Fire Sprinkler Inspections in West Michigan

Once a fire sprinkler system has been established and implemented in your business, you can rest easier knowing your employees and clients are better protected in the event of a fire.

However, system installation is only the beginning if you intend for your fire protection systems to remain functional and effective. A routine inspection should be established, and the professionals at Fire Pros have your needs covered.

Fire Pros is known for top-of-the-line fire safety equipment, products, and services throughout Michigan. We serve clients by installing fire sprinkler systems and providing all necessary support services, following the NFPA 25 standards for inspections, testing, and maintenance of water-based systems.

How Often Should You Inspect Your Fire Sprinklers?

When it comes to fire sprinkler systems — and many other forms of fire detection and prevention — the process of inspection and testing is fairly layered. There are quarterly and annual inspections, and some systems even require monthly inspections.

Because of this, you must work closely with a certified fire safety contractor who can satisfy all these needs and build a contract that will fulfill all your testing requirements throughout the year.

At Fire Pros, we offer cost- and time-saving inspection contracts so we can meet all your inspection and testing needs conveniently and effectively without you needing to track dates yourself. This keeps your business and clients safe and protected at all times and ensures you remain compliant with NFPA 25 and local building codes.

Annual & Scheduled Fire Sprinkler Inspections

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets the minimum requirements for commercial fire sprinkler inspection as follows:

• Weekly and monthly: Examine dry gauges once a week. Wet pipe system gauges should be checked once a month.
• Quarterly: Check control valves, water flow and valve supervisory alarm devices, hydraulic nameplates, and supervisory signal devices.
• Annually: Inspect pipes, fittings, hanger/seismic bracing, spare sprinklers, and information signage.
• Every five years: Conduct internal inspection of piping.

What Happens During a Fire Sprinkler System Inspection With Fire Pros?

A detailed fire sprinkler system inspection ensures optimal functionality and regulatory compliance, with each step focusing on specific components.

• A visual inspection examines critical components like the fire sprinkler heads and piping system. For instance, we look for physical damage or obstructions in the heads that could impede their operation during a fire.
• Performance testing assesses the fire pump’s performance and checks for signs of wear and damage. This typically involves simulating a scenario to evaluate how the pump operates under stress.
• Component lubrication of the system’s moving parts, such as valves, helps prevent malfunction. For example, oiling a valve stem ensures smooth operation, which is critical during rapid emergency activation.
• Flow rate measurements of pumps and sprinklers verify they meet required industry standards. To test, we temporarily activate a section of the system to observe actual flow dynamics.
• Alarm and sprinkler activation tests ensure the system activates promptly and correctly. This can include triggering an alarm to confirm it communicates effectively with the sprinkler system.
• Electrical and control inspections involve the electrical system, control circuits, and communications interfaces. They ensure they function without faults and guarantee system integrity during a power failure.
• Valve tests, including trip tests on dry pipe, deluge, and preaction valves, confirm they react as designed under various conditions. For instance, we might simulate different environmental conditions to test the valves’ responsiveness.
• Quarterly flow testing is conducted to monitor and maintain the system’s performance standards, adjusting as necessary to ensure reliability.

Each step is designed to uncover potential issues before they become emergencies, maintaining your system’s readiness to protect property and lives.

The Benefits of Professional Fire Sprinkler Inspections

Professional commercial sprinkler inspections are crucial for maintaining the safety and efficiency of fire suppression systems in business environments. The three top benefits of conducting these inspections are:

• Enhanced safety and compliance: Routine inspections ensure a fire sprinkler system operates effectively and meets all local, state, and national fire safety regulations. They also identify potential malfunctions or compliance issues that could otherwise lead to catastrophic outcomes during emergencies.
• Fewer repairs and downtime: Regular inspections can save businesses significant money by identifying and addressing minor issues before they become major problems. For instance, fixing a small leak or replacing a component during a routine inspection is generally less expensive than dealing with extensive water damage or system failures.
• Longer system lifespan: Regular maintenance and inspections ensure every sprinkler system component is in good working condition, which can significantly extend the equipment’s life.

In addition to fire sprinkler inspections, we offer a full range of fire protection services to ensure your systems are ready to operate correctly.

Rely on our team for all your fire suppression needs, including inspections, repairs, and installations for fire alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency and exit lighting, kitchen fire suppression systems, and special hazard fire suppression systems.

Fire Sprinkler Inspection FAQs