All businesses require fire protection systems to keep their building and occupants safe, such as fire extinguishers and fire sprinklers. However, installing these systems is not enough, as they must be inspected regularly to ensure they are working properly. Simply put, it does no good to have a fire protection system if it isn’t functional! Continue reading to learn about the importance of inspections and how often your commercial fire protection systems should be inspected.

Importance Of Inspections

Just like all mechanical systems, fire protection and prevention systems require maintenance, inspection, and testing to ensure proper performance. Owners should conduct visual inspections regularly to look for any obvious concerns, but it is crucial to schedule regular inspections with a professional. The professionals will also be able to test all fire safety equipment to ensure your fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and more will work in the event of an emergency.

Inspection Schedule

There isn’t one answer for how often your fire protection systems should be inspected, as different tasks require different schedules. For example, dry, deluge, and pre-action systems require gauge inspections monthly, while wet pipe system gauges should be inspected once a month. Several components should be inspected quarterly, including water flow alarm devices, valve supervisory alarm devices, control valves, and hydraulic nameplates. It’s also suggested to have your fire sprinkler mechanical devices tested every three months.

More thorough inspections, such as the hanger bracing, pipes and fittings, spare sprinklers, and information signage should be done once a year. It is crucial to have a professional perform a complete fire sprinkler system test and physical check on all parts of your fire systems annually. This includes water flow tests, fire pump tests, alarm tests, and antifreeze concentration tests. Lastly, a professional should conduct a throughout internal inspection of all sprinkler piping in your building every five years. While this may seem like too many inspections and tests, they are all necessary to ensure your fire safety equipment and systems are working properly to defend your building against a fire.

The Absolute Supply and Services Purpose

As a minority- and woman-owned small business, Absolute Supply and Services is dedicated to providing quality customer services and products. We offer high-quality equipment, replacement parts, and service solutions to support general contractors, subcontractors, building engineers, and other industry professionals. Our wide range of services includes electrical services, HVAC services, fire protection, IT solutions, janitorial services, plumbing services, and safety supplies.

Absolute Supply and Services serves states throughout the East Coast and currently have partners located in Washington, DC, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, and Florida. Contact us at 301.456.4927 or at one of our four Maryland offices, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube, and keep up with our blog!