Automatic Sprinklers

Conditions that indicate the need for maintenance for automatic sprinklers include the following: . Mechanical injury such as bent or loose deflectors or bent frames. Where sprinklers are subjected to continual damage, provide approved sprinkler guards.

l Corrosion such as marked discoloration or hard deposits. Use lead-coated or wax-coated sprinklers to prevent corrosion.

. Overheating causes soldered joints and cracked quartz bulbs to give way. Temperature ratings for soldered link sprinklers should be 50 "F above (for quartz bulb sprinklers 25 'F above) normal room temperature.

. Freezing produces reduced tension in soldered links, bent struts, and distorted caps.

. Loading is deposits of paint or other foreign materials.

. Need for replacement or relocation.

Major construction and occupancy changes and changes to heating, lighting, and air-conditioning systems may require relocation or replacement of sprinklers or additions to the system. Changes in sprinkler location and pipe sizes should be based upon an engineering evaluation. . Where sprinklers are installed in areas where there is stockpiling of materials a clearance of at least 18 inches under the sprinklers is necessary for proper water distribution.

Keep a supply of extra sprinklers for the various types and temperature ratings required and a sprinkler wrench.

Outside Open Sprinklers

When you are servicing outside open sprinklers, you should do the following:

. Visually check the general condition of sprinklers.

. Close windows and doors and take proper precautions to avoid water damage to property before making flow tests.

. Conduct the flow test by opening the control valve.

After making flow tests, remove and clean any plugged or obstructed sprinklers.

Piping and Hangers

In servicing piping and hangers, check for mechanical injury and corrosion. Replace bent or damaged piping and fittings and replace or repair missing or loose hangers. Make sure that piping is not used to support stock, equipment, or other material.

Make sure wet pipe system piping is properly protected against freezing. Before and during freezing weather, check piping of dry pipe systems for proper drainage. During freezing weather, open drains for outside sprinkler systems. Drain water from low point drains and drum drips on dry pipe systems before freezing weather occurs.

Obstructed Piping

When evidence of obstruction of piping has been found, check for the following sources of obstructing material:

Improperly screened inlets from open bodies of water

Poorly maintained elevated gravity tanks

Dead end of extensive water distribution systems

Poorly installed underground mains

Highly acid, alkaline, or saline water

Active chemicals in water supply

Use of secondhand materials in the sprinkler system

Frequent operation of systems (especially dry pipe systems) introducing additional foreign material and free oxygen

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