How to Avoid Issues with Fire Sprinkler Systems?




 Fire sprinkler system reliability is crucial to the safety and security of your building and its occupants, which necessitates a fire alarm monitoring service. Defects or piping system issues appear in a wide range of forms, but some of the most common include limited water flow, choked sprinkler heads and leaks within the system.


A 2013 research by John Hall in association with the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) reported that 77% of inefficient fire sprinkler system activations were due to either 


(i)  the water not reaching the fire or

(ii) inadequate water supply.


Installers and building owners can prevent these issues by opting for authentic materials for their systems and performing proper maintenance by a genuine fire alarm maintenance company.


Corrosion and Scale Buildup in Metal Piping


The commonest challenges facing metal fire sprinkler systems are scaling and corrosion.

Water can be corrosive to metal piping if it falls outside of a neutral pH, and contaminations in the water can cause scaling issues.


The scale is a build-up of minerals on the pipe surface. When minerals drop out of the water and join the piping surface, the pipe opening tightens. This contraction restricts water flow and can further pressure loss.


Corrosion happens if charged ions within the water lure ions from the metal surface. This process can consume parts of the metal surface and ultimately lead to pieces peeling off.


Over time, these problems can decrease water flow, soften the piping material and joints, increase pressure loss, and lead to the formation of leaks. In some instances, corrosion deposits can settle in sprinkler head outlets restricting how much water can be released.


How to Avoid Issues with Fire Sprinkler Systems


The best alarm companies in Los Angeles will suggest that maintenance is the solution to a well-functioning system. NFPA 25 plans best practices and methods for fire sprinkler system inspection. These include:


  • Valve status tests

  • Internal piping assessments

  • Fire pump operating and flow tests

  • Forward-flow tests for backflow preventers

  • Risk assessment and performance-based testing programs

  • Preparing pre-planned impairment reports

  • Hydrant flushing, and testing

  • Overall testing of the system


Owners of metal piping systems are also needed to conduct intermittent corrosion tests through a third-party testing service by any of the reputed fire alarm monitoring companies.


Prevent Critical Issues and Reduce Maintenance with CPVC (Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride)


Many of the issues frequently witnessed with fire sprinkler systems today are rooted more in the materials they’re made with, rather than maintenance.

 

CPVC is a superior material for fire protection systems as it’s durable, comparatively inexpensive and most importantly is not susceptible to corrosion and scaling.

 

With CPVC, third party corrosion tests aren’t mandatory and general maintenance is easy due to corrosion and scaling risks are much lower.
Location: United States

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