Sprinklers

The automatic sprinkler fire-extinguishing system, better known simply as the sprinkler system, is one of the most widespread solutions in the world for fire protection in domestic and industrial environments. It is an automatic, simple, and reliable system that is well suited to most types of risk.

It consists of a network of constantly pressurised water (wet systems) or air (dry systems) pipes, to which the sprinkler heads are connected, together with heat-sensitive elements: a simple and effective system. The nozzles are positioned at the height of the ceiling or roof and, if necessary, heat generated by a fire will cause them to open and release water.

Its characteristic feature is its completely autonomous operation, which therefore requires an automatic water supply with predetermined flow, pressure, and duration. Assessing how to design a sprinkler system and its technical characteristics requires a thorough knowledge of the relevant technical standard as well as an in-depth study of the performance required of the system. When it comes to protection with sprinkler systems, the choice must also focus on the type of system that is best suited to the various conditions of use.

There are four main categories:

  • Dry system: the pipes contain air instead of water, and when the nozzles are opened, the air is released and water enters the pipes. One of the main advantages is that they can also be used in unheated spaces if there are no other impediments to their use
  • Sistema ad umido: nelle tubazioni si trova acqua in pressione e l’apertura avviene sempre tramite il calore sviluppato dall’incendio ma prima di selezionarlo bisogna valutare attentamente le condizioni ambientali e se è il caso di utilizzare apposite miscele per garantirne il funzionamento>Wet system.
  • Deluge system: this type of system operates somewhat differently from the systems seen so far and involves heat-sensitive, uncapped nozzles, so it is generally managed by a separate detection system. Unlike the other systems, delivery takes place contemporaneously, and it is used extensively at high-risk businesses or where there is a greater risk of the fire spreading widely
  • Early warning system: this operates on the same basis as dry systems where the pipes are filled with air but activation takes place by means of a separate detection system. It has the added advantage of requiring two consents to operate.

In order to ensure their effectiveness, it is essential that the checks required by the standards, which detail all the activities and maintenance schedules, be performed by specialised personnel.

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  • Our technicians receive continuous professional training
  • Our staff are direct employees, not subcontracted
  • We are very well acquainted with multi-site industrial, logistics, and retail operations
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Maintenance phases and frequency

Phase Frequency Situation
Initial inspection - Assumption
(responsible company) 		Occasional Before delivery of a new or modified system or when assuming the maintenance of a system
Monitoring
(internal) 		Continuous
weekly and monthly 		According to the scheduled maintenance plan bisogna provare il corretto funzionamento dell’impianto sprinkler come indicato dal Costruttore e dalla norma
Routine maintenance
(responsible company) 		Quarterly
Every six months 		According to the scheduled maintenance plan
Extraordinary maintenance
(responsible company) 		Occasional According to need for major repairs
Water supply test Annual According to regulatory requirements
Third-party inspection Annual Carried out by the responsible person. It should assess whether the system is in compliance with the standard, whether maintenance is adequate, and whether it is commensurate with the inherent risk.
Check and repair of tanks and valves Every three years According to regulatory requirements and in connection with the pumping station
Cleaning the water reserve Every ten years According to regulatory requirements and in connection with the pumping station

Documentation to be acquired prior to starting maintenance activities

  • User and maintenance manual;
  • As-built designs and documentation of the system;
  • Manufacturers' test procedure;
  • Test equipment.

Initial inspection

To be performed by the Maintenance Technician

Preliminary Inspection
  • Verification that the system corresponds to the executive plan;
  • Visual inspection of the system.
Functional Check
  • Verification that the system logics correspond to the project requirements with verification of the detailed list of system components;
  • Testing of the real effectiveness of the pumping stations with determination of the pump curve;
  • Check that the control valve gasket kit has effectively been replaced, and that the foamers and membranes have been analysed.

Monitoring

To be completed by the Assigned personnel

What?
  • Visual inspection;
  • Checking the status messages on the system.
When?
  • Weekly, monthly depending on the type of check to be carried out and the size of the system.
Increase frequency in the case of:
  • Installations in high-risk environments;
  • Installations in environments with particularly adverse weather conditions;
  • Specific requirements of the manufacturer or designer.

Periodic inspection

To be performed by the Maintenance Technician

What?
  • Check that the initial inspection documents are on hand;
  • Check that no actions have been taken or structural changes made in the protected environment.
How?
  • The quarterly periodic inspection must be performed by a Specialised Company that must check the sprinkler fire-extinguishing system and the pumping station - if any - on the basis of the minimum checks contained in standard UNI EN 12845:2009, using specific instruments, suitable manuals, design drawings, wiring diagrams, and operating logics provided by the User;
  • It must also verify that the auxiliary features are present (automatic and manual pump start-ups, check that the alarm bells are working, etc.)

Three-Yearly Periodic Inspection

To be performed by the Maintenance Technician

How?
  • It must check, repair, or replace all shut-off valves, alarm valves, and check valves.
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