Sprinkler System
Tests & Inspections
The following will outline the scope of work of the monthly, bi-monthly/quarterly, semi-annual and annual tests and inspections as mandated by the Ontario Fire Code and prescribed in NFPA.
Our Services
Testing, Inspection & Maintenance
We can help your organization achieve and maintain compliance with fire code legislation.
Repairs & Upgrades
We are able to work with all brands of fire alarm systems and field devices.
Emergency Service
Sudden failure causing your system to go offline? our techs are available 24 x 365 to assist.
Get an Inspection Quote Today
The Law
Sprinkler System
Annual Testing/Inspection
Ontario Fire Code
6.5.3.2. – Exposed sprinkler piping hangers shall be checked yearly to ensure that they are kept in good repair.
6.5.3.5. – Sprinkler heads shall be checked at least once per year to ensure that they are free from damage, corrosion, grease, dust, paint or whitewash.
6.5.5.3. – Waterflow alarm tests using the most hydraulically remote test connection shall be performed annually on wet sprinkler systems.
6.5.5.4.(1) – Dry-pipe valves shall be trip tested by means of the inspector’s test valve in accordance with Sentences (2) and (3) to ensure that they operate satisfactorily and that the sprinkler alarms are in operating condition.
6.5.5.4.(2) – Dry-pipe valves shall be trip tested annually.
6.5.5.4.(3) – During the test referred to in Sentence (2), the control valve is not required to be in the fully open position.
6.5.5.5. – Sprinkler system water supply pressure shall be tested annually with the main drain valve fully open to ensure that there are no obstructions or deterioration of the main water supply.
6.5.5.6. – The test prescribed in Article Div B – 6.5.5.5. shall be conducted after any sprinkler system control valve has been operated.
Scope of Work
A Complete Annual Test and Inspection of the Sprinkler System as per NFPA 25 and the Ontario Fire Code.
Tasks below are performed for all types of sprinkler systems:
- Inspect and test Control Valves to ensure that they are in the appropriate open or closed position. Check valves that are in the normally opened position to ensure that they are locked, or equipped with a Tamper switch.
- Conduct Main Drain Flow Test of the sprinkler system water supply.
- Inspect and test associated access pressure pumps and jockey pumps to ensure that they are in good condition and can perform intended function.
- Inspect Fire Departments connections to ensure that they are in good condition (i.e., couplings free, caps in place, )
- Inspect and test that water motor gong, electric alarms and supervisory alarm test satisfactorily.
- Check spare sprinkler heads and wrench.
- Supply a complete set of documentation of the Test and Inspection.
In addition to the above, further tasks are required depending on the type of sprinkler system installed at your facility.
Wet Systems:
Annual inspection tasks specific to Wet sprinkler systems (Alarm valves complete with pressure type flow switches and/or vein type flow switches):
- Conduct a Sprinkler System Alarm test using the hydraulically most remote test valve.
- Conduct a complete visual inspection of all exposed sprinkler heads, hangers and piping for proper installation.
- Conduct testing on antifreeze system (s) (if applicable).
Dry Systems:
Annual inspection tasks specific to Dry sprinkler systems include:
- Conduct a full trip test via inspectors test valve recording trip time and water to the inspectors test connection
- Open dry pipe valve cover check that clapper is latched in open position after test.
- Clean clapper seat, remove debris, reset clapper, replace cover.
- Check and fill priming water.
- Pressurize system with air.
- System will be visually checked for obvious defects such as broken or missing parts, or other evidence of impaired protection.
- Check protected areas for new structures, hazards and equipment obstructing operations.
- Conduct random visual of exposed sprinkler heads, hangers piping.
- Check accelerator for operation and reset. (if applicable)
Preaction/Deluge Systems:
Annual inspection tasks specific to Preaction/Deluge sprinkler systems:
- Preaction system mechanical equipment to be tested in accordance with NFPA 25.
- Deluge system mechanical equipment to be tested in accordance with NFPA 13.
- Inspect control valves to ensure that they are in the appropriate open or closed position. Check valves that are in the normally open position to ensure that they are locked, or equipped with a tamper switch.
- Conduct trip test to verify operational readiness of deluge/pre-action valves, water flow and troubles.
- Inspect all manual and automatic initiating devices to verify operational readiness.
- Conduct a main drain flow test of the systems water supply.
- Systems will be visually checked for obvious defects such as broken or missing parts, nozzles or other evidence of impaired protection.
- Check protected areas for new structures, hazards and equipment obstructing operations.
- Nozzles will be inspected for proper positioning, external loading and corrosion.
- Piping will be checked for condition and proper drainage.
- Check, verify and record operation of supervisory air on system.
Control Panel Checks:
- Check, verify and record operational readiness of all field devices.
- Check, verify and record sensitivity and set points of all detectors.
- Exercise emergency battery power supply.
- Check, verify and record the operation of the solenoid valve.
- Supply a complete set of documentation of test and inspection results.
Above listed items are some of the required annual inspection procedures. Other tasks may be required depending on the type of system installed in the facility.
The Law
Semi-Annual Sprinkler Test
Ontario Fire Code - Div. B. - 6.5.5.7.(1)
Where an electrical supervisory signal service is provided for a sprinkler system, it shall be tested by operating the supervisory signal devices in conformance with Sentence (3)
Ontario Fire Code - Div. B. - 6.5.5.7.(3)
Valve supervisory switches, tank water level devices, building and tank water temperature supervisory devices and other sprinkler system supervisory devices shall be tested at least every 6 months.
- Test and inspect valve supervisory switches, tank water level devices, building and tank water temperature supervisory devices and other sprinkler system supervisory devices.
- All supervisory devices will be tested, such as monitoring sprinkler valves, air pressure, dry pipe valve, high and low water pressure.
- Supply a complete set of documentation of the Test and Inspection.
Sprinkler System
Bi-Monthly/Quarterly Test
Ontario Fire Code - Div. B. - 6.5.5.7.(1,2)
Where an electrical supervisory signal service is provided for a sprinkler system, it shall be tested by operating the supervisory signal devices in conformance with Sentence (2)
Transmitters and waterflow actuated devices shall be tested every 2 months.
- Priming for dry pipe systems to be inspected to ensure proper water level above the dry pipe
- Supply a complete set of documentation of the Test and Inspection.
- Transmitters and water flow actuated electrical supervisory signal devices to be tested by operating the supervisory signal devices.
- Electrically supervised valves to be inspected for proper operation.
- All signaling equipment to be tested, including water flow activated devices and wet sprinkler pipes.
- Water-flow activated devices will be activated utilizing the inspector’s test valve.
- Confirm correct signal receipt at the fire alarm panel.
- Supply a complete set of documentation of the test and inspection.
The Law
Sprinkler System
Monthly Inspection
Ontario Fire Code - Div. B. - 6.5.5.2.(1)
Except as provided in Article Div B-6.5.5.7., the alarm on all sprinkler systems shall be tested monthly by flowing water through the test connection located at the sprinkler valve.
Ontario Fire Code - Div. B. - 6.5.5.2.(2)
An alarm line subject to freezing shall be cleared of all obstructions susceptible to freezing after the test specified in Sentence (1).
- Conduct an alarm test using the by-pass connection located at the sprinkler.
- Open valves until alarms are sounded, then close valves and reset alarms.
- Confirm alarm condition at the fire alarm panel.
- Confirm signals with off premises alarm service provider.
- Supply a complete set of documentation of the Test and Inspection.