/hr)
per 100 gaskets or joints, irrespective of pipe diameter.
(b)* The amount of allowable leakage specified in item (a) of this exception
shall be permitted to be increased by 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) per inch valve
diameter per hour for each metal seated valve isolating the test section.
(c)If dry barrel hydrants are tested with the main valve open so the hydrants
are under pressure, an additional 5 oz/min (150 ml/min) of leakage shall be
permitted for each hydrant.
(d)The amount of leakage in buried piping shall be measured at the
specified test pressure by pumping from a calibrated container.
Typically, the sprinkler contractor will be contractually obligated to perform
acceptance testing only on the sprinkler systems they install. Testing the
interface between systems to ensure that the building’s overall fire
protection scheme has been achieved and the fire protection systems
work together is commonly overlooked in the construction documents.
Coordinating
.
all the trades and testing at the same time can be extremely
difficult under the best circumstances

Backflow Testing
A backflow preventer, or a double check valve backflow prevention assembly in
this case, is a device that is connected between the water line leading to the
sprinkler system and the public water line coming from the street. A backflow
preventer device is installed to prevent the reverse flow of water, which could
contaminate the public water supply.

Documentation of Inspections
After all inspections were completed, technicians filled out the necessary
documentation showing that all required inspections had been
completed according to codes and regulations. These documents are the
client’s records in case a Fire Marshal or other public official wants to
check that all inspections are up to date.
Figure A-11-2.6.3(f) Pump acceptance test data. (Courtesy of Factory Mutual
Research Corp.)

96
PART 3‐ OPERATION & TESTING &
MAINTENANCE
Step 1: Testing the Control Valve

The first step when inspecting the sprinkler system is to test the butterfly control
valve. while exercising the valve (closing) in this scenario the control valve has a
tamper switch installed, the tamper will transmit a supervisory signal and or a
trouble condition to the fire alarm panel. This is to notify building occupants,
owners and fire department there is a control valve closed or partially open. In the
event of a fire, the water may not reach the hazard area due to the valve being
closed. Once the technician in the attic confirms with the technician at the fire
control panel, that the panel recognizes the valve is turned off, he opens the valve
back up. Once the valve is returned to its normal position a tamper seal is placed
on the valve to ensure it is in the correct position before leaving. The tie can easily
be broke in the event that the valve needs to be closed. The seal also serves as a
deterrent to keep people from tampering with the valve.
Step 2: Gauge Readings & Activating the Sprinkler System
The next step the technician in the attic takes is to capture a reading of the
gauge. The gauge ensures there is proper water pressure for the fire sprinkler
system to operate effectively. Once the reading is taken, the technician then
opens the main drain of the fire sprinkler system to determine that there is
sufficient water pressure supplying the fire sprinkler system and there are no
blockages that will hinder the system from performing in the event of a fire.

After performing the main drain, the technician will then locate what is called
the inspector’s test. The inspector’s test is typically located at the farthest point
of the sprinkler system. The inspector will then open the inspector’s test, the
inspector’s test simulates a sprinkler activating and shall send a signal to the fire
alarm panel within 90 seconds. These same steps are taken on every floor as the
technician makes his way to the basement. After inspecting the fire sprinkler
systems the technician will then verify signals were transmitted to the
monitoring company and place systems back in service. If additional devices
are being tested (backflows) we will keep the system on test due to closing
additional valves.
Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems Inspection
Testing and Maintenance
• Water Flow Alarms
– Test vane type and pressure switch typewater flow devices semiannually
– Water motor gongs tested quarterly

• 2" Drain Test

– Annually and after any system shut down

• System Gauges
– Test for accuracy every 5 years (or replace)

• Alarm Check Valves

– Interior inspection and cleaning every 5 years

• Control Valves
– Test tamper switches semi annually
– Operate and lubricate valve through full range of operation annually
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• Sprinkler Heads
– Standard sprinklers to be tested at 50 years and every 10 years thereafter
– Quick response sprinklers tested aftertwenty years and at ten year intervals
thereafter or replaced
– Sprinkler manufactured prior to 1920 are to be replaced

• Obstruction Investigation
– Flushing and removal of end sprinkler froma branch line — 5 years

• Annual Total System Inspection

– Building conditions, pipe and fitting condition, hangers and bracing, spare
sprinkler supply, antifreeze solution (ifpresent), fire department connection

• Water flow Alarms

– Test vane type and pressure switch type
water flow devices semiannually
– Water motor gongs tested quarterly
– 2" Drain Test
– Annually and after any system shut down

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Dry Pipe Sprinkler System Inspection Testing and
Maintenance
• System Gauges
– Test for accuracy every 5 years (or replace)

• Dry Pipe Valve

– Quarterly test of priming water level
– Quarterly test of low air alarm
– Interior inspection and cleaning of valve annually
– Trip test annually
– Full flow trip test every three years
– Throttled trip test in alternate years
– Test any low temperature devices at beginning of heating season
– Test and maintain low point drains at beginning of heating season and as
needed

Quick Opening Devices

– Quarterly test of Quick Opening Device
– Rebuild or repair all orifices, strainers and filters as needed

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Dry Pipe Sprinkler System Inspection Testing and
Maintenance
•
• Sprinkler Heads
– Dry sprinklers to be tested every ten years or replaced
– Sprinkler manufactured prior to 1920 are to be replaced

• Dry Pipe System Obstruction Investigation

– Flushing and removal of end sprinkler from a branch line — 5 years
• Control Valves
– Test tamper switches semi annually
– Operate and lubricate valve through full range of operation annually

• Fire Pump
– Diesel pump driver— Weekly start and run test for thirty minutes
– Electric pump driver— Monthly start and run test for 10 minutes
– Annual full flow test
– Exercise circuit breaker and isolating switch monthly
– Service electric driver— grease and check connections annually
– Check pump bearings and pump shaft transmission for lubrication annually
– Check pump shaft for excess end play annually

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Common Components To All System Inspection
Testing and Maintenance

• Fire Department Connections

– Inspect quarterly — replace caps as needed
– Lubricate and verify free operation annually

• Check Valves in City Pit

– Interior inspection every five years

• Backflow Preventer
– Test and maintain annually
– Flow test to meet sprinkler system demand

• Fire Hydrants
– Annual test and lubrication
– Flow test every five years

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References
1. Uniform Mechanical Code
2. Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers
3. National Fire Protection Association, NFPA No.
13, 20 and 25 Standards

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