Why Testing Your Fire Sprinklers Matters
The code requires you
have sprinklers in your building to safeguard against the loss of life and
property that can occur during a fire. And the National Fire Protection Agency
(NFPA) recommends testing fire
sprinklers in California to ensure your equipment is working when needed.
We recommend setting up a regular maintenance schedule just as you would for any essential equipment. Since a working system could mean the difference between minimal damage or devastation, and life or death, it’s vital to have someone in charge that keeps a watchful eye out.
Set Up a Testing Schedule
The NFPA has recommendations for testing fire sprinklers in California weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, and every 5 years for water-based systems. For instance, NFPA says to inspect control valves weekly, alarm valves monthly, hydraulic nameplates quarterly, and sprinkler heads yearly. Every five years, conduct an internal inspection of piping, look for obstructions, and check the valves.
It’s easy to ignore the sprinklers hidden way up high on the ceiling. Still, regular attention over time keeps your system ready for action. Maintenance also extends the life of your sprinkler system, so you can count on it for more years than you had planned.
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