Replacing a fire sprinkler system alarm valve
If you are considering replacing an automatic (wet pipe) fire sprinkler system alarm valve then we need certain information to make sure we can procure the correct replacement. In this article we discuss what information we need and the process for replacement.
What is a water supply proving test?
A water supply proving test is a functional test of the water supply of an automatic fire sprinkler system or fire hydrant system to validate the required performance (duty) of the water supply. This test is used to determine if there has been any degredation in the water supply that could adversely affect the performance of the water supply between tests, placing the occupants of the building at risk from fire.
Why you should inspect your fire sprinkler heads in exhaust ducts!
Fire sprinkler heads in kitchen hoods and exhaust ducts are required to be inspected every year for an excessive accumulation of grease or any other foreign matter. Checking these fire sprinkler heads is a task that is not regularly completed by inspectors let alone even knowing where these sprinkler heads are located in a building. In this article we will explain what are the requirements and how to identify sprinkler heads that need to be replaced.
Kitchen Hood & Duct Fire Sprinkler Systems
Australian Standard AS2118.1 specifies the requirements for the design, installation and commissioning of automatic fire sprinkler systems in buildings, including areas around commercial type cooking equipment in kitchens and associated ventilation systems. Where the cooking equipment includes a deep fat fryer, there are other considerations that installers and maintainers MUST take into consideration.
What is a fire sprinkler head shield or baffle plate?
A fire sprinkler head shield or baffle plate ("baffle") is a device (typically made of sheet metal) that is used to prevent the first operating sprinkler from wetting (and cooling) the lower or adjacent fire sprinkler heads.
Types of automatic fire sprinkler heads
According to Australian Standard AS2118, there are an array of automatic fire sprinkler head types that are used for a wide variety of applications.
Is hand sanitizer a fire risk in buildings?
2020 will go down as a year like no other with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affecting every community across the globe. The first line of defence is social distancing, face masks and good hygiene. Many businesses have substantially increased their reserves of hand sanitizer and we have been asked the question, does this place our building at an increased fire risk?
When does a Fire Sprinkler Flow Switch call the brigade?
In Victoria, a water flow switch in a wet pipe automatic fire sprinkler system may trigger a fire brigade attendance, but not always. This article seeks to explain why not all flow switches call the brigade and why others do.
Galvanic Corrosion (rust) in Automatic Fire Sprinkler & Hydrant Systems
Corrosion (rust) is a common cause of failure in automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire hydrant systems, hose reel systems, pumps and tanks, causing leaks and in in some cases catastrophic failure. In this article we discuss some basic metallurgy that provides a background for the causes of corrosion, as well as some solutions to help slow the rate of corrosion.
What is a Solenoid Valve?
A solenoid valve is an electromechanically operated valve. It is typically used within fire protection as part of a flow switch arrangement to test for the presence of water within an automatic fire sprinkler system.
