Statistics show that an automatic sprinkler system can reduce the risk of someone dying in a fire by between 50 and 75%. With such an enormous improvement in preventing a tragic death or extensive damage, it stands to reason that the fire sprinkler system has been the most trusted and effective form of fire prevention for decades. Most residences and buildings have sprinkler systems installed by building code requirements. However, it is essential that fire sprinkler maintenance takes place in order to ensure that optimum protection will indeed be offered. A sprinkler system has many moving parts, mechanical and electrical, and these can often malfunction. It is for this reason that fire sprinkler inspection and testing is so important.
Local and State Fire Codes
It is required by law that fire sprinkler maintenance in NJ be completed annually in the form of an inspection. If you have a large commercial or industrial building, some owners will insist on a monthly inspection, aware that there are many lives depending on the automatic sprinklers working properly when they are needed. Even though New Jersey and every state have different fire codes, it is useful to look at the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) standards to ensure that inspections and maintenance efforts are conforming.
Different Systems Require Different Maintenance
There are many different types of sprinkler services, and you would need to know which system you have installed to check that the correct maintenance has been done. With a dry-pipe system, sprinklers attach to the pipes, which contain air that is pressurized. When a fire breaks out, heat activates the sprinklers. As the air pressure reduces, the valves to the pipes open and water flows. With this type of system, checking on the air pressure and the response of the valves is most important. In a wet system, the pipes are attached to pressurized water, so the sprinklers will respond more rapidly when a fire’s heat activates them. For maintenance of a wet system it’s necessary for engineers to check that the gauges are in a good condition and that normal water pressure is maintained.
In areas where there is hazardous waste or chemicals, a deluge system might be employed. This system, as its name implies, is connected to a dry pipe that is, in turn, connected to a water pipe. A most important component is the main valve that activates the water flow once a fire is detected. Checking on this valve and the functionality of its fire detection is crucial. All of these fire sprinkler systems would require different maintenance to ensure that they operate as they should when they should.
Newark Fire Sprinkler guarantees professional installation of fire sprinkler systems. They also offer quality fire sprinkler maintenance in NJ that you can trust. For more information Newark Professional Fire Protection Corp.
