DESIGN & INSTALLATION
It all begins with Koorsen’s Engineering Department, where the industry’s top NICET certified designers follow a stringent set of laws and codes in designing a fire sprinkler system that meets your facility’s exact needs. Once approved, our technicians use the detailed drawings to ensure that the installation meets local and national codes and is installed precisely. So whether you are seeking a fire sprinkler install for a large construction project or a simple expansion, the experts at Koorsen have got you covered.
INSPECTION & TESTING
To keep fire sprinkler systems in working order, it’s important (and the law) to have them inspected on a regular scheduled basis. We can perform weekly, monthly, quarterly, bi-annual or annual inspections and testing to meet your facility’s local codes, insurance requirements, and industry laws. We also perform inspections and testing of fire pumps, backflow preventers, fire hydrants, post indicator valves (PIVs), and fire department connections (FDCs).
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
Partners & Suppliers
FIRE SPRINKLER FAQS
Due to the fact that there are many manufacturers and specifications for sprinkler heads, spare sprinkler heads are required to be available onsite in case one breaks or needs to be quickly replaced.
The backflow is usually inspected and tested annually along with the rest of the fire sprinkler system. Testing the backflow is required according to your local AHJ and NFPA code.
Unlike what you’ve seen in the movies, only the sprinkler head above the heat of the fire will go off. The sprinkler heads contain glass bulbs that break from the fire’s heat and activate the corresponding sprinkler head.
Every five years, there must be a visual inspection of the inside of the fire sprinkler pipes to check for buildup, corrosion, and anything that may block the pipe and prevent the sprinkler system from working.
It depends on your insurance company and local AHJs requirements. At a minimum, fire sprinklers need to be inspected annually. In some instances, they may need to be inspected quarterly or semi-annually.
The backflow is usually inspected and tested annually along with the rest of the fire sprinkler system. Testing the backflow is required according to your local AHJ and NFPA code.
PARTS OF A FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Alarm Check Valve
While it prevents reverse flow from the sprinkler system, its primary purpose is to hold back water pressure in the fire sprinkler system until needed.
Flow Switch:
Detects water flowing through the fire sprinkler system and sends a signal to the fire alarm control panel.
Butterfly Valve:
Featuring a position indicator, the butterfly valve controls the water flow to the fire sprinkler system.
Control Valve:
Controls the flow of water in a fire sprinkler system.
Pressure Gauge:
Displays the water pressure or air pressure (dry systems) in the pipes of the fire sprinkler system.
Escutcheon:
A circular plate that goes around the base of a fire sprinkler head to cover the gap between the ceiling or wall and the sprinkler head.
Sprinkler Heads:
The visible device on ceilings(and sometimes walls) features a heat-sensitive part that releases the water to suppress the fire once activated.
Hangers:
Metal supports designed to secure fire sprinkler pipes.
OS&Y Gate Valve:
A control valve with an outside stem & yoke (OS&Y)
Inspectors Test Connection:
Found on a wet pipe sprinkler system, usually located at the far end of the system, allows technician to simulate the operation of a single sprinkler to test the alarm signals.
Tamper Switch:
A mechanical and electrical device connected to the sprinkler system valves that signals a warning if the valve is partially or fully closed.
Water Motor Gong:
Fire alarm bells that are powered by the flow of water in the fire sprinkler system rather than electricity.
Main Drain:
Located on the fire sprinkler riser, the main drain is used to flush water from the sprinkler system pipes during repairs and service.
Post Indicator Valve (PIV):
Usually located outside, the PIV is used to control the flow of water from the main underground water line to the sprinkler system.
Fire Department Connection (FDC):
A connection located outside a building, allow the responding fire department to pump water into the building’s sprinkler system.
Fire Hydrant:
A connection point where fire fighters can tap into the local water supply to aid in extinguishing a fire.
Backflow Preventer:
Keeps the pressurized water in the fire sprinkler system from flowing back into the municipal water line.
Fire Pumps :
Used to increase the pressure of a fire sprinkler system by pumping water from another source, like a water tank or pond, when the main water supply is not sufficient.