How often should my system be inspected?

The National Fire Protection Association publishes NFPA 25 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. This document recommends that control valves without electronic supervision be checked on a weekly basis, just to make sure that they are in the open position. Other system components have different requirements. Our inspectors can go over the NFPA requirements for your system components.

At least four times each year, a full sprinkler system inspection should be performed.  Some states and cities require more frequent inspections. We can offer economical long-term service agreements. We will provide you with  the test certificates which will comply with your insurance company and local fire department inspection requirements.

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Are there other times when the system should be checked by Spillane Fire Protection?

Yes! Fire Sprinkler systems are designed to the conditions which exist, or are expected to exist, within a building when the sprinkler system is installed. After any changes to the building or the use of the building an analysis should be done to determine if the sprinkler system is adequate. Similarly, even if the building and its use remain the same, changes in the water supply or changes to equipment in the sprinkler system necessitate a reevaluation of the system. Any time a sprinkler system is reviewed for these reasons, it should be re-inspected by one of our Fire Sprinkler Inspectors.  The following is a partial list of situations where a full reevaluation should be performed.

1. Change or addition of backflow preventer or water meter.
2. Change of building occupancy or use.  (Including any major storage changes)
3. Change in building (walls, partitions, additions).
4. Reduction in public water supplies (sometimes done in areas for water conservation).

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Is there anything building occupants or employees can do?

Yes! Although members of the general public are generally not knowledgeable enough to inspect, test, or maintain a fire sprinkler system, there are a few simple ways in which they can help:

1. Never paint any fire sprinkler.
2. Never hang anything from any part of a fire sprinkler system.
3. Never stack items close to fire sprinklers. (Tops of storage or furniture should be at least 18 inches below fire sprinklers.)
4. Always report damage to any part of a sprinkler system immediately.
5. Always make sure control valves are in the open position.

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How does inspection affect my insurance rate?

Buildings which are completely sprinklered enjoy special reduced rates. However, if the insurance company does not receive verification of system inspection, penalties in the form of higher insurance rates apply.

The Insurance Services Office (ISO) publishes a Commercial Fire Rating Schedule (CFRS). Section 402 of the CFRS requires building owners to have annual inspections of sprinkler systems to enjoy the "sprinklered" insurance rate.

If an inspection is overdue for up to 12 months, a 5% penalty applies. If the inspection is overdue for 12-24 months a 20% penalty applies. If an inspection is 24-36 months overdue, a 60% penalty applies. If after 36 months an inspection is still not performed, a fully sprinklered building is rated as "Unsprinklered" for the purpose of insurance, with no credit allowed.

Check with your insurance carrier about the rate for your building. Even though it is fully sprinklered you may not be getting as big a discount you're entitled to. Get your sprinkler system inspected and take full financial advantage of your fire sprinkler system.

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Are there financial benefits other than insurance for maintaining a sprinkler system?

Yes! Regular inspections of fire sprinkler systems will help reveal problems (if they exist) long before they become major. Sprinkler system repair can then be scheduled for a convenient time, saving you the cost of unnecessary business interruption.