Sprinkler Systems and Standpipe Systems

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Wet Sprinkler Systems are the most common type of water based suppression systems in commercial buildings. They are active systems in which the pipe is constantly charged with water. Each sprinkler discharges individually once actuated by heat. Wet Sprinkler Systems are complex networks of pipe and fittings. Proper Testing and Routine Maintenance is required quarterly and annually, and should never be neglected. 

Let's face it, Ohio gets cold and that is when you need a dry pipe system to protect the unheated spaces of your building. Dry Pipe Systems are far more complicated because they are filled with air or nitrogen. These systems have several moving components and require routine annual maintenance along with quarterly testing to ensure they are in working order when called upon to work. 

With this type of system, when a sprinkler head actuates from heat the air or nitrogen is discharged from the system allowing the dry pipe valve to open and charge the system with water. Due to all of these added steps it is imperative to ensure these systems are tested properly and as required.

High Value and Critical Assets require sprinkler protection, but not just from an ordinary wet or dry pipe sprinkler system. This is where Preaction Sprinkler Systems are typically requested or required. Preaction Sprinkler Systems work in concert with a Detection system that performs at least one point of Preaction to Actuate the valve and charge the system with water. These system still only discharge water once a sprinkler head has burst at it's designed temperature. 

The complexity of these systems require a complex understanding of how they should be tested and maintained. Quarterly testing of  certain components along with annual trip/functionality testing is required to ensure proper operation. 

Whether pilot line, manually, or electronically actuated these systems are designed to do one thing in particular. They are specifically built to discharge large volumes of water or sometimes foam to suppress or control fires where standard sprinkler systems just cannot be effective. 

These systems are highly capable because they flow water or foam from every sprinkler head on the system creating a deluge/torrent of water that inundates the fire within it's designed area.

Due to the importance of these systems and potential for inadvertent discharge, Deluge Systems should be maintained and tested by highly trained and competent personnel on a quarterly basis. 

Standpipes and the Hose Valves connected to them are crucial parts of multi-story and high-rise buildings. They provide water for firefighting and rescue efforts when the unthinkable has occurred. Most building owners and tenants don't even realize that these systems have quarterly inspection and annual testing requirements as well as 5 year flow testing needs. Monthly visual checks are the minimum requirement per NFPA 25 (Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems) to protect your personnel and property and ensure firefighters have the source of water they need for firefighting needs. Don't be lax on having these systems properly maintained and tested.