Sprinkler Inspections??
Can anyone clarify what the current NYC rules are for sprinkler system inspections? I’ve spent the last few hours going through all the different incarnations of the rules to see if we need monthly inspections of our system: we live in a 2-family house that used to be a 2-family plus doctor’s office. When we…
Can anyone clarify what the current NYC rules are for sprinkler system inspections? I’ve spent the last few hours going through all the different incarnations of the rules to see if we need monthly inspections of our system: we live in a 2-family house that used to be a 2-family plus doctor’s office. When we bought the house last year, we inherited the sprinkler inspector, who literally showed up (unexpected) once in a while to go down and stare at the main sprikler valve for 30 seconds and then leave. He now want $500 to renew the inspection contract.
We’ll obviously do it if we must by law. But we’d much rather have our plumber look at it once a year when we checks the boiler. Does anyone know what the guidelines are here? Thanks!
Vinca, you are correct, however, there is a note about “converted dwellings”. I asked the FDNY chief about the converted dwelling rule and what it means. Basically it’s tough to define what a converted dwelling is, I was told just to perform the test on an annual basis and there would be no worries. I guess better safe than sorry. I’ll double check the descriptions of required inspections as they are handled by someone else in my office and will confirm on Monday.
Thanks for all the info. Seems like folks have very different ideas about what’s required. Like Vinca, I also heard the rules changed in the last year. But then others claim the inspections are still required. Yikes.
The law requires that your sprinkler system be inspected monthly with a record posted at the main control valve signed by a certified inspector. My company offers that service for $300 a year. If you have any other questions regarding your system or any other fire sprinkler needs feel free to contact me directly at the information provided below. Thank you and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Best Regards,
Frank Smith
Owner
Danielle Louise Inc.
A Full Service Fire Sprinkler Company
2606 Gerritsen Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11229
P: 718-332-1878
C: 646-773-9434
F: 718-332-6201
http://www.daniellelouiseinc.vpweb.com
Brooklyn Plumber: I know you do this for a living, and I handle this only for a multiple dwelling, however we received a notice from the city approx. 1-1/2 years ago, advising that the requirements for annual inspection had changed. The change was news to my plumber, too. I do not have that notice handy right now, but I can quote this concerning properties where monthly sprinkler inspections take place (which also appears as Footnote.2 on BFAG’s .pdf): “Annually — Flow test performed by NYC Licensed Master Plumber or Fire Sprinkler Contractor. Results reported on FDNY form FP100 and submitted to the FDNY. The frequency of test may be increased to 30 months when monthly inspection includes a check of the static pressure in the sprinkler system from a pressure gauge, if installed, located at or near the inspector’s test connection. FDNY Inspector to witness the sprinkler flow test at least once every 5 years. Owner will be notified in advance via mail.” Despite the change in regulations, it turns out we need to do an annual inspection to satisfy our *insurance* company, even if not the FDNY.
Test must be performed once a year and once every 30 months in the presence of the FDNY. If there were no Dr.’s Office, a two family wouldn’t need the inspections at all, just need to maintain the system in proper working order. You also need a monthly visual which (as everyone else has said and are correct)you can get the certificate to perform yourself.
I am pretty sure that the requirements for sprinkler flow tests were revised in the last year or so, and in certain—but not all—circumstances may now be required only every 30 months. One resource is the link BFAG just provided.
As he and Steve also noted, any homeowner can take the test for the Certificate of Fitness and conduct their own monthly inspection. See the links below (in the first link the part of the “Exam by Title” pull-down menu starting with Sprinkler). If any questions, call or visit the FDNY at 9 Metrotech Center:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/c_of_f/cof_study_materials.shtml
http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/c_of_f/cof_stdp_spk_notice.shtml
http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/home2.shtml
Here’s the link:
http://nycmpc.org/images/SUMMARY_OF_REQUIREMENTS_5_8_07.pdf
Steve is correct that you can get a C of F to do your own monthlies but not your annual. But the point is moot because all you need is an annual in that class of building. Any master fire suppression license holder can perform the inspection. If your plumber happens to also do sprinkler then you’re in luck.
I am not sure of the rules for residential however I am a former FDNY certificate of fitness holder for sprinkers as we were required to be on site in commercial space.
What is was looking at was to be sure the OSY valve was chained open. He should also verify that 6 heads are on site and the wrench. Also that the pressure test is up to date.
You should check the fire code to see what the requirements are in a multi family and if a certificate holder must perform the monthly. If so, you may wish to consider getting a cert.
Feel free to call me if you have any questions, I can put my hands on the answers if need be. its all on line.
Steve
http://www.thetinkerswagon.com
347-813-9635