The installer shall provide the operator with instructions on the controls of the system to be carried out. This includes action to be taken in respect of faults and operation of the
system, with particular mention of the procedure for emergency manual starting of pumps, and details of the weekly control as per 18.3.3.
Note: In the case of installations without any significant safety deficiencies,
− inspected by VdS at least once a year,
− being subject to the conclusion of a servicing contract with a VdS-approved installer, and
− being subject to appropriate organisational measures,
the daily and weekly controls may be adjusted accordingly and by agreement with VdS.
18.3.1 Special controls
During the cold season sprinkler systems shall be especially protected against freezing.
The pipework of dry pipe systems shall be drained before and during each frost period. For further details on the protection of sprinkler systems against freezing see VdS 2373.
The following controls shall be carried out and recorded:
− accumulators
The electrolyte level and density of all cells of accumulators (including those in diesel engine starter batteries and those for controller power supplies) shall be controlled. If the density is low, the installer shall check the battery charger. If the charger is working normally, the installer shall replace the battery or batteries affected.
− control of compressor oil levels
Any procedures stipulated by the component manufacturers shall be carried out additionally.
18.3.2 Daily controls
Daily controls shall be carried out on all weekdays. Maximum interval between controls due to Sundays and holidays shall be three days. In the case of systems whose operational status is monitored automatically in accordance with Clause 19, daily controls are not necessary. In this case, controls shall be carried out at least once a week.
The following shall be checked and recorded:
− fill levels in water tanks (storage tanks, reduced capacity tanks, ground and elevated tanks and pump priming tanks);
− fill levels in pressure tanks;
− fill levels in fuel tanks;
− fill levels in foam concentrate tanks;
− pressure in pressure tanks;
− pressure upstream of alarm valves;
− pressure in pipework of dry, alternate and pre-action installations;
− functionality of the heating equipment (during heating period) in the sprinkler equipment room, for wet pipe systems, etc.
18.3.3 Weekly control 18.3.3.1 General
Each part of the weekly routine shall be carried out at intervals of not more than 7 days.
18.3.3.2 Controls
The following shall be controlled and recorded:
a) the correct operational position of all main stop valves;
Note: The slide valves in pipes, e.g. upstream and downstream of the pump, from the water supplies to the extinguishing system, upstream of alarm valves being able to interrupt the water flow, shall be secured in the open position such that unauthorised persons cannot adjust them. The slide valves in pipes, e.g. test pipe, pipe leading to the fire department supply connections, draining pipe of tanks being able to decrease the water flow, shall be secured in the closed position such that unauthorised persons cannot adjust them.
b) any water levels in rivers, canals, lakes that are relevant for the water supply of the system.
18.3.3.3 Water motor alarm control
Each water motor alarm shall be sounded for not less than 30 s and simultaneously the connection to the fire brigade or the permanently manned location shall be checked.
Note: The procedure shall be agreed with the alarm signal recipient.
18.3.3.4 Automatic pump starting control
The automatic pump starting control shall include the following:
a) fuel and engine lubricating oil and cooling water levels in diesel engines shall be checked;
b) water pressure on the starting device shall be reduced, thus simulating the condition of automatic starting;
c) when the pump starts, the starting pressure shall be checked and recorded;
d) the oil pressure, cooling water temperature and engine speed on diesel engines shall be checked, as well as the flow of cooling water through open circuit cooling systems For pump start controls the test run shall last until the normal operating data of the driving motor, such as power consumption, oil/cooling water temperature, are reached. In the case of electric motors the power consumption is measured.
18.3.3.5 Control of manual diesel engine restart
Immediately after the pump start as per 18.3.3.4, the following diesel engine controls shall be carried out:
a) the engine shall be run for the time recommended by the manufacturer, or at least until the operating temperature has been reached; the engine shall then be stopped and immediately restarted using the manual start button;
b) the water level in the primary circuit of closed circuit cooling systems shall be controlled.
Oil pressure, engine temperatures and coolant flow shall be monitored throughout the control. Oil pipes shall be controlled and a general control made for leakage of fuel, coolant or exhaust fumes.
This also applies to diesel engines of standby supply generators.
18.3.4 Monthly control
The following shall be controlled and recorded:
− visual control of pipework, sprinklers, nozzles and pipe hangers;
− function control of automatic priming and refill equipment for reduced capacity tanks, pump priming tanks and elevated reservoirs;
− control of permitted storage heights; control of minimum spacing between sprinkler deflector or nozzles and top of stored goods;
− sprinkler systems with foam proportioning;
− function control of the proportioning unit and any of its fittings without the use of water or foaming agent.
18.3.5 Quarterly control General
The following controls and inspections shall be made and recorded at intervals of not more than 13 weeks by the operator/person responsible (“sprinkler warden”). These checks may also be carried out during the servicing by a VdS-approved installer:
18.3.5.1 Control of fire hazard classification
The effect of any changes of structure, occupancy, storage configuration, heating, lighting or equipment etc. of a building on hazard classification or installation design shall be identified in order that the appropriate modifications may be carried out.
Note: Following significant modifications the correct hazard classification should be agreed with the authorities or an approved installer.
18.3.5.2 Sprinklers, multiple controls and sprayers
Sprinklers, multiple controls and sprayers affected by deposits shall be carefully cleaned.
Painted or distorted sprinkler heads, multiple controls or sprayers shall be replaced by a VdS-approved installer.
Particular attention shall be paid to sprinklers in spray booths, where more frequent cleaning and/or protective measures are necessary.
18.3.5.3 Pipework and pipe hangers
Pipework and hangers shall be random-checked for corrosion and painted as necessary.
Bitumen-based paint on pipework, including the threaded ends of galvanised pipework, and hangers shall be renewed as necessary.
Note: Bitumen-based paint may need renewal at intervals varying from 1 to 5 years according to the severity of the conditions.
Tape wrapping on pipes shall be repaired as necessary.
The pipework shall be controlled for electrical earthing connections. Sprinkler pipework shall not be used for earthing electrical equipment and any earthing connections from electrical equipment shall be removed and alternative arrangements made.
18.3.5.4 Protection against freezing
The specific gravity of the anti-freeze solution shall be verified quarterly for unheated areas during the frost period, and generally quarterly for permanent cold storage.
18.3.5.5 Electrical supplies
Any secondary electrical supplies from diesel generators shall be checked for satisfactory operation.
18.3.5.6 Stop valves
All stop valves controlling the flow of water to sprinklers shall be operated to ensure that they are in working order, and securely refastened in the correct mode. This shall include the stop valves on all water supplies, at the alarm valves and all zone or other subsidiary stop valves.
18.3.5.7 Water flow alarm switches
Water flow alarm switches shall be controlled for correct function and allocation to the area of protection.
18.3.5.8 Trace heating and localised heating systems
Heating systems to prevent freezing in the sprinkler system shall be checked for correct function.
18.3.5.9 Monitoring system
Function control of the monitoring system (at least 1 transmitter per monitoring line);
including transmission to permanently manned location.