How To Turn Off Fire Sprinkler

Turning off a fire sprinkler system can be an important task in various situations, such as during maintenance, a false alarm, or accidental activation. However, it is essential to understand that fire sprinkler systems are critical components of building safety and should only be turned off by trained professionals when necessary. Turning off the sprinkler system improperly can lead to safety hazards, property damage, and code violations. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to turn off a fire sprinkler system, covering different types of systems, the equipment involved, and the steps to follow, while emphasizing safety and regulatory compliance.

Understanding Fire Sprinkler Systems

Before diving into the steps to turn off a fire sprinkler system, it's crucial to understand the basic components and types of systems. Fire sprinkler systems are designed to detect and suppress fires automatically, minimizing damage and saving lives. They typically consist of the following components:

1. Sprinkler Heads: These are the nozzles that spray water when a fire is detected. Each head is equipped with a heat-sensitive element that triggers the water release.
2. Piping: A network of pipes that supply water to the sprinkler heads. This piping is usually filled with pressurized water or connected to a water supply that can be quickly activated.
3. Control Valves: These valves control the flow of water into the system. They include the main control valve, which controls the entire system, and individual zone valves that control specific sections.
4. Alarm Valves: These valves trigger the fire alarm system when water flow is detected, indicating that the sprinkler has been activated.
5. Water Supply: A dedicated water supply line provides the necessary water pressure to the system, which can be sourced from the building’s water supply, a dedicated water tank, or a fire pump.

Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fire sprinkler systems can be broadly categorized into several types, each with its own method of operation:

1. Wet Pipe Sprinkler System: This is the most common type of system, where the pipes are constantly filled with water. When a sprinkler head is triggered, water is immediately discharged.
2. Dry Pipe Sprinkler System: In this system, the pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen. Water is only released into the pipes when a sprinkler head is activated. Dry pipe systems are used in environments where pipes may be exposed to freezing temperatures.
3. Pre-Action Sprinkler System: Similar to dry pipe systems, pre-action systems require a two-step process to activate. These systems are typically used in areas where accidental water discharge could cause significant damage, such as data centers.
4. Deluge Sprinkler System: In these systems, all sprinkler heads are open, and water is only released when a separate fire detection system activates the deluge valve. Deluge systems are often used in high-hazard areas where rapid fire spread is a concern.
5. Foam Water Sprinkler System: These systems combine water and foam to suppress fires, particularly in areas with flammable liquids. They can be either wet or dry pipe systems.

Steps to Safely Turn Off a Fire Sprinkler System

Turning off a fire sprinkler system involves several steps, depending on the type of system and the reason for turning it off. It's essential to follow these steps carefully to ensure safety and compliance with local fire codes.

1. Assess the Situation

Before turning off a fire sprinkler system, assess the situation to determine the reason for deactivation. Common reasons include:

• Accidental Activation: A sprinkler head may have been accidentally activated, causing unnecessary water flow.
• False Alarm: The fire alarm system may have triggered the sprinklers without a fire present.
• Maintenance or Repairs: Routine maintenance or repair work on the sprinkler system may require temporary shutdown.
• Testing: Fire sprinkler systems are periodically tested to ensure they function correctly. Testing may involve temporarily turning off certain parts of the system.

2. Notify Building Occupants and Authorities

Always notify building occupants and relevant authorities before turning off the fire sprinkler system. This includes informing:

• Building Occupants: Announce over the building’s public address system or other communication methods that the fire sprinkler system will be temporarily turned off for maintenance or testing.
• Fire Department: Notify the local fire department of the planned deactivation. This ensures that emergency responders are aware and can respond appropriately in the event of a fire.
• Building Management and Security: Inform building management and security personnel to ensure they are aware of the situation and can take necessary precautions.

3. Locate the Main Control Valve

The main control valve is the primary shutoff point for the fire sprinkler system. It is typically located near the building’s main water supply entrance or in a dedicated fire control room. The main control valve may be one of the following types:

• OS&Y Valve (Outside Screw and Yoke): This valve has a visible stem that moves up and down when the valve is operated. When the stem is visible, the valve is open. When the stem is not visible, the valve is closed.
• Post Indicator Valve (PIV): A PIV is typically located outside the building and has a window that indicates whether the valve is open or closed. Turning the handle shuts off the water supply.
• Butterfly Valve: Common in some systems, this valve has a lever that rotates to open or close the water flow.

4. Turn Off the Main Control Valve

Once you have located the main control valve, follow these steps to turn it off:

• Confirm the Valve Type: Ensure you know the type of valve you are dealing with (e.g., OS&Y, PIV, Butterfly).
• Turn the Valve to the Closed Position: Rotate the valve handle clockwise to close it. For OS&Y valves, turn the wheel until the stem is no longer visible. For PIVs, use the appropriate tool to rotate the valve to the closed position. For butterfly valves, move the lever to the closed position.
• Verify Closure: Check the water pressure gauge to confirm that the water pressure has dropped, indicating that the system is off.

5. Drain the System (If Necessary)

In some cases, it may be necessary to drain the fire sprinkler system to perform maintenance or repairs. This is particularly important for dry pipe and pre-action systems. To drain the system:

• Locate the Drain Valve: The drain valve is usually located near the main control valve or at the lowest point in the system.
• Open the Drain Valve: Turn the valve to the open position to allow water to drain from the system.
• Monitor the Drainage: Ensure that water is draining properly and that the system is completely emptied if necessary.

6. Perform Maintenance or Repairs

With the fire sprinkler system turned off and drained, proceed with the necessary maintenance or repairs. This may include:

• Replacing Sprinkler Heads: Damaged or activated sprinkler heads can be replaced with new ones.
• Inspecting and Repairing Piping: Check for leaks, corrosion, or other issues in the piping network and repair as needed.
• Testing the System: Perform required tests to ensure the system is functioning correctly before turning it back on.

7. Turning the System Back On

Once maintenance or repairs are complete, it’s time to turn the fire sprinkler system back on. Follow these steps:

• Close the Drain Valve: Ensure the drain valve is closed to prevent water from escaping.
• Open the Main Control Valve: Slowly turn the main control valve to the open position. For OS&Y valves, turn the wheel until the stem is fully visible. For PIVs, use the appropriate tool to rotate the valve to the open position. For butterfly valves, move the lever to the open position.
• Check for Leaks: Inspect the system for any signs of leaks or abnormal water flow.
• Restore Pressure: Monitor the water pressure gauge to ensure the system is pressurized correctly.
• Test the System: Perform a test to confirm that the fire sprinkler system is functioning properly. This may involve activating a test valve to simulate water flow.

8. Notify Building Occupants and Authorities of Restoration

After the system is turned back on and tested, notify building occupants, the fire department, building management, and security personnel that the fire sprinkler system has been restored to normal operation.

Special Considerations for Different Sprinkler Systems

The steps outlined above apply to most fire sprinkler systems, but some systems may require additional considerations:

Wet Pipe Systems

• Turning off a wet pipe system is straightforward, as the pipes are always filled with water. However, be cautious of residual water pressure when turning the system back on.

Dry Pipe Systems

• Dry pipe systems use pressurized air, which may need to be recharged after turning the system back on. Follow manufacturer guidelines for recharging air pressure.
• Draining the system is essential before turning it off to prevent water from freezing in the pipes.

Pre-Action Systems

• Pre-action systems require careful coordination with the fire detection system. Ensure that both the sprinkler and fire detection systems are disabled before performing maintenance.
• Verify that the pre-action valve is reset correctly after maintenance to avoid accidental water discharge.

Deluge Systems

• Deluge systems require coordination with separate fire detection systems. Ensure all systems are properly deactivated and reactivated during maintenance.
• Testing deluge systems may require discharging water to simulate operation, so be prepared for potential water discharge.

Foam Water Systems

• Foam water systems involve additional components, such as foam concentrate tanks and proportioning devices. Ensure that these components are correctly maintained and tested.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for testing and refilling foam concentrate.

Safety Precautions

Turning off a fire sprinkler system involves certain risks. To ensure safety, follow these precautions:

1. Only Qualified Personnel: Only trained and qualified personnel should handle fire sprinkler systems. This includes maintenance personnel, fire safety professionals, and authorized contractors.
2. Use Proper Tools and Equipment: Ensure that you have the necessary tools and equipment to operate valves, drain the system, and perform maintenance safely.
3. Wear Protective Gear: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection, to protect against water discharge and debris.
4. Follow Lockout/Tagout Procedures: If applicable, use lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental activation of the fire sprinkler system during maintenance.
5. Adhere to Local Fire Codes and Regulations: Comply with local fire codes, regulations, and standards when working with fire sprinkler systems. This ensures that the system remains in compliance with safety requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While turning off and maintaining fire sprinkler systems, it's essential to avoid common mistakes that could lead to safety hazards or system malfunctions:

1. Not Notifying Authorities: Failing to notify the fire department and building management can lead to confusion and delayed response in case of an actual fire.
2. Improper Valve Operation: Turning off the wrong valve or not fully opening/closing the valve can result in partial system operation or accidental water discharge.
3. Skipping System Tests: Failing to test the system after turning it back on can leave the building vulnerable to undetected malfunctions.
4. Ignoring Maintenance Requirements: Regular maintenance and inspections are essential for the proper functioning of fire sprinkler systems. Neglecting maintenance can lead to system failure when it's needed most.

Conclusion

Turning off a fire sprinkler system is a task that requires careful planning, coordination, and adherence to safety protocols. By understanding the different types of systems, following the appropriate steps, and taking necessary precautions, you can safely manage fire sprinkler systems for maintenance, testing, or emergency situations. Remember, fire sprinkler systems are critical for life safety and property protection, and any work on these systems should be performed by trained and qualified personnel. Always consult with fire safety professionals and adhere to local codes and regulations to ensure the safe and effective operation of fire sprinkler systems.