Sprinkler System Inspections Vancouver
As a key component of your fire protection system, sprinklers protect your building and its occupants, as well as emergency first responders. Whether you install a wet pipe, dry pipe, preaction or deluge sprinkler system, it must function properly when needed. Lives depend on it.
That’s why NFPA 25, the B.C. Fire Code(section 6.5) and Vancouver bylaws set out frequent, detailed inspections and tests for your sprinkler system throughout the year. A fire protection professional understands the mechanical and electrical systems involved and has the experience and expertise to do the job safely.
Our fire protection technicians take pride in performing thorough inspections and tests. Our commitment to a high-quality fire protection service gives you confidence that your building’s sprinkler system will work as designed when tripped.
Full-Service Fire Protection
As a full-service fire protection company, Vancouver Fire installs, monitors, inspects and tests sprinkler systems. Whether it’s our fire protection professionals, our customer service representatives or our office personnel, our commitment to excellent customer service means your life safety is never at risk.
If you are adding square footage to your building or need a modification to your current sprinkler system, contact our installation department.
All sprinkler systems must be monitored. If you use Vancouver Fire for both monitoring and inspections, co-ordination is simpler. There is less chance for miscommunication and error. And it becomes our sole responsibility to take care of your sprinkler system and repair it.
More information about fire monitoring.
Inspection Requirements
Sprinkler systems, including backflow preventers and fire pumps, should be monitored constantly. The requirements set out in NFPA 25, B.C. Fire Code, Vancouver bylaws and other industry standards can be confusing and overwhelming. As fire protection specialists, our job is to make your job easier. We will ensure your system meets all these requirements, and report any deficiency details to you.
We have summarized some of the code requirements for your reference below:
Monthly Inspections
Each month, we visually inspect:
- Control equipment and fire alarm systems
- Valves, valve components and trim, including water supply valves locked in the open position
- Standpipe
In addition, during the appropriate monthly inspections, we conduct the required quarterly and semi-annual inspections and tests. This includes visually inspecting alarm devices, sprinkler system, specific connections and valves quarterly and any private service main and monitor nozzles annually.
Our fire inspection professionals also test your mechanical water flow devices, valves, low air pressure alarms, priming water and other devices and components, as required.
To schedule a monthly sprinkler system inspection, contact us today.
Annual Inspections
NFPA 25 requires that you visually inspect your sprinkler system each year.
- General overview: visually inspect for proper installation and any apparent changes, alterations, additions or damage
- Visually inspect operation/condition of all valves, gauges, piping, bracing, sprinklers, mechanical and electrical alarms, pumps and all other associated hardware
Wet and dry sprinkler systems, meanwhile, face different testing requirements. Annual functional testing should include:
- Wet system water flow alarm using the inspector’s test connection
- Wet system main drain water flow
- Dry system trip test with the control valve partially open
- Drain dry system auxiliary low point drains before each winter
In addition, on the appropriate years, our fire protection technicians ensure your system complies with the three, five and 10/20/50-year tests set out in NFPA 25 and other regulatory requirements. These inspections and tests include
Every three years:
- Dry system full-flow trip, conducted through the inspector’s test valve, with the control valve open
- Dry system air leakage
Every five years:
- Sprinklers—extra-high temperature/corrosive atmosphere
- Standpipe—full-flow test from a remote point
- Manual/dry standpipes—hydrostatic test
- Full-flow hose connection pressure reducing valves
- Hydrostatic—Siamese connections (every three years in some locations)
To schedule your annual sprinkler system inspection and testing, contact us today.
Daily and Weekly Visual Inspections
NFPA and other standards also require you to conduct daily and weekly inspections of your sprinkler system. Initially, these inspections may be confusing. We can help train your staff on what to look for.
NFPA 25 requires daily/weekly visual inspections of:
- Valves, components and trim
- Cold weather enclosures
- Standpipe
Your daily visual inspection should also include:
- Air and water pressure gauges: Are they within acceptable ranges?
- Heaters and thermometer in the sprinkler room. The room must be at least 4 degrees Celsius and the heater must be operational if outside temperatures are 5 degrees Celsius or below
- Compressor, if any. If it runs, stops and starts again in less than five minutes, it is running “continuously,” and the sprinkler contractor needs to assess the situation.
- Piping and fittings. Check for signs of air or water leakage.
To schedule a training session for sprinkler inspections, contact us today.
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