5 Common Mistakes During Fire Sprinkler System Installation

 

Building systems may be adversely affected due to poor performance because of installation mistakes. However, in the instance of fire sprinklers systems service in California, and other locations this can be lethal. There are many demanding fire protection codes. If your sprinkler system has faults, they're most likely to be detected during inspections before the building can begin operation. But rectifications can be pocket-pinching while dealing with sprinkler systems, and it is in your best interest to prevent them in the first place. 

 

The most ideal method to avoid installation errors is to hire professional services (such as the best fire pump repair in Glendora in case of fire pumps) from the beginning of the project design phase. Seek supervision services to confirm the installation of everything according to the approved design documents. In this article, we have identified five common mistakes while installing sprinkler systems. They’re as follows- 

 

1. Altering the Sprinkler Model in Design Documents 

 

Sprinkler models aren’t like light bulbs, which lets you switch brands without constraint. Every sprinkler model has operating parameters that are considered while estimating pressure, piping, and flow rate, and the installation won’t operate as intended if the sprinkler model is altered. 

Switching sprinklers can be alluring for contractors if an identical model provides a lower price. Before signing the project contract, include a clause that necessitates the contractor to utilize the specific sprinkler model mentioned in the design documents. 

 

2. Inaccurate Piping Diameter 

 

Installing building systems as per “rules of thumb” is alluring as it seems convenient. However, this practice may cause chronic performance issues. In the case of sprinkler systems, these rules of thumb could be responsible for dysfunctional systems that cannot offer sufficient fire protection. 

 

For a sprinkler system to operate properly, the pressure and flow rate must be as per manufacturer requirements and also as per all applicable fire protection codes. Undersized piping causes inadequate flow, while oversized piping causes an excessive pressure. By the end of the day, there is no alternative to a detailed calculation method by a qualified design professional. 

 

3. Installing Sprinklers Above Obstructions 

 

Often, sprinkler systems are designed based on an empty layout of the room they secure. But the resulting spray pattern can be messed up by furniture or decoration. Think of a tall file cabinet installed just below a sprinkler; a lot of sprayed water will hit the top of the cabinet and won’t reach the desired location. Vertical office segments can have the same effect on sprinkler spray patterns. 

 

To ensure that spray patterns aren’t blocked, establish communication between architects, sprinkler system designers, and interior designers. This way you can maximize coverage with the lowest amount of sprinkler heads possible, while also accounting for obstacles that may not be seen during the design phase. 

 

4. Installing Wall Sprinklers Too Near the Ceiling 

 

It is a myth that wall sprinklers offer better protection if installed as high as possible on a wall. But they are designed for a particular mounting height, and their spray pattern is deranged by the ceiling when they're installed higher. Accordingly, installing wall sprinklers too proximate to the ceiling is quite detrimental to their performance. 

 

5. Including Valves Not Permitted by Codes 

 

A valve may appear to be a harmless piece of equipment. Once a valve is mistakenly closed in a plumbing installation, the worst scenario could be the blockage of the water supply to all plumbing fixtures downstream, and the issue will be obvious immediately. But the risks are much more in sprinkler systems: 

 

• Closed valves aren’t noticeable as sprinklers only trigger during emergencies. 

• In the case of a fire, it may be too late to open the valve. 

 

That’s why building codes disallow the arbitrary use of valves that cut the water supply for sprinkler systems, totally or partially. If the water supply of a sprinkler system is mistakenly cut by a valve that should not have been installed at the very outset, fire can spread without control. Then you might require the services of the best fire pump service in Glendora. 

 

Inference 

 

Everything depends on you, and how you will protect the property by installing the fire sprinkler system properly.