How Often Should You Schedule a Fire Sprinkler Inspection?

Local legislature dictates your fire sprinkler inspection schedules. In Australia, automatic sprinkler systems need inspecting and testing monthly. Otherwise, you might breach AS1851, Section 2.

But broader research suggests this isn’t a one size fits all answer. There are many fire sprinkler components, each of which requires its own inspection and testing schedule.

To help keep track of what needs looking at, and when, we’ve put together this quick and easy-to-read guide to ensure your systems are as up-to-date and compliant as they should be.

Fire Sprinkler Inspection

During an inspection, your fire sprinkler system needs examining visually for signs of wear or malfunction. For instance, rust, corrosion, or broken parts.

EVERY WEEK: You should check the gauges in the dry, pre-action, and deluge systems.
EVERY MONTH: You should check the gauges in the wet pipe systems.
EVERY THREE MONTHS: Inspect the water flow alarm devices, the supervisory signal devices, the hydraulic nameplates, and valves.
EVERY YEAR: Ensure pipes, fittings, spare sprinklers, and information signage is looked over.
EVERY FIVE YEARS: There should be an internal inspection of the sprinkler piping.

Fire Sprinkler Testing

A test of your fire sprinkler system is more in-depth. It needs to assess all the various parts within the system, to make sure that they are in full working order.

While the entire system needs testing once a year, each component also needs testing.

MECHANICAL DEVICES within the sprinkler should be tested QUARTERLY;
VANE AND PRESSURE SWITCH DEVICES should be tested TWICE A YEAR;
THE COMPLETE FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM(including low flow tests, alarm tests, trip tests, everything) should be tested

Furthermore, different parts within your system will have different lengths of longevity. For example, you should test and/or replace the gauges every five years, and the dry sprinklers every ten.

Other parts that need testing less often, but may need to be replaced at regular intervals are:

The sprinklers exposed to extra high temperatures and harsh environments (every five years);
Fast-response sprinklers (20 years initially, and then every ten years after that);
Standard response sprinklers (50 years initially, and then every ten years after that).

Did You Know?

From 1st July 2020, only ‘competent fire safety practitioners under the Fire Protection Association Australia Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme’ will be authorised to issue Annual Fire Safety Certificates.

Fire System Design (FSD) is based in New South Wales. Our team of experienced and qualified personnel are Fire Protection Association Australia authorised. If you’re due a fire sprinkler inspection, or if your own internal testing highlights performance issues or concerns, get in touch with us today. We’ll ensure the continued safety of your building—and of all its inhabitants.

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