In California, fire sprinkler systems are a must for any newly constructed or renovated institution with a fire area larger than 5,000 square feet. They are among the best ways to safeguard a commercial structure and its inhabitants during a fire.
The requirements for installing, inspecting, maintaining, and more regarding fire sprinklers are outlined in the California Fire Code. Let’s say you are the owner or manager of a business in any part of California. If so, it would be wise for you to become acquainted with the requirements of your local fire sprinkler code as well as the California Fire Code.
Fire Sprinkler Code Regulations
The International Fire Code serves as the foundation for the California Fire Code, which also incorporates references to NFPA 25 and NFPA 13 from the California Code of Regulations. The National Fire prevention Association developed NFPA 25, which outlines the regulations for fire sprinkler installation, and NFPA 13, which outlines the criteria for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire prevention systems.
These standards require the installation of a fire sprinkler system in every newly constructed or remodeled commercial building with a fire area larger than 5,000 square feet, as well as in any facility that is 55 feet tall or higher. The floor space bounded by a building’s outer walls, fire walls, fire barriers, or fire-rated horizontal assemblies is referred to as the “fire area.”
What Type of Systems Do Commercial Buildings Need?
The majority of commercial buildings use wet pipe systems, which enable quick firefighting responses when needed since the pipes supplying the sprinklers are constantly filled with water. There may be a need for dry pipe systems in places that are not heated or that freeze easily.
A dry pipe pre-action system is used in sensitive environments, such as data centers or museums, where water leaks could destroy the building’s contents. It releases water only when certain requirements are fulfilled. Pre-action systems with inert gases can be used to put out fires in the most vulnerable regions in place of water, greatly lowering the possibility of causing damage to interior building components.
A deluge system will be required in places where products such as gasoline, chemicals, or explosives are stored in order to quickly flood the area with water in the case of a fire. By doing this, the fire is kept from growing larger and burning any adjacent flammable materials.
How Often Do Commercial Fire Sprinklers Need To Be Tested?
The majority of fire sprinkler system components, including fire sprinklers, pipes, fittings, hangers, and seismic bracing, are required to be inspected annually in accordance with the California Fire Code, which follows the same intervals as the NFPA 25 2011 version.
However, the California Fire Code and NFPA 25 are not the same for some testing. The following are the test schedules:
- Quarterly: Quarterly inspections and testing should be done for spare sprinklers, gauges on wet-pipe systems, and gauges on dry, pre-action, or deluge systems.
- Annually: Waterflow alarm and supervisory devices, vane-type, and pressure-switch-type waterflow alarms, and mechanical waterflow alarms should be tested and inspected annually.
Five-year inspections for sprinklers, pipelines and fittings, hangers, and seismic bracing in concealed places are advised if accessible.
Benefits of Having a Fire Sprinkler System in Northern California
Commercial fire sprinklers have the ability to react automatically to contain a fire, safeguarding both the building and its occupants.
The company may gain from this in a number of ways, including:
- Faster reaction to a fire
- Limiting the spread and heat of the fire
- Significantly reducing the amount of damage incurred
- Controlling the fire until first responders can arrive
Fire Sprinkler Installation & Inspections in Northern California
In an effort to satisfy each client’s specific needs, Best Fire Alarms strives to provide high-quality products within budget and on schedule while upholding the strictest safety regulations.
To guarantee that your business building is as protected as possible, we provide full fire sprinkler inspection and testing in addition to installation and replacement.
For Fire Sprinkler Installation, Inspections, and Testing scheduling in Northern California, please contact Best Fire Alarms by email or at (916) 663-3582.