Fire Sprinkler Systems and Alarms – What to Do When the System Has Received Possible Damage

Fire sprinkler systems can be exceptionally complex to design and construct. Like every mechanical machine, routine maintenance and inspections need to be performed on the fire sprinkler system and fire alarm system in order to ensure that these systems are functioning at 100% effectiveness. Although every state requires regular inspections, there are times and reasons when a sprinkler system needs to be serviced outside of the regular state mandated inspections. There are several different factors that will determine when this is necessary.

Different buildings will be used for different purposes. A manufacturing plant will have specific requirements for the type of fire suppression system than what a computer data center will need. Where there can be a large oversight is when a building which was used for one purpose is then adapted to another. Retail shopping centers and warehouses often fall into this category. If there is not a review or inspection of the existing fire extinguisher company system, when it is mostly needed it may very well prove to be insufficient.

Depending on the region of the country, certain areas with different climates can pose potential problems. While the southeast is prone to hurricane damage or the west coast vulnerable to earthquake damage, the northern and Midwestern states, such as Minnesota, are prone to damage due to subzero temperatures. The most commonly installed wet pipe sprinkler systems are more susceptible to damage by freezing temperatures. When the water in a wet pipe system freezes, expansion will take place. The added pressure on the joints and heads can cause cracks.

Another very common problem is due to the carelessness of an employee or equipment hitting a sprinkler head or other parts of the system. Ongoing nearby construction and forklifts can be apparent culprits. Damage of this type can prevent the head from spraying or spray uncontrollably, which can cause the system to malfunction. In either case, a service professional will need to be called to affect repairs.

It may be recommended that sprinkler heads which are subjected to elevated heat sources such as heaters, construction lighting, or skylights, may need to be replaced with heads rated for higher heat tolerances. Under no circumstances should an employee, manager or business owner attempt to repair the system themselves.

Any damage that may be present will not usually be readily apparent until the system is needed and it is too late. Repairing or replacing fire sprinkler components should only be performed by trained experts. Any attempt to repair a system without the proper training and experience can result in disastrous effects. If an individual attempts to repair or make any adjustments to a fire sprinkler system without the proper certification and permission, some ordinances dictate that the individual is guilty of tampering with a fire control device which is classified as a felony in many jurisdictions. At the very least, the penalty will be several hundred dollars and perhaps result in a person’s death in the event of a fire.