Fire Alarms
Q1
How often am I required to test my alarm system and what am I required to do for the testing?
You can always call us with specific questions for the testing of your Fire Alarm System, but the National Fire Protection Association #72 requires all devices in a fire alarm system to be tested annually. This can be accomplished all at once or broken up into quarterly or semi-annual testing as long as all the devices are tested once a year. Hospitals have different testing requirements as they fall under the jurisdiction of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. Some insurance companies may have more stringent requirements for device testing, FSF will provide testing to meet these requirements if more stringent than NFPA #72.
Q3
Why am I getting calls in the middle of the night from the alarm company?
Fire alarm systems have a timer test that verifies that both phone lines are connected and able to call out. This test is conducted at least once every 24 hours. If there is a problem with the phone lines, you will receive a call from the monitoring station
Q2
Why does my alarm system have re-occurring trouble signals at approximately the same time of day?
It is common at times to have the same re-occurring trouble or alarm signal come into the alarm panel. This reoccurring signal might come into the panel at approximately the same time each day. Many times when this occurs, it is usually found to be some other outside factor causing the problem (i.e. irrigation water getting into an exposed junction box). In order to properly troubleshoot a problem, it is very important to understand what is causing it.
Q4
Do ground faults compromise my Fire Alarm System?
Fire alarm systems are designed to be ground fault-tolerant, which means the fire alarm will work with ground faults on the panel. It is, however, important to fix the ground fault before it damages the alarm panel. Leaving a ground fault puts stress on the charging system and will eventually shorten the battery life.
Fire Extenguishers
Q1
How often do I have to have my fire extinguisher serviced?
NFPA 10 states that fire extinguishers are to be hydrostatically tested. Testing intervals are dependent on the type of fire extinguisher. This test checks the integrity of the extinguisher shell, its cylinder, and its valve assembly. If the extinguisher fails the hydrostatic test, it must be taken out of service and reconditioned or replaced. Hydrostatic tests are done at 5 and 12 year intervals.
Q3
Why would I buy a clean agent fire extinguisher?
Most fire extinguishers used today are dry chemical types. They are inexpensive while providing excellent fire protection. Dry chemical fire extinguishers do, however, leave quite a mess to clean up after they have been used. This dry chemical used in the wrong place could be disastrous. A clean agent fire extinguisher puts the fire out without leaving any residue and is ideal for computer rooms, sensitive electronic equipment, clean rooms, assembly areas, and many other situations where clean-up, and damage from dry chemicals would be an issue!
Q2
What is a hydrostatic fire extinguisher test and do I have to do it?
A hydrostatic test is a pressure test performed on a fire extinguisher cylinder, typically required by one or more authorities. The hydrostatic test is designed to verify the integrity of the compressed gas cylinder. Once a hydrostatic test becomes due on a fire extinguisher cylinder, that fire extinguisher is no longer authorized to be certified until the cylinder passes the required hydrostatic test.
Q4
Are there any requirements to perform an inspection?
You are not required to be certified in order to perform an inspection; any knowledgeable, competent person should be able to do it. Make sure the extinguisher is located in its designated place, it is easily accessible and that it is visible or that there is signage indicating where the extinguisher is located. Ensure the pressure gauge is in the operable range or position and that it is full, this can be done by just lifting the extinguisher or you can weigh it. For non-rechargeable extinguishers, operate the push-to-test pressure indicators.
Fire Sprinklers
Q1
A section of sprinkler pipe regularly breaks during a freeze. What should I do?
Pipe that is exposed to the elements is more likely to experience cracking or breaks in the pipe. Older pipe is more likely to be corroded and leak at weak points in the steel or plastic.
Q3
Why is it so expensive to repair a Fire Sprinkler System?
Fire alarm systems have a timer test that verifies that both phone lines are connected and able to call out. This test is conducted at least once every 24 hours. If there is a problem with the phone lines, you will receive a call from the monitoring station
Q2
How often does my Fire Sprinkler System need to be inspected?
It is important to visibly inspect and test the Fire Sprinkler System by testing specific components. Valving should be operated/exercised, relief valves exercised, regulator inspected/tested, piping inspected (if accessible).
Q4
Why do I have to pressure test more piping than what was repaired?
Many fire departments want to see a hydrostatic test all the way back to the control valve. Once there has been a failure to the underground piping, they want to verify that the rest of the existing piping will not fail in an emergency.
Backflow Preventors
Q1
What is a Backflow Prevention Device and what is its purpose?
You can always call us with specific questions for the testing of your Fire Alarm System, but the National Fire Protection Association #72 requires all devices in a fire alarm system to be tested annually. This can be accomplished all at once or broken up into quarterly or semi-annual testing as long as all the devices are tested once a year. Hospitals have different testing requirements as they fall under the jurisdiction of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. Some insurance companies may have more stringent requirements for device testing, FSF will provide testing to meet these requirements if more stringent than NFPA #72.
Q3
Am I required to test or provide a certification for the Backflow Prevention Device?
The State of Louisiana mandates that Backflow Prevention Devices be tested annually. Anyone can test backflow devices, but they must first obtain a backflow tester certification/license. Anyone who completes the required course, has the required test equipment, and has shown hands-on proficiency at testing backflow devices can be certified. Having a plumbing license does not give you the authority to test and certify backflow devices. You would still have to complete the required courses.
Q2
Why am I being asked to install or supply a Backflow Prevention Device?
The Health Department and local water purveyor will work in conjunction with each other to protect public health and the potable water supply. Once an inspection is made and there is a possible unprotected backflow condition (cross-connection), you will be asked to install an approved backflow device to eliminate the cross-connection hazard.
Q4
What happens if a Device fails and what commonly needs to be replaced?
After the test is completed, any devices that fail would need to be repaired and re-tested to meet the minimum testing requirements. Shut-off valves are a critical component of an approved backflow device. If these valves leak, or are broken, there will be no way to perform an accurate test on the backflow device. These valves are in place so the required testing can be performed.
Fire Pumps
Q1
Am I required to test my Fire Pump and when should I run my pump?
NFPA and most insurance companies require an annual performance test on the Fire Pump. This test is designed to put the pump through its full range of capabilities to verify that it is working properly. This performance test not only verifies the pump is working but also verifies all the ancillary components as well. Some of the functions verified will be pump output, amperage, RPM, temperature, voltage, relief valves, tank fill valves, start and stop pressures. NFPA require a diesel fire pump to be started and run weekly with a minimum run time of 30 minutes. This test does not need to be completed by a licensed contractor. Employees with proper training can handle the weekly fire pump runs.
Q3
Does my fire water storage tank require an inspection as well?
Yes, fire water storage tanks are required to be externally and internally inspected every 3 to 5 years, depending on the type of tank. Water storage tanks collect debris, sediment, and aquatic growth, which need to be cleaned out. The storage tank also needs to be inspected to verify the waterproofing or corrosion protection is doing its job, looking for signs of corrosion, rotting, or other forms of deterioration. Low and high-water alarms need to be tested along with automatic fill valves. All the functions of the water storage tank need to be properly verified to assure optimal working conditions.
Q2
What is a Jockey Pump and how often should it run or turn on?
Jockey pumps are very small pumps designed to maintain the pressure of the fire protection system. Without these small jockey pumps, the main fire pump would always turn on every time there is a drop in pressure in the fire protection system. This would cause false alarms and unnecessary activation of the fire pump. A Jockey Pump should only be running during a Fire Pump test or when a drop in pressure occurs. If your Jockey Pump is continuously running, it will inevitably break from usage and require costly repairs or replacement.
Q4
What are relief valves and why are they important to the Fire Pump?
Relief valves are a critical component of a fire pump installation. When the fire pump turns on, it will continue to run until someone manually turns it off, or the run time is satisfied. Without the relief valve, it is likely the fire pump would overheat causing considerable damage or need for replacement. Relief valves also stop the over-pressurization of the fire protection system by relieving excess pressure.
Fire Hydrants
Q1
What’s the difference between a public hydrant and a private hydrant?
You can always call us with specific questions for the testing of your Fire Alarm System, but the National Fire Protection Association #72 requires all devices in a fire alarm system to be tested annually. This can be accomplished all at once or broken up into quarterly or semi-annual testing as long as all the devices are tested once a year. Hospitals have different testing requirements as they fall under the jurisdiction of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. Some insurance companies may have more stringent requirements for device testing, FSF will provide testing to meet these requirements if more stringent than NFPA #72.
Q3
What are the differences in the types of Fire Hydrants and why does it matter?
The two most common types of fire hydrants are dry barrel hydrants and wet barrel hydrants. Dry barrel fire hydrants are designed for cold weather where the water inside the barrel drains after the fire hydrant is turned off, so the water does not freeze and crack the fire hydrant. Wet barrel fire hydrants stay wet all the time and are only installed in areas that do not have freezing temperatures.
Q2
Do I have to provide the hydrostatic flow test my private fire hydrant?
Yes, NFPA and local codes require property owners to exercise and operate their fire hydrants, flow test them at specified intervals, and properly paint them to identify them as private fire hydrants.
Q4
Why am I being asked to locate the Fire Hydrant valve?
The fire hydrant control valve is specifically installed to isolate each individual fire hydrant. These valves must be identified and located so proper maintenance and or emergency shut down, can be performed on the fire hydrant, without shutting down the whole fire protection system.