Sprinkler Tests
I live in a 5 unit brownstone co-op that has a sprinklered communal hall (no fire escape). Plumbers routinely try to sell us their sprinkler testing services claiming that the fire department wants proof of monthly inspections. Is this true? If so, how do other small co-ops deal with this monthly cost? Is it possible…
I live in a 5 unit brownstone co-op that has a sprinklered communal hall (no fire escape). Plumbers routinely try to sell us their sprinkler testing services claiming that the fire department wants proof of monthly inspections. Is this true? If so, how do other small co-ops deal with this monthly cost? Is it possible to get licensed to test the sprinklers yourself? Are monthly tests even required? I understand the life safety value of a working system, but monthly testing?!
One must make the important difference between the acceptance test and the periodic tests which are described thoroughly in the NFPA 13.
I agree that the hydrostatic pressure test is an essential part of the acceptance tests and should be third party checked
Regards
Brice
[URL=”http://spk.fr”]http://spk.fr[/URL]
We use Weiss as the plumbers for our co-op.
i’ve recently taken over running of the co-op so now see all the bills, we got one from Weiss for $600 for sprinker test, i was planning on callign them to query “when” and how come it was so much only to bump into the guy who was doign the test later in the week, to me it looked like he ran water into a bucket for 60 seconds and then left.
…… i hope there is more to this flow test than filling a bucket – does anyone know if this can be seperated out from the rest of the work they do for us. $600 even if once a year seems a bit much.
I’d be happy to sit for the tests mention above.
or am i missing the point and there was a lot more that he did ‘downstairs’?
My only point is it fails to mention the hydrostatic test, much more important then the flow test. Every system is required to have a pressure test. 30 psi above normal working pressure or 200psi if a siamese is part of the system.
Your link is from the 1929 Multiple Dwelling Laws.
Below is a link:
http://24.97.137.100/nyc/rcny/Title1_29-01.asp
last modified on 10/5/2009 12:00:13 PM
Developed by New York Legal Publishing Corporation, http://www.nylp.com.
Only use a company that will pretest the sprinkler system. You want no surprises on the day a FDNY rep is there to witness it. A violation for repair “forthwith” could be issued.
Mention of 5-year test buried 2x in PDF link. Regardless, FDNY sends notice.
Don’t forget the 5 year hydrostatic test. Yes, and some insurance co.(Travelers for one) these days are requesting a 2 inch full flow drain test (NFPA 25) every 3 months.
Specifically you need Certificate of Fitness for Sprinkler Systems Maintenance (W-12). They’re good for 3 years. You go to FDNY HQ on Flatbush study a booklet for an hour and take a multiple choice test.
Vinca, that first link doesn’t mention the five year test which requires the system to be pressurized to about 150psi to check for leaks. The point being that the sprinkler pipes in an immediate fire area will have greater pressure on them and any leak elsewhere in the system (at higher pressure) will allow water to exit elsewhere.
Yes, you need monthly inspections. Also an annual flow test:
http://www.plumbingfoundation.org/pipecaster/scans/080415.pdf
Yes, you can be certified for the former, but you’ll need a master plumber for the latter: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/c_of_f/cof_study_materials.shtml
We had do this for our similiarly-sized building. They had been remiss about inspections, so first we ended up having to have a gauge installed at the top of the system and a bunch of heads replaced. You can than have anyone with a Certificate of Fitness check the pressure each month and record on a sheet near the shut off in your cellar. Someone from the building can obtain a Certificate of Fitness from the Fire Department for about $35 – not sure how often it needs to be renewed but there is a test required prior to issuance.
Why not just ask the fire department directly? Then you don’t have to take some plumber’s word for it.