Inspection and Testing

periodic inspection and maintenance of system INSPECTION AND TESTING components are required. Inspection should in- clude a visual check and, if possible, a test of the During inspections of sprinklers, certain con- components to be sure a working condition ex- ditions indicate maintenance requirements. If ists. The frequency of the overall testing and in- these conditions are not corrected, they will reduce spection process is summarized in table 8-2. the reliability of the system. These conditions and Table 8-2.—Summary of Inspection and Test Frequencies for Sprinkler Systems x x x x x x x Check general condition of sprinklers and sprinkler systems x Conduct flow tests of open sprinklers x Conduct main drain tests Test water-flow alarms Check air and water pressure in dry pipe systems Trip-test dry pipe valves x Drain low points in dry pipe systems x Trip-test deluge and pre-action systems x X1* Trip-test high-speed suppression systems x Check general condition of standpipe systems Perform water-flow tests Check general condition of hydrants Check general condition of fire department connections Check water levels in tanks Check general condition of water storage tanks Check water level and air pressure in pressure tanks Check general condition of pressure tanks Check tank heating systems Inspect and test cathodic protection equipment Start fire pumps Check fuel supply to engine drivers Perform fire pump flow tests x Inspect and test controllers x Inspect valves for open position Conduct general preventive maintenance inspection of valves x Inspect check valves, water-flow meters and backflow preventers X* Test pressure regulating and altitude valves x 1—Annual trip test may be dry; wet trip test including flow of water through heads/nozzles shall be conducted a minimum of once every 3 years. * x x x x x x x x x 8-19