5-Year Internal Sprinkler Inspection: The Need and Benefits

ZenFire

5-Year Internal Sprinkler Inspection: What to Expect?

Field Service Management
March 28, 2024
9 Min Read

A fire sprinkler system is a life-saving component of a system that is built to keep people’s lives risk-free. An internal sprinkler inspection every five years is a mandated inspection by the NFPA to keep up with safety standards, and even if it isn’t, it is a good and safe idea to check if your fire sprinkler systems function properly.

In this blog, we will talk about the importance of a 5-year internal sprinkler inspection, ways to get ready for it, and what you might expect during your fire sprinkler inspection.

Do you need a Fire Sprinkler System?

A fire sprinkler system is something that you hope you will never need. The key here is to make sure that it functions if you do need it and importantly when you need it.

If you don’t have regular inspections on your fire sprinkler system and preventative maintenance performed on them then you run a major risk of having faulty fire sprinkler piping or numerous foreign materials affecting your fire sprinklers piping.

It is crucial to have a 5-year fire sprinkler inspection to keep your property safe and secure.

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What is a 5-Year Internal Sprinkler Inspection?

Both owners and managers of any property prefer that their fire sprinklers never go off. The system must be clear of obstructions and prepared to operate effectively if your sprinkler system is activated in the case of a fire.

That’s why a 5-year fire sprinkler inspection is necessary. The whole process is an initial assessment of how effective your sprinkler tower is, and the strength of your branch line is put to the test through this process.

Fire protection is taken very seriously by the fire department and this is their way of evaluating whether you are taking proper care of your branch line and if the sprinklers work properly.

Guidelines of the NFPA for 5-year Internal Sprinkler Inspection

The comprehensive obstruction investigation is to happen every five years to check the viability of the sprinkler systems. The following NFPA rules specifically outline the five-year fire sprinkler inspection requirements:

Inspection of Gauges

5.3.2.1 Every five years, gauges must be changed or inspected by comparison with a calibrated meter. a calibrated gauge is an indication that the system is working on point.

Standpipe Flow Test

6.3.1.1 All automatic standpipe systems must undergo a flow test every five years to ensure the necessary flow and pressure are at the hose valve outlet(s) hydraulically farthest from the standpipe system demand.

6.3.1.1.1 If it is not feasible to test the flow of the hydraulically farthest outlet(s), the authority with jurisdiction must be consulted to determine where the test should be conducted.

6.3.1.4 / 6.3.1.4.1 The design standards in force shall determine the demand for the standpipe system at the installation time. In case the demand for the standpipe system cannot be identified, the authority with jurisdiction must do so.

6.3.1.4.2 The exact test method(s) and performance standards must be discussed beforehand with the relevant inspection authority.

Standpipe Hydrostatic Test

6.3.2.1 Manual standpipes must undergo hydrostatic testing every five years at a pressure of at least 200 psi (13.8 bar) for two hours or at a pressure of 50 psi (3.4 bar) above the maximum pressure if the maximum pressure is more significant than 150 psi (10.3 bar).

Importance of a Fire Sprinkler Systems Health

Since water sitting in steel pipes causes corrosion, a 5-year fire sprinkler inspection is essential. This rust may build up in a way that leads to accumulation and pipe obstruction.

Internal rusting and pitting in galvanized pipes can be caused by the air present and the water added to the piping system. Rocks and other debris could also get into the system.

By fixing any internal issues to avoid a fire sprinkler head failure in an emergency, a 5-year internal inspection increases the safety of the building.

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Why is a 5-Year Fire Sprinkler Inspection Necessary?

The fire sprinkler inspection every five years ensures no obstructions in the pipework could hinder water flow through your branch line. Some potential pipe obstacles include inorganic material like sludge, rust, corrosion, or other foreign organic substances like boulders.

Although it may seem excessive, corrosion accumulation can happen unexpectedly quickly, necessitating this examination every five years.

You must conduct routine maintenance on your internal sprinkler system, replacing and checking parts as necessary, to be ready for the 5-year fire sprinkler inspection and ensure the safety of your business and its occupants.

You can be sure that you’ll be protected in the case of a fire emergency by having a qualified specialist check your current fire department connection, replace any outdated or obstructed components, and ensure your internal sprinklers are operating at peak effectiveness.

The Best Way to Get Ready for Your Inspection

Before getting to your 5-year fire sprinkler inspection, it is advised to keep regular track of the condition of your complete flushing program, flushing connection, and fire protection system.

Try making sure there are no internal obstructions within your system valve riser and that it is working properly. If there is a problem with your system valve riser try looking for some foreign organic material stuck in the main branch line which can cause a prevention of free flow within the sprinkler systems.

Conducting a main drain test to push out any inorganic material from the cross-main system is recommended. Doing an annual inspection every year before the official obstruction inspection happens is also recommended.

ZenFire, our fire inspection software, can take care of those inspection services for you and make the process more streamlined and efficient.

If interested, give us a call, and we’ll try to make your life that much easier.

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