Fundamentals for Industrial Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
Fundamentals for Industrial Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
When it comes to Industrial Fire Protection, one of the most reliable, affordable, and code-compliant fire protection systems in any facility is a Water-Based Fire Protection System. A properly installed, tested, and maintained Water-Based Fire Protection System will offer protection for life, property, and your industrial operations.
When considering a new fire protection system or maintaining your existing fire sprinkler system, it is important to work with an experienced contractor who can offer full-service water-based fire protection system designs, ITM services (inspection, testing, and maintenance), and upgrades. A total solutions contractor will give complete support for new construction, existing equipment additions or changes, or building modifications while providing peace of mind with annual and 5-year inspections as required by code and insurance.
Why are ITM services (inspection, testing, and maintenance) so important?
Life and Safety Protection: Regular testing ensures water is flowing correctly and alarms will sound to give employees time to evacuate safely.
Preventing Equipment Failure: Routine checks will identify issues with closed valves, clogging, or corrosion before a fire occurs.
Regulatory and Compliance: The industry standard for inspection, testing, and maintenance is NFPA 25 for meeting local fire codes and government regulations.
Securing Insurance Coverage from Loss: Insurance companies often require proof of regular ITM services done by a professional contractor. Missing inspections and testing may lead to denied claims after a fire.
Reducing Financial Loss Exposure: A working and well-maintained fire suppression system will put out a fire quickly and limit the damage to expensive industrial machinery, inventory, and facilities.
Key areas for maintaining your industrial Water-Based Fire Protection System:
Monitoring Key Components
Fire Pumps: Weekly no-flow tests and inspections of diesel or electric engines, pump houses, and controllers. Annual testing for full flow conditions.
Control Valves: Weekly or monthly as needed per your system; make sure valves are open, locked or sealed, and free from damage or leaks.
Sprinkler Heads: Visually inspect sprinkler heads every year for any signs of physical damage, accidental paint coverage, rust, or corrosion. Ensure there are no obstructions to block water flow from all sprinkler heads.
Gauges: Weekly check dry and deluge systems or monthly check wet pipe systems to ensure air and water pressure gauges are working at proper operating levels. Gauges should be replaced every 5 years.
Internal Condition of Pipes: Inspections every 5 years of internal pipe conditions looking for any obstructions from rust, scale, and foreign blockages.
Alarm Devices: Semi-annual or quarterly testing of waterflow and mechanical alarms to ensure proper signal transmission.
Scheduling Proper Maintenance: To guarantee your fire suppression system works correctly, a strict schedule based on NFPA 25 standards for maintaining an industrial water-based fire protection system must be followed.
Weekly/Monthly: Visual gauge checks, fire pump no-flow tests, and valve position verifications.
Quarterly/Semi-Annual: Performance of supervisory device testing, main drain testing, and alarm device verifications.
Annually: Full system operational tests, control valve exercising, and backflow preventer testing by a licensed professional.
Every 5 Years: Internal pipe and obstruction checks, along with gauge replacement.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your fire suppression system, MetroPower Fire Protection experts are ready to support you. As an employee-owned and trusted services contractor serving the southeastern U.S., MetroPower delivers the highest quality products and services the first time, every time, while maintaining our steadfast commitment to the highest levels of safety and client satisfaction. MetroPower serves all industries with integrity, but specializes primarily in the needs of the Industrial, Healthcare, Federal, and Premier Commercial market segments.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help.