At first glance, a fire sprinkler inspection may appear to be just another expense, but it is a service you cannot afford to overlook. Missing even one inspection can have serious financial and legal consequences. More importantly, it can jeopardize safety. Here’s a closer look at why regular fire sprinkler inspections are essential for your home and business.
When to Schedule a Fire Sprinkler Inspection
Like other states, South Carolina adheres to the NFPA 25 fire sprinkler inspection requirements established by the National Fire Protection Association. These guidelines mandate various fire sprinkler services to be performed at specific intervals. Each inspection assesses the condition of particular components within the system. Since some parts may corrode or malfunction more quickly than others, it is crucial to follow this guide closely.
- Weekly: If you have a dry pre-action or deluge fire sprinkler system, inspect and test the control valves and gauges weekly.
- Monthly: Inspect and test the gauges and alarm valves for wet fire sprinkler systems once a month.
- Quarterly: Inspect the water flow alarms, control valves, signal devices, hydraulic nameplates, and fire department relays about once every three months.
- Annually: During an annual inspection, a licensed fire safety technician will test all the system equipment, including the pipes, fittings, brackets, and signs. They will also test each sprinkler head, the spare sprinklers, and the backflow prevention valves.
- Every Five Years: After five years, the fire sprinkler system will need a more thorough pipework inspection. A technician will inspect the inner surface area of the pipes and remove any blockages. They will also check for potential corrosion or damage.
What Happens When You Skip a Fire Sprinkler Inspection?
South Carolina takes fire sprinkler inspection services seriously. Failure to schedule inspections is a misdemeanor that carries fines. While each jurisdiction varies, the Greenville fire safety fees include a $50 fine for a basic city code violation. Each missed inspection carries a fine of $100 or more based on the number of offenses. For example, a second missed inspection would incur a minimum fine of $200.
Beyond the legal consequences of a missed fire sprinkler inspection, you’ll also risk the equipment’s condition and performance. Missing an inspection could prevent you from resolving pipe corrosion, blockages, or mechanical malfunctions. These issues will hinder the sprinklers from operating correctly in a crucial moment.
The Benefits of Professional Inspections
Collaborating with fire protection organizations ensures that all fire safety equipment remains in optimal condition. Maintaining a consistent and reliable schedule for fire sprinkler inspections offers several key advantages. Let’s explore four of the primary benefits.
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Fire Code Compliance
It’s vital to ensure your home or business remains legally compliant. Fire safety laws can change occasionally, so a professional fire safety technician will use their knowledge and expertise of the latest municipal ordinances and fire sprinkler advancements to confirm your entire space is safe and compliant.
2. Minimal Liability Concerns
Failing to maintain a legally required fire sprinkler inspection schedule can cost you more in the long run. If you miss an inspection that leads to a fire, anyone injured in the fire could have grounds to file a legal claim against you. Moreover, since there was a lapse in fire equipment maintenance, your insurer might not cover those liability claims.
3. Cost Reductions
As with any mechanical equipment, malfunctions in a fire sprinkler system will worsen over time. If an issue is undetected, it can spread to other components. You might need to repair or replace multiple parts when you notice damage. An inspection will catch those malfunctions early, minimizing the need for more extensive repairs.
4. Peace of Mind
The most important reason to schedule regular inspections is to ensure the system functions when you need it most. You can rest easy knowing you have done everything possible to protect your home or business from a fire threat. You can’t predict when an emergency will occur, but inspections offer an invaluable sense of security.
Fire Sprinkler Inspections Are the First Line of Defense
While there are many reasons to schedule regular fire sprinkler inspections, it all comes down to safety and protection. Scheduling these professional services will help you detect issues immediately, minimizing damage and maximizing performance. So, contact our team of experts at A&A Fire Protection, and let’s optimize your fire sprinkler system.
