Preparing Fire Sprinkler Systems for Winter
Oct 29, 2020
While it’s always important to inspect and test your fire protection systems, preparing fire sprinkler systems for winter will keep your fire safety equipment in working order during the winter months. Fire sprinkler systems are an important component of fire protection that can prevent enormous and costly damages. Additionally, sprinkler systems protect employees or residents of commercial buildings by extinguishing fires early.
As temperatures drop during the winter months, your fire sprinkler system can potentially become useless if the pipes that deliver the water to the detected fire are frozen. Additionally, a frozen pipe may burst and lead to water damage, even if there is no fire detected in your building. Properly winterizing your fire sprinkler system can prevent freezing and bursting pipes. Continue reading to learn more about the consequences of frozen fire sprinkler system pipes and how you can prepare fire sprinkler systems for winter with some cold weather preventative maintenance.
What temperatures and conditions cause fire sprinkler systems to freeze?
- Wet sprinkler systems hold water in the pipes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 25 stipulate that wet sprinkler systems be maintained at a minimum of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also recommended that wet systems not be exposed to freezing temperatures, which can happen when insulation is disrupted when pipes exit then re-enter the building, or where there is a lack of building heat.
- Dry sprinkler systems are those that keep pressurized air inside the pipes instead of water, so they can withstand freezing temperatures. However, careful maintenance is needed to keep these pipes from freezing if they are exposed to sub-32-degree temperatures. In addition, the source pump, where the water is kept pressurized, needs to be in a room that is above 40 degrees.
Areas with the highest freeze potential include:
- Fire sprinkler control rooms
- Mechanical rooms
- Isolated rooms
- Unoccupied rooms
How can you prevent fire sprinkler systems from freezing?
The most effective way of keeping your fire sprinkler system from freezing is to provide regular year-long maintenance. You should contact a professional fire protection company like Summit Companies to discuss how you can prevent pipe freezing through regular fire sprinkler system maintenance. As a property owner, you are responsible for keeping the temperature of your building at the appropriate temperature, especially if you have a wet fire sprinkler system.
To keep buildings safe from fire during the winter months and avoid costly repairs down the road, there are preventative maintenance steps you can take:
- Monitor your local weather and know when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing.
- Maintain adequate heat in all buildings during the winter months. Back-up heating options are important if there is an electrical power outage. If all areas can’t be kept at least 40 degrees, you need to insulate your pipes.
- Provide sufficient insulation.
- If you have a dry pipe system, you should visually inspect and drain your pipes every few days at low points which can collect moisture and condensation
- Contact Summit Companies to conduct regular inspection, testing, and maintenance of the sprinkler systems.
I live in a warm climate – do I need to winterize my system?
Summit Companies recommends checking your fire sprinkler system before the onset of winter, even if your location experiences mild winters. In fact, buildings in warmer climates can be more vulnerable to freezing because insulating measures are ignored. Without inspecting your system, it can be difficult to properly prepare for the onset of cold weather and be aware of whether or not your system is ready. Even one cold snap can bring a system to the breaking point if it has not been properly winterized.
Summit Companies can help winterize your fire sprinkler systems
Your fire sprinkler system should be inspected annually. At an annual inspection, a qualified professional will take steps to prevent your fire sprinkler system pipes from freezing with routine maintenance.
- If you have an antifreeze system, a skilled technician will test samples from your fire sprinkler system to make sure the water in your pipes has the correct concentration of antifreeze. This concentration is important and prevents the freezing and bursting of pipes.
- If you have a dry system, a professional will drain the fire sprinkler system and then flush it with water to make sure it is operating properly and there are no cracks or leaks. Once the pipes are dry, the technician will seal the pipes and pressurize them with air.
Contact Summit Companies today to have a highly qualified fire sprinkler system technician inspect and test the sprinkler at your facility.
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Backflow Preventers
These assemblies protect potable water supplies from contamination or pollution due to backflow.
A backflow prevention device protects potable water supplies from contamination or pollution due to backflow. In addition to many local Authorities Having Jurisdictions (AHJ’s), NFPA codes require the installation of backflow prevention assemblies and the ongoing inspection, testing and maintenance of them after installation.
Summit Companies can install, inspect, test and maintain your backflow preventers.
Fire Pumps
A fire pump pressurizes water to the automatic sprinkler systems, standpipes, foam systems, hydrants, and other water-based fire suppression systems.
A fire pump is a part of a fire sprinkler system’s water supply and is typically powered by electric or diesel fuel. The pump provides water flow at a higher pressure to the sprinkler system risers and hose standpipes. When the pressure in the fire sprinkler system drops below a threshold, the fire pump starts automatically. This happens when one or more fire sprinklers are exposed to heat above their designed temperature, opens, releases water, and thus experiences a drop in pressure in the system.
Summit Companies installs, inspects, tests and maintains your fire pumps to keep them in working order.
Fire Water Tank
Fire water tanks supply water to sprinkler systems and provide a source of water for fire-fighting.
The availability of water tanks for fire protection are increasing in demand due to increased regulations and insurance requirements.
- These tanks ensure a quick and effective response in case of an emergency requiring fire department connections or a fire sprinkler system supply.
- Water tanks can provide a supplemental or back-up water source; or, they can be the sole water source—depending on the application.
Water tanks for fire protection are used for a variety of applications including to supply fire sprinkler systems, provide a source of water for firefighting and to create a fire perimeter. Buildings and properties that have an inadequate water supply for fire flow may require a fire protection water tank.
Fire protection water tanks maintenance and inspections are typically regulated based on the local authorities (AHJs).
Exit Signs and Emergency Lights
Located at every exit door, these signs and lights activate and illuminate when there is a loss of light so people can find exit doors during a fire condition.
Exit signs and emergency lights are important components to protecting the people on your property in the event of loss of light or an emergency. Typically paired together, exit signs are located at or above an exit and emergency lights provide a lighted pathway.
Summit Companies will properly maintain, inspect and test your exit signs and emergency lighting to ensure it’s in working order should an emergency happen. We will also make sure it meets local fire and building code requirements. Speak with Summit Companies to ensure your facility is up to code and your employees and customers will be safe.
Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression System
Installed to protect kitchen appliances and exhaust ductwork using wet chemical to suppress kitchen fires in commercial applications.
Commercial kitchens are a common environment for a fire to break out, so a properly working kitchen fire suppression system is critical to protecting a kitchen and the people in it should a fire happen. Avoiding them can be as simple as hiring the right fire protection service provider.
Summit Companies is your one solution for restaurant fire suppression systems.
- We’ll design, install, inspect and maintain your system to keep your business and people safe.
- We’re a fully authorized dealer for most manufacturers.
- We’ll make sure your kitchen hood suppression system is compliant with the rules and regulations.
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Fire Extinguishers
Located throughout the building to extinguish incipient fires.
All fire extinguishers are not created equal, and different spaces require different types of extinguishers. Summit Companies will help you determine which extinguishers are appropriate for your facility and will provide all the necessary inspections and maintenance to keep them in working order. Summit Companies provides annual and monthly fire extinguisher inspections for businesses as well as extinguisher sales, installation and training. In addition to annual inspections, Summit Companies can also provide 6-year internal inspections and 12-year pressure-testing. We are a fully authorized portable fire extinguisher service company and we carry the best manufacturers.
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Smoke and Heat Vent
These products prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout the building, and they also help preserve the integrity of the roof assembly in a fire emergency.
Smoke and heat vents are life-safety devices for occupants and fire fighters, designed to automatically release the smoke, heat, and hot gases from a burning building in the event of a fire. The openings also permit firefighters to douse flames directly from the rooftop location.
The International Building Code requires that roof top smoke vents automatically open to release heat, smoke, and noxious fumes in the event of a fire emergency. Additionally, NFPA codes require that these vents be inspected and maintained.
Summit Companies can inspect and test your smoke and heat vents and provide the necessary maintenance to keep you compliant and protected.
Automatic Fire Sprinkler System
These systems consist of a water supply, distribution piping, and fire sprinklers to detect and control fire.
Most newly built commercial or industrial buildings require automatic sprinkler systems for life safety, property protection, safety for firefighters and to keep business disruption minimal in the event of a fire. Sprinklers will give a warning to occupants if a fire occurs and at the same time apply water to the burning area.
Summit Companies provides fire sprinkler system design, installation, and on-going inspections, testing, and maintenance (ITM). Additionally, our trained fire sprinkler inspectors and service technicians will ensure your sprinkler system operates as designed with proper testing and maintenance.
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Flame Detection System
A flame detector is designed to detect the presence of flame, typically in milliseconds, to sound alarms and shut down fuel pumps, and operate fire suppression systems.
A flame detection system is typically utilized in high hazard industrial and commercial applications such as oil and gas, off-shore platforms, automotive manufacturing, aircraft hangers, petrochemical, power generation and many more where the processes involved are subject to high risk of fire.
Utilizing the best technologies, Summit Companies will design and install the appropriate solution for your facility to keep your assets and people safe from fire.
Clean Agent System
The systems protect high value business assets where the application of water is unwanted.
Clean agent systems are designed to quickly detect and suppress fires where the application of water from sprinklers is not appropriate and could damage the equipment or contents. You typically find these systems in data centers, telecommunications, power generation, museums, healthcare facilities and more. These systems require uniquely trained and qualified personnel to design, install, service and repair these systems.
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Security Cameras (CCTV)
These systems provide 24/7 surveillance throughout your property.
Security cameras are a critical component to protecting your property from intrusion. At Summit Companies, we take the responsibility of safeguarding your property, your assets and your people very seriously. We offer integrated security solutions that are unique to your business, are flexible, and are scalable as your business grows. You can be confident that the systems we design, install and monitor will protect you today and in the years to come.
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Access Control and Intrusion Detection Systems
This protection system provides control over access to your facility.</>
Access control and intrusion detection systems provide a level of security integrating both hardware and software to keep your business safe.
- Access control establishes owner designated control limits for physical access to your facility for employees and visitors.
- Intrusion detection is software that helps owners to define and limit entrance access (or controlled areas) within a building utilizing identification, constant door monitoring, and automatic alerts of access violations.
Summit Companies has the expertise to design, install, inspect and maintain your access control and intrusion detection systems in order to keep you safe.
Fire Hydrant
The Fire hydrant is a connection point by which firefighters can tap into a permanent water supply. It is a component of active fire protection.
A fire hydrant is a critical component to fire protection for commercial and residential buildings. Regular inspections and maintenance will ensure your fire hydrant remains in good working condition should it be needed.
Air Sampling Smoke Detection System
This early warning smoke detection system uses air sampling on a molecular level to detect and alert occupants when smoke is present.
Air sampling smoke detectors are capable of detecting a smoke at its earliest stage. These systems actively pull air through a piping network to its detection chamber where it can detect the presence of particles that are created in the very early stages of combustion, even before smoke is visible.
Air sampling smoke detectors are critical for telecommunications facilities, server rooms, financial data centers, utilities, clean rooms and more where business continuity is a priority. Other applications for air sampling smoke detection include areas with unique architectural features, including atriums, where the access and maintenance of traditional spot-type smoke detectors would be problematic.
Contact Summit Companies to discuss if this system is the best solution for your facility.
Fire Alarm Control Panel
The fire alarm control panel receives information from detectors, control equipment, and informs the Fire Department.
The fire alarm control panel is the controlling unit of a fire alarm system. It receives information from devices designed to detect and report fires, monitors the operational integrity of the system, and provides for automatic control of equipment. In addition to notifying building occupants of fire and related emergencies via audio and visual alarms, the fire alarm control panel will also notify emergency services and help to facilitate safe evacuation and emergency response during a fire.
The fire alarm control panel is a critical component to your fire protection system.
Manual Fire Alarm Pull Station
This device initiates a fire alarm condition when activated.
A manual fire alarm pull station is a manually activated component of a fire alarm system. You can typically identify them by a red box mounted on a wall. While they are commonplace in commercial and multi-family residential buildings, they are a necessary component for buildings in order to comply with fire codes and regulations, including in buildings with automatic fire detection and alarm systems. Because manual fire alarm pull stations require manual activation, they are considered a failsafe if the automatic systems should malfunction.
Summit Companies will help to ensure you are meeting all code requirements for your building with the correct design, installation, inspections and maintenance required for manual fire alarm pull stations.
Linear Heat Detection
Detects heat along the length of a sensor cable and alerts a control panel to activate alarms or suppression systems.
Linear heat detectors use a wire or cable instead of a spot-type device to detect heat from fire. These detectors detect heat and not smoke and are designed for use in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor applications. Some types of linear heat detectors are particularly suited for areas where installation or maintenance access is in a physically demanding or hazardous area, or when an application requires fire detection within close proximity. These type of detection devices are ideal in areas where other means of detection could be damaged or inefficient.
Summit Companies will customize the solutions most effective and efficient for your facility.
Foam system and tanks
Used to protect facilities from flammable liquid fires by spreading across the fuel and suppressing flammable vapors.
Foam has become a proven medium to extinguish fires involving combustible and flammable liquids. Foam systems protect virtually any hazard where flammable or combustible liquids are present. These systems are critical to a multitude of industries including petrochemical, chemical, oil and gas, aviation, marine/offshore, manufacturing, utilities, military, and transportation.
There are different extinguishing systems depending on the tank size and placement of the system. Summit Companies provides complete design and installation services on your foam agents, storage tanks and discharge devices. We also provide annual inspections, testing, repair and maintenance including replacements and system commissioning.
Foam system and tanks
Used to protect facilities from flammable liquid fires by spreading across the fuel and suppressing flammable vapors.
Foam has become a proven medium to extinguish fires involving combustible and flammable liquids. Foam systems protect virtually any hazard where flammable or combustible liquids are present. These systems are critical to a multitude of industries including petrochemical, chemical, oil and gas, aviation, marine/offshore, manufacturing, utilities, military, and transportation.
There are different extinguishing systems depending on the tank size and placement of the system. Summit Companies provides complete design and installation services on your foam agents, storage tanks and discharge devices. We also provide annual inspections, testing, repair and maintenance including replacements and system commissioning.
Fire Alarm Annunciator Panel
The fire alarm annunciator panel includes visual and audible indicators to warn operating personnel of fire or smoke conditions in the building.
Fire alarm annunciator panels work with your fire alarm system to provide accurate, detailed information and help you manage emergency situations and prevent them from happening.
Combined with our integrated and automated fire suppression systems, 24/7 monitoring service and industry-trained technicians, our fire alarm systems will provide peace of mind for your business.
Wheeled Portable Fire Extinguisher
These units provide fire protection in high-risk areas.
Wheeled portable fire extinguishers can be easily operated by one person and are differentiated from hand-held extinguishers based on their capacity or total weight. Wheeled units are available in a variety of sizes and extinguishing agents with capacities that range from 30 to 350 pounds. They are often chosen for the higher capacity (volume), higher flow rates, extended firefighting range and extended discharge time.
Monitoring Systems
These systems transmit fire protection signals to a central monitoring station for emergency response.
Alarm monitoring is a critical part of a comprehensive fire protection or security system. When an alarm is triggered, audible and visual alerts warn of the emergency, while a signal is sent to a monitoring center to dispatch help.
With fire alarm monitoring, business owners can be confident that even if a fire breaks out when their building is unoccupied, it will still be quickly reported to emergency services to prevent loss of lives or excessive damage to equipment.
Protect your building and employees with 24/7 alarm monitoring with Summit Companies.
