Sunday 13 December 2015

Through Inspection of A Fire Sprinkler System

There is no doubt regarding the fact that fire sprinkler systems are of extreme importance whenever it comes to handle a fire. Most importantly, a fire is a disaster that can occur at any place, any time. This is why it’s advisable to keep all the equipment ready so that you can easily handle an emergency situation. A fire sprinkler system is one of the most advanced fire fighting devices that help put out fire. If you have already installed a firefighting device at your place, you should ensure that it’s in a sound condition. This is important because if the device is not in a working condition, it won’t be effective when needed most.

If you are wondering how to keep a fire extinguisher or a fire sprinkler in a sound condition, you should know that testing these devices at frequent intervals is the key to do that. Although it’s recommended to ask for the professional help when it comes to inspect a fire sprinkler system, you can also give it a try on your own. Here are the steps following which you can inspect a firefighting device –

Locate the main system control shut-off valve – When you begin to inspect a fire sprinkler system, you should locate the control shut-off valve of the main system right at the beginning. Usually this valve is the line of the domestic water supply.

Find out the main riser – Next, you need to find out the main riser of the sprinkler system. You can easily find this in one of the cabinets on the wall of the garage.

Inspect the main riser – Make sure you inspect the main riser thoroughly to ensure that there is a certain pressure of water. Remember that the pressure gauge should read something between 50 psi and 100 psi. If you see that the pressure is very low or there is no pressure at all, consider contacting a professional who has specialized knowledge in fire sprinkler repair.

Find out the test valve – Next you need to locate the test valve that is usually placed outside the rear wall of the house. Try to open the test valve in a way so that the water comes out slowly. Check when the alarm bell rings, and after that, turn off the valve. If the bell doesn’t ring even after the given time, check if there is any obstruction. If you can’t find any kind of obstruction, and the bell doesn’t ring, you should contact a licensed fire sprinkler repairing professional.

Inspect the interior – Finally, you should inspect all the sprinkler heads that are placed inside your home. Be sure to check if there are any items hanging from the sprinkler heads or any other signs of leakage. Also check if there is any damage to the sprinkler heads.  If you have installed concealed sprinkler heads, ensure that all the decorative plates are placed at the right location.

These are the five steps following which you can inspect a fire sprinkler system. It’s advisable to inspect these devices every six months.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/industrial-articles/how-to-inspect-a-fire-sprinkler-system-thoroughly-7361128.html