Transcript of Fire Sprinkler.mov

Coming up on this addition of coffee break training, we will discuss fire sprinkler inspector tests. So prop your feet up and take five. Coffee break training is on next.          

Hello everyone and welcome. I'm  Rob Neale, your host for Coffee Break Training. 

Here at the United States Fire Administration we recognize that fire and building inspectors busy schedules seldom allow time to attend lengthy but valuable training and refresher courses. So we have developed Coffee Break Trainings, short 5 minute training  sessions to  provide technical training in fire protection systems, building construction, codes and standards, inspection techniques, hazardous materials and administrative  tips. Now let's get started. 

Today's topic is Fire Sprinkler Inspector's Test. 

The inspector's test is performed by a competent service technician or fire  protection professional to verify  that a water flow  alarm will sound if water flows. National Fire Protection Association Standard 25, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire  Protection Systems, recommends the inspectors test be conducted at least four times each year. 

The inspector's test valve on a wet pipe sprinkler system may be located in a variety of places.   On some installations, the inspector's test valve may be located as part of a "test-and-drain" assembly, and in others it may be located on the highest branch line that is most remote from the  riser. On dry pipe systems, the inspector's test must be located on the highest branch line that is most remote from the dry pipe valve. The person conducting the test must find the appropriate control valve to operate the alarm. 

On this wet pipe system it is located on the right hand side of the alarm check valve. The valve should be equipped with a sign describing its function. Once the correct valve is located, open it slowly to allow the water to flow.  Listen for the water flow through the pipe, and listen for the alarm bell.  

NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, requires the water flow alarm to sound on the premises within five minutes of water flow, and to continue until the water flow is turned off.  The inspector's test verifies the operation of water flow alarms by simulating the flow of a single sprinkler.  

Close the inspector's test valve slowly to prevent water hammer and stop the water flow. The alarm should stop sounding. Document the test results on an appropriate inspection form so other inspectors can evaluate long-term performance.  

If a water flow should occur from a fire or accidental release, and the water flow alarms don't work, the fire or leak could run undetected for hours causing excessive damage.  Problems found during the inspector's test should be reported to the property owner for immediate correction. 

For additional information on Sprinkler Main Drain Tests refer to NFPA 25, Standards for  the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.  

Well that's going to do it for this edition of Coffee Break Training. If there is a fire and building inspectors training related topic that you would like to discuss on Coffee Break Trainings,  e-mail your suggestions to  me, Robert.Neale@dhs.gov. For your convience, Coffee Breaks are available for viewing on USFA television and Youtube.  You may also download the podcast version audio only version or PDF version of Coffee Break Trainings from the USFA website at www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/coffee-break/. 

Be safe and join us for the next coffee break.