| ALL DEVICE TYPES | PERIODIC TEST | METHOD OF TESTING |
| Dry-Pipe Sprinkler Systems | Annually | Before any dry-pipe valve is tripped or tested, the water supply line to it should be thoroughly flushed. The main below the valve should be opened wide, and water at full pressure should be discharged long enough to clear the pipe of any accumulation of scale or foreign material. Each dry- pipe valve should be trip tested with the control valve partially open, and cleaned and reset at least once each year during warm weather. The shutoff valve should be kept open at least far enough to permit full flow of water at good pressure through the main drain when it is fully opened. |
| Every three years | Each dry-pipe valve should be trip tested with control valve wide open at least once every three years or when the system is altered. This test should be conducted by opening the inspector’s test pipe. The test should be terminated when the dry-pipe valve has tripped and clean water is flowing at the inspector’s test connection. Water should discharge at least 60 seconds after the inspection test connection is fully open. | |
| Air Compressor and Air Maintenance Device | Per manufacturer’s instructions | Maintain air compressor and air maintenance device according to manufacturer’s instructions. |
| Quick-Opening Devices (Accelerator or Exhauster) | Semi-annually | Test qUick~opening devices per manufacturer’s instructions. NOTE: If the device does not operate properly when tested, the dry-pipe system should be in service and the device repaired or replaced immediately, using only manufacturer’s parts. |
| Wet Systems | Semi-annually | Wet-pipe sprinkler system water flow alarm devices should be tested by opening the inspector’s test connection. (Water-flaw alarm devices include mechanical water motor gongs, vane-type water flow devices, and pr~ssure switches that provide audible and/or visual signals.) It shall be permissible to use the inspector’s by-pass on systems having this alarm valve in periods of bad weather. |
| Anti-freeze Systems | Annually | The freezing point of solution in anti-freeze systems should be checked annually by measuring the specific gravity with a hydrometer, and adjust- ing the solution if necessary. The use of anti-freeze solutions should be in conformity with state or local health regulations. |
| Quarterly |
All valves shall be checked visually to assure that they are locked in the open position and/or supervised. CAUTION: To avoid false alarms where supervisory service is provided, including proprietary, remote alarm receiving facility, or fire department, the Central Station should always be notified before operating any valve or otherwise disturbing the sprinkler system. |
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| Quarterly |
All valves shall be checked visually to assure that they are locked in the open position and/or supervised. CAUTION: To avoid false alarms where supervisory service is provided, including proprietary, remote alarm receiving facility, or fire department, the Central Station should always be notified before operating any valve or otherwise disturbing the sprinkler system. |
| ALL DEVICE TYPES | PERIODIC TEST | METHOD OF TESTING |
| Dry Standpipes | Every 5 years | Hydrostatically test dry standpipes. This test should be for two hours at 50 psi (3.4 bars) over normal pressure. Any standpipe system which has been out of service for repairs should be tested with air at 25 psi (1.7 bars) to assure tightness. Any system which has been modified should be hydrostatically tested. When dry standpipes are hydrostatically tested, it is important to thoroughly drain the system following the tests. This is to make sure that systems do not freeze and become damaged. |
| Visual monthly inspection |
The 21J2-inch valve should be checked to make sure it is not damaged and is readily accessible. Inspect hose cabinet signs. A conspicuous sign should be posted at each cabinet. Inspect the fire department connection. The standpipe connection (fire department connection) should be checked to make sure that it is readily accessible, that the inlets are unobstructed, and that the protective caps are in place. Inspect fire department signs. A sign should be posted over the stand- pipe fire department connection which properly identifies the installation as “STANDPIPE.” If it is a combined automatic sprinkler system and standpipe system, the sign should read “AUTOSPKR AND STANDPIPE.” Dry standpipes should be posted with a sign indicating “DRY STAND- PIPE.” Signs should be of raised letters at least i-inch high. |
| ALL DEVICE TYPES | PERIODIC TEST | METHOD OF TESTING |
| Deluge, Preaction, and Automatic On~Off Preaction Systems | Semi-annually | Complete charts are furnished by the installing company, showing the proper method of operating and testing these systems. Only competent mechanics fully instructed with respect to the details and operation of such systems should be employed in their repair and adjustment. It is highly advisable for the owner to arrange with the installing company for at least a semi-annual inspection and testing of the equipment. |
| Detection Systems on Deluge, Preaction, and Automatic: On-Off Systems | Semi-annually | Test detection systems semi-annually according to the procedures sug- gested by the manufacturer. |
| Alarm Systems on Deluge, Preaction, and Automatic On-Off Preaction Systems | Quarterly | Test alarm systems quarterly according to the procedures suggested by the manufacturer. |