Month: July 2020

Inspections & Service for Fire & Life Safety Systems

Life Safety System Inspection & Service

Taking care of your fire protection systems and life safety systems should always be a priority, even if your building is vacant. If you start to lapse on your inspections, you could face repercussions in the form of a damaged fire protection system, putting lives and safety at risk and receiving fines or other penalties. Staying current on inspections does not have to be difficult. Work with a professional fire protection company that can help you stay up to date on inspections.

What Fire Protection & Life Safety Systems Need to Be Inspected?

NFPA standards dictate which fire protection and life safety systems need inspections, testing and service and how frequently service is needed. NFPA 25 is the Standard for Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, NFPA 72 dictates the testing and inspection of fire alarm systems and NFPA 101 provides the framework for life safety system inspections.

All of your fire protection and life safety systems should be inspected regularly including:

  • Fire alarm systems
  • Security systems
  • Fire sprinkler systems
  • Special hazard and clean agent systems
  • Backflow devices
  • Fire pumps
  • Fire hydrants
  • Kitchen hoods
  • Fire extinguishers

Fire Sprinkler System Inspection & Testing

Fire sprinkler systems should be inspected monthly, quarterly, annually and every five years. Sprinkler systems need to be tested quarterly, semiannually, annually and every 5 years. Sprinkler systems are one of the most important defenses that keep occupants and property safe from a fire so staying current on inspections and testing is very important.

Fire Pumps

Fire pumps provide higher pressure water flow for fire sprinkler and suppression systems and are essential for fire protection. Inspections and testing of fire pumps should be performed weekly, monthly and annually.

Alarm Systems

Fire alarm systems require regular inspection, testing and service. Inspections of alarm systems are done weekly, monthly, semiannually and annually. Testing of alarm systems are done annually. Keeping up to date with alarm inspections and service gives you peace of mind that building occupants will have early warning to safely exit the building during an emergency.

Get Inspected with WSFP

Western States Fire Protection provides inspections, testing and service for all your fire protection and life safety systems. We provide inspections and testing as often as required as NFPA standards, local code, and insurance requirements. We have service contracts available so you can work with WSFP for all of your inspections, testing and service needs. Request a quote for an inspection today!

Wet vs. Dry Fire Sprinkler System: Which is More Effective?

Wet vs. Dry Fire Sprinkler System

One of the most important ways to make sure that your facility is protected is to have the proper sprinkler system that is designed to meet the needs of your application. Two common sprinkler systems that are installed in properties are wet pipe and dry pipe sprinkler systems.

Wet Pipe Sprinklers

Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most common form of fire sprinkler. This is the traditional type of fire sprinkler where the sprinkler pipes are filled with pressurized water that will immediately discharge when a fire occurs.

Pros:

Cons:

Dry Pipe Sprinklers

Dry pipe sprinkler systems are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen instead of water to prevent frozen and burst sprinkler pipes in areas with colder temperatures. The pressurized air in the sprinkler pipes prevents water from entering the pipes. When a fire is detected, the air pressure in the pipes is reduced and a valve opens to allow water to flow into the sprinkler pipes and extinguish the fire.

Pros:

  • Will not freeze in cold temperatures
  • Can be installed in addition to a wet system to protect colder environments

Cons:

  • More difficult to maintain
  • More expensive to install
  • Slightly longer response time during a fire

Install a Fire Sprinkler System with WSFP

Are you interested in installing a sprinkler system with Western States Fire Protection? We provide sprinkler design and installation for both wet and dry sprinkler systems. We can help you choose the right system to protect your cold, unheated facility. An automatic dry pipe sprinkler system may be the best solution for your fire protection needs.  Western States also provides inspections, testing and repairs for all types of fire sprinklers. WSFP has experience working with commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Contact us today to learn more about our fire sprinkler services.