Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems and Their Inspection and Testing Requirements

Posted March 29, 2022 by Koorsen Fire & Security

deluge fire sprinkler system

Deluge fire protection systems are a special type of fire sprinkler system, which is connected directly to the water supply with a deluge valve. In more common types of sprinkler systems, the sprinkler heads are closed until activated whereas the sprinkler heads or nozzles in a deluge system remain open at all times. When the deluge valve is activated, it releases the water into the pipes and through all the sprinkler heads or nozzles all at once, inundating the protected area.

Foam water deluge systems function in basically the same way but are connected to a source of concentrated fire suppressant foam in addition to a water supply, which allows mixing as it is released through the sprinkler heads or nozzles.

A deluge system is an "empty-pipe" system. Unlike a "wet-pipe" system in which the piping system is filled with water at all times, or a "dry-pipe" system, in which the pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen, the piping in a deluge system contains only air at the surrounding atmospheric pressure. The water (and foam, in foam water systems) are held back by a deluge valve at the water supply connection. 

Deluge systems are typically used in high hazard areas such as power plants, chemical plants, and other industrial or manufacturing facilities where there are large amounts of combustibles that would allow a fire to become explosive and spread quickly. Because of their ability to completely flood an area with water within seconds of activation, deluge systems are very effective in such scenarios.   

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What You Should Know If You Have a Deluge System 

Like all fire protection systems, deluge sprinkler systems must be inspected and tested on a regular basis to remain in compliance with local and state fire codes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems covers these requirements in detail. If your building has a deluge system, you will find the table below a useful summary of the inspection and testing requirements for deluge systems.

Frequency System Components
Inspections

Daily

  • Enclosures (during cold weather)

Weekly

  • Casing and pressure relief valves on any fire pumps serving the system
  • Dry pipe gauges

Monthly

  • Control valve and alarm valves exteriors
  • Dry pipe and deluge valve exteriors
  • Proportioning systems (foam water systems)
  • Spray nozzle location and position

Quarterly

  • Fire department connections
  • Supervisory signal devices (except valve supervisory switches)
  • Foam concentrate strainers (foam water systems)
  • Drainage in system area

Semiannually

  • Valve supervisory signal initiating device

Annually

  • Sprinkler location, and position
  • Sprinkler condition and the number of spare sprinklers on hand
  • Inspection of all fittings and pipes for damage and corrosion
  • Hangers, braces, and supports
  • Interior condition of deluge valve
  • All required informational signs

Every five years

  • All strainers, filters, and orifices
  • Dry pipe check valve interiors
  • Alarm valve interiors
Testing

Quarterly

  • Main drains

Annually

  • Deluge valve trip test
  • Complete operational test (foam water systems)
  • Proportioning systems, foam water solution, and concentrate strainers (foam water systems)
  • Control valve position and operation
  • Supervisory valve
  • Water supply piping
  • Backflow prevention assemblies
  • Discharge device testing for proper location, position, and to identify any obstructions
  • Manual actuation devices

Every five years

  • Gauges
  • Water supply flow test

Every ten years

  • Sprinklers tested/replaced

 

While these requirements may seem daunting, they don't have to be. Regardless of the type of sprinkler system your building has, Koorsen can help you determine what inspections and tests are required and can help you stay on top of them to keep your system well maintained and compliant at all times. Contact us today to begin enjoying the peace of mind that if a fire does break out in your building, your sprinklers will operate as expected to put it out quickly.

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Topics: Fire Protection, Fire Sprinkler Systems

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but Koorsen Fire & Security assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. It does not constitute professional advice. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information's accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.