Engine Module Page 1 of 8 ANNUAL INSPECTOR S TEST Note: In 2014 the Escondido Fire Department discontinued performing an Inspector s Test on sprinkler systems electing to inspect the system as outlined instead. This portion of section 306.00 is included because some agencies in the North Zone still perform this test. Sprinkler systems should have an "annual inspector s test". This test simulates the flow of (1) sprinkler head with a 1/2" orifice by opening the inspector s test valve. The inspector s test valve is normally located at a point distant to the riser to test the system at the furthest point possible. The test insures water in the system as well as testing to see if the local and/or supervised system is operational. Note: This is not a five-year certification test. Prior to testing: Have the building operator or owner open and close all valves. Notify Dispatch of your test, give location and ask them to make note of the time of alarm received for supervised systems. Insure that the discharge from the inspectors test drain is to a safe area (i.e. doesn t cause erosion & property damage). Testing Sequence: 1. Open the Inspector s test valve. Alarm should sound between 15 and 60 seconds. Observe the color of water discharging. This should clear up within 30 seconds. 2. After the test is complete, make sure all valves are back to operational positions. 3. Check that all control valves are open and sealed or locked. 4. Check the FDC. Make sure the female coupling is free to rotate, threads are in good shape, and caps are in place. 5. Check stockpiling. Top of piles should not be closer than 18 inches vertically to the sprinkler deflectors. 6. Check for any walls or partitions, which may have been moved. Walls should not be more than 71/2 feet from a sprinkler measured at a right angle with the wall
Engine Module Page 2 of 8 Annual Sprinkler System Inspection The inspection of a sprinkler system checks the condition of all of its various parts. The Alarm Bell The Alarm Bell Locate the alarm bell and check its location against the map page that it is undamaged and appears in working order. Note the alarm bell in this picture. Connections and Valves Note: no caps on FDC Access to back-flow-preventer Signage for what it controls Chain and breakaway Lock OS&Y valves in the OPEN position Tamper switch and connections intact Caps on FDC Signs of excessive leaking or corrosion
Engine Module Page 3 of 8 Note: Corroded butterfly valve Access to butterfly valve Signs identify areas covered Note: Tamper Switch J Box Cover Missing
Engine Module Page 4 of 8 Paddle indicates OPEN or Shut Chain and breakaway lock Tamper switch and connections Excessive corrosion Paddle valve indicating Note: Butterfly valve is in off position Wall Mounted Control Valve Access to Control Valve Site Glass OPEN or SHUT or Stem Valve indicating open or shut Signage for What it Controls Chain and Breakaway Lock Tamper Switch Intact
Engine Module Page 5 of 8 Accessibility Signage (area or building it services) Caps missing Hose connections (frozen and gaskets) Excessive Leaking or Corrosion Brush clearance required for hose connections Note: FDC behind the tires
Engine Module Page 6 of 8 Swivels loose Caps on and not frozen to swivels Signage Access Sprinkler Rooms Signage OS&Y stems Corrosion Leaking Tamper devices Electrical Alarm devices
Engine Module Page 7 of 8 Note: Covers Missing Minimum of 6 spare sprinkler heads and a wrench required when a sprinkler head gets knocked off or has fused the fire department will attempt to get the system back into service when possible. If replacement of the sprinkler head is not possible Section 901.7 of the 2013 Fire Code gives the fire department the authority to require a fire watch until a sprinkler system is replaced into service. Note: Item hanging over sprinkler head
Engine Module Page 8 of 8 Sprinklers Note: Hanging wires on sprinkler pipe Note: heater obstructs the sprinkler head Five Year Cert Sticker Sprinkler systems require an inspection and certification every five years and this must be indicated by a State Fire Marshal approved sticker. Inspecting the sprinkler system of a business is part of every Fire and Life Safety Inspection.