Fire Sprinkler Inspection and Testing

When a fire breaks out, your first line of defense is a fire sprinkler system. In order for fire sprinkler systems to be life-saving tools, they must be working correctly whenever the need arises. Therefore, regularly scheduled fire sprinkler inspections are a necessity when it comes to protecting your most valuable assets. Loss of life is reduced 50-75% when a properly tested and inspected sprinkler system is present, and that is why Imperial Fire Protection offers multiple different types of inspection, testing, and maintenance services to meet your specific needs.

Your fire protection system must meet or exceed the standards of the National Fire Protection Association, or you could end up with costly fines and penalties if a fire should occur. It is the responsibility of the building owner to inspect, test, and maintain water-based fire protection systems. In addition, regular testing and maintenance will help to ensure your fire sprinkler system is in compliance with federal, state, and local codes. Call us today to schedule your fire sprinkler inspection and testing and have the peace of mind that your system will work properly when you need it to.

Systems We Inspect and Test

• Wet and Dry Sprinkler Systems
• Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems
• Deluge Systems
• Foam-Water Fire Sprinkler Systems
• Standpipe Systems
• Fire Pumps
• Private Fire Service Hydrants and Mains

Our inspection staff knows that time is money and will ensure minimal impacts on your everyday activities while inspecting and testing your fire sprinkler system. After we inspect your fire protection system, if any part is not working properly, our highly qualified team at Imperial Fire Protection can work quickly and efficiently to get your system repaired with as few disruptions as possible.

How often do you inspect a fire sprinkler system?

The National Fire Protection Association has standards that determine how often fire sprinkler inspections should be performed. All businesses are required to keep records of all fire sprinkler inspections should they be requested for review at any time. There are different types of fire sprinkler inspections for various parts and systems that require weekly, quarterly and annual inspections.

Sprinkler system inspections are a visual glance at various parts of the system to check the operational status of your sprinkler system. According to NFPA 25, this is the inspection schedule you should follow:

• Weekly or monthly: At least once a week, the gauges in dry, pre-action, and deluge systems should be inspected. Wet pipe system gauges do not need to be inspected as often and can go a month between inspections.
• Quarterly: A quarterly inspection is required in which the water flow alarm devices, valve supervisory alarm devices, supervisory signal devices, control valves, and hydraulic nameplates are inspected.
• Annually: Annual fire sprinkler inspections should be performed and include the hanger/seismic bracing, pipes and fittings, information signage, and spare sprinklers.
• Every 5 years: Every five years, an internal inspection of sprinkler piping is required to be conducted.

How often do you test a fire sprinkler system?

Testing fire sprinklers are more in-depth than an inspection. It involves physical checks to make sure all parts of the fire sprinkler system are working properly. From the fire alarm panel to fire sprinklers, testing should occur on every part of the fire sprinkler system to ensure the entire system is fully functioning. The NFPA has sanctioned the following schedule for testing:

• Quarterly: Thefire sprinkler’s mechanical devices should be tested quarterly to make sure they are operating properly and effectively.
• Semi-annually: Vane and pressure switch type devices must be tested every six months.
• Annually: Full testing and tagging should be performed annually. During a complete fire sprinkler system test, the technician should perform physical checks on all parts of your fire sprinkler system. These checks include water flow tests, fire pump tests, antifreeze concentration tests (in applicable systems), alarm valves tests, control valves, and trip tests of dry pipe valves, deluge, and pre-action valves.
• Every 5 years: Sprinklers exposed to extra-high temperatures and harsh environments, along with gauges on all sprinkler system types, should be tested or replaced every five years.
• Every 10 years or more: Dry sprinklers should be tested or replaced every 10 years. Fast-response sprinklers should be tested after 20 years in use and every 10 years after that. Standard response sprinklers should be tested after 50 years in service and 10-year intervals after that.

Imperial Fire Protection offers inspection and testing programs to take the burden off of you to remember when your next inspection is due. With advanced scheduling, you can have your monthly, quarterly, and annual appointments automatically recurring at a time that is convenient for you. We’ll even remind you, so there are no surprises before your next appointment. So give us a call today to schedule your fire protection system inspection and testing appointments.

Learn More About Fire Sprinkler Inspection and Testing 

What is fire sprinkler testing?

According to the NFPA 25 Standards, there is a difference between Inspection and Testing fire sprinkler systems. When a technician tests the function of the fire sprinkler components, this is called testing. For example, to check for proper water flow and pressure, a technician will test the operation of a butterfly valve by opening it. There are additional testing requirements to ensure the fire alarm panel is activated when testing the fire sprinkler system since many fire sprinkler systems are tied into the fire alarm panels. Systems should be tested quarterly, semi-annually, annually, every 5 years, and every 10 years according to the NFPA 25 Standards.

What happens during a sprinkler inspection?

People often interchange the word “inspection” when describing fire sprinkler inspections and fire sprinkler testing. However, according to the NFPA 25 Standards, there is a difference between inspections and testing. The visual inspection of various components of fire protection systems by a trained technician is defined as an inspection. For example, sprinkler heads should be inspected for leakage, corrosion, paint, orientation, and clearance below the sprinkler head. To pass the inspection, the sprinkler head should appear normal and not be obstructed or have anything within 18 inches of the deflector. According to the NFPA 25 Standards, inspections are required weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, and every 5 years.

How much does inspection of fire protection systems cost?

The cost of fire sprinkler inspections depends on many factors. The size and type of facility being inspected factor into the cost. Low-rise buildings, multi-story buildings, and sprawling warehouses will differ in costs. Many other circumstances could increase the total cost, including additional fire suppression systems, the layout of the building, and building occupants. Fire sprinkler inspections for office buildings on average range from $250 to over $5,000. Warehouse inspection costs can average anywhere from $1,000 to well over $10,000. Inspection costs for apartment buildings range from $250 to $2,000 or more. To inspect a retail store, it is on average between $500 and $1,500.

Who inspects fire sprinklers?

An experienced technician at Imperial Fire Protection who is highly trained in NFPA 25 Standards and local code compliance conducts all inspections and fire sprinkler testing. They will provide you with the required fire sprinkler testing schedule so that you don’t have to worry about a thing.