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Sprinklers
The idea behind automatic fire sprinkler systems dates back to the 1800s and hasn't changed much since its inception. The main goal of a sprinkler system is to supply a steady supply of fire extinguishing material (whether it is water or foam) ready to burst into action should a fire break out.
Typically, a network of piping filled with water under pressure (Wet System) is installed behind walls and ceilings in a building with individual sprinkler heads placed along the piping designed to protect the areas below them. The water is contained or held back in the system by the glass bulb or soldered link in each sprinkler head. If a fire breaks out the air temperature above the fire rises and cause the glass bulb to break or the soldered link to melt releasing the water. Once the water is released it forcefully sprays in a radius of about 20 feet, extinguishing the fire in most case or at the least controlling the fire and limiting the development of toxic smoke. Opposed to what you see in the movies only the sprinkler head(s) nearest the fire activate and usually (1) sprinkler head is enough to put out a fire before it gets out of control.
Bottom line is a properly installed and maintained automatic fire sprinkler systems help save lives by dramatically reducing the heat, flames and smoke produced in a fire allowing people time to evacuate.
What we do?
Design, sales, installation and quarterly/annual inspections in accordance with NFPA 13, 13D, 13R, and 25, as well as other governing NFPA Standards, State & Local Codes and Standard Insurance Requirements.
At Allied, we not only design your sprinkler system; we custom fabricate your order, deliver it on our own truck, and provide professional installation. When you installation is complete, please remember to speak to an Allied representative about our inspection services. By doing so, you can be assured that your place of business will remain a safe and violation free environment
Click on the Systems below for a brief description as well as what you should expect from an inspection:
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WET PIPE SYSTEMS
 As the name implies a wet pipe system is one in which water is constantly in the piping and under pressure. When a sprinkler activates water is immediately discharged onto the fire. Some of the advantages of a wet pipe sprinkler system are: simplicity and reliability, relative low installation and maintenance cost, ease of modification and
short term down time in the event of a fire
The main disadvantage of wet pipe sprinklers are that they are not suitable for areas that may be expose to freezing conditions with the exception of small “Antifreeze” Wet Systems which should be limited to systems not exceeding 40 gallons due to the costs of refilling or replenishing the system.
At each inspection we will conduct a system flow test and a main drain test, weather permitting. Check waterflow detectors, tamper switches, alarm switches and audible alarm devices. Visually inspect all external components of system including control valves, drain valves, sprinkler heads and piping. Check and lubricate all fire department connections. Perform minor adjustments as necessary. Prepare and forward directly to Owner and Local Fire Official, a comprehensive report of system condition.
Inspection Frequency: quarterly
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DRY PIPE SYSTEMS
 A dry pipe system is one in which the pipes are filled with pressurized air rather than water. The air uses a mechanical advantage to hold back a device known as a dry pipe valve. In the event of a fire, a sprinkler head operates that air rushing out of the piping, releasing pressure on the dry pipe valve. As the air pressure in the piping decreases the mechanical advantage in the valve is diminished, the valve opens and water rushes to the open head and onto the fire. Their main advantage is the ability to use dry pipe systems in areas where freezing is possible.
Some of the disadvantages are increased complexity, higher installation and maintenance cost and increased response time.
At each inspection we will perform a simulated trip test during with a full flow trip test every three years followed by draining of all low points. Reset interior of dry pipe valve, check pressure settings and operation of air compressor unit, drain low point drains. Conduct system main drain test, weather permitting. Check waterflow detectors, tamper switches, alarm switches and audible alarm devices. Visually inspect all external components of system including control valves, drain valves, sprinkler heads and piping. Check and lubricate all fire department connections. Perform minor adjustments, as necessary. Prepare and forward directly to Owner and Local Fire Official, a comprehensive report of system condition.
Owners Tip - It is your responsibility to periodically drain all low point drains to avoid potential damage caused by freezing conditions. Due to several factors (such as the system tripping after our monthly maintenance) Allied Fire & Safety Equipment Co., Inc. cannot be held liable for freezing conditions even after this work is performed. Allied Fire & Safety Equipment Co., Inc. will not be held responsible for any damage as a result of freezing conditions due to improperly pitched pipe and/or lack of periodical draining.
How can we help?
Allied Fire & Safety Equipment Co., Inc. now offers a monthly Dry System Freeze-Up Preventative Maintenance Program whereby all of the low point drains are emptied, suspected cold areas in the structure are inspected and general condition of the valves, gauges, compressors and piping are examined. Due to several factors (such as the system tripping after our monthly maintenance) Allied Fire & Safety Equipment Co., Inc. cannot be held liable for freezing conditions even after this work is performed. As stated, this is a Preventative Maintenance program only.
Inspection Frequency: quarterly
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PRE-ACTION SYSTEMS
The third sprinkler system type is the pre-action system which employs the basic concept of a dry pipe system in that water is not normally in the pipes. The difference is that water is held out of the piping by an electrically operated valve, know as a pre-action valve. Valve operation is controlled by an independent system of heat, flame or smoke detectors. Two separate events must take place to initiate a water discharge. First the detection system must sense the heat, flame or smoke of a developing fire and then open the pre-action valve allowing water to flood the piping. Secondly, the individual sprinkler heads must be fused or activated by heat from the fire in order to allow the water to flow from the head. The primary advantage of a pre-action system is that a minimum of two separate actions must take place for water to be discharged, thereby providing an added level of protection against accidental discharge.
The disadvantages of a pre-action system are high installation and maintenance cost, which potentially decrease reliability due to the systems complexity and modification difficulties caused by specific size limitations.
At each inspection we will perform our inspection as per the specific instructions issued by the Manufacturer of the systems and include all sprinkler components as well as the fire detection and releasing panel equipment. Prepare and forward directly to Owner and Local Fire Official, a comprehensive report of system condition.
Inspection Frequency: quarterly
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DELUGE SYSTEMS
 A variation of the pre-action system is the deluge system. Basically a deluge system is a pre-action system with open sprinkler heads. Operation of the pre-action valve caused by the separation detection system allows water to immediately flow from all the sprinkler heads.
At each inspection we will perform our inspection as per the specific instructions issued by the Manufacturer of the systems and include all sprinkler components as well as the fire detection and releasing panel equipment. Prepare and forward directly to Owner and Local Fire Official, a comprehensive report of system condition.
Inspection Frequency: quarterly
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FOAM SYSTEMS
A foam water fire sprinkler system is a special application system, discharging a mixture of water and low expansion foam concentrate, resulting in a foam spray from the sprinkler. These systems are usually used with special hazards occupancies associated with high challenge fires, such as, flammable liquids and airport hangers. Operation is as described above, depending on the system type into which the foam is injected.
At each inspection we will perform our inspection as per the specific instructions issued by the Manufacturer of the systems and include all sprinkler components as well as the fire detection and releasing panel equipment. Prepare and forward directly to Owner and Local Fire Official, a comprehensive report of system condition.
Inspection Frequency: quarterly
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STANDPIPE SYSTEMS (WET, DRY)
 Standpipe systems are an arrangement of piping, valves, hose connections and associated equipment located inside a structure. The hose connections are located at specified locations within the structure for the purpose of extinguishing a fire and protecting the structure and the occupants through the use of attached hose and nozzles.
1. A Wet Standpipe System is connected to a steady water supply. (ie City Water)
2. A Dry Standpipe System does not have a steady water supply and it requires water to be supplied to the system piping. (ie Fire Truck)
At each inspection we will visually check of all piping and welded or mechanical connections and joints. All Fire Department Connections, gauges, valves tamper switches, waterflow switches, quick opening devices and air maintenance devices, as installed, will be checked for normal operation. Prepare and forward to Owner, a comprehensive report of system condition.
Owners Tip - Standpipes require expanded testing at five year intervals. As it is the owner's responsibility to request this service, prices are quoted separately.
Internal Sprinkler Pipe Inspection
Systems shall be examined internally to ensure that the piping remains clear of all obstructive matter.
Every 5-years we will examine the interior of the system valve, riser piping, and one piece of cross main and branch line piping. Perform a full flow test. Prepare and forward directly to Owner and Local Fire Official, a comprehensive report of system condition.
Inspection Frequency: every 5 years
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FIRE PUMPS
A fire pump is usually a part of a large building fire sprinkler system and is connected to the fire protection water supply at the intake and to the buildings sprinkler system risers at the discharge. A fire pump is listed specifically for fire service by a listing agency such as UL or FM Global. The main code that governs fire pump installations is the most recent edition of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) NFPA 20 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Fire Pumps for Fire Protection.
Fire Pumps may be powered either by an electrical motor or a diesel engine. If the local building code requires power independent of the local electric power grid, a pump using an electric motor may require the installation of an emergency generator.
The fire pump becomes active when the pressure in the fire sprinkler system drops below a threshold. The sprinkler system pressure drops significantly when one or more sprinkler heads are exposed to heat above their design temperature. The sprinkler head releases and water discharges. The discharge of water triggers a water flow alarm inside the sprinkler system pipes, which is monitored by a central station and which the Fire Department responds to. The fire pump provides additional water pressure to the sprinkler system.
Fire pumps are required for when the local municipal water system cannot provide a sufficiently high pressure to meet the pressure requirements of the fire sprinkler system. This usually occurs if the building is very tall, such as in high-rise buildings, and in systems which require a relatively high terminal pressure in order to flow a large volume of water from the sprinklers, such as in storage warehouses. Fire pumps are also needed if fire protection water supply is provided from a ground level water storage tank.
Types of pumps used for fire service include: horizontal split case, vertical split case, vertical inline, vertical turbine, and end suction.
At each inspection we will conduct a system churn test and a full flow test, weather permitting. Record all operating pressures, waterflow volume, amps and RPM readings; compare to Manufacturer's specifications and report this data in chart-graph format. Check Jockey Pumps. Test and record performance of electric or engine controller units for proper timing and event sequences. Lubricate all bearing assemblies, check packing and make minor adjustments, as necessary. Visually inspect all sprinkler related water feed systems, domestic or tank units for any leaks. Furnish all test equipment, hoses and hose monsters as necessary to conduct the tests. Prepare and forward directly to Owner and Local Fire Official, a comprehensive report of system condition.
Owners Tip - If suction pressure drops below 20 PSI, the Fire Pump test will be terminated until the source of the problem is corrected. It is the Owner's responsibility to furnish a safe area for discharging outflow of water.
Inspection Frequency: quarterly
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BACKFLOW PREVENTION SYSTEMS
A backflow prevention device is used to protect water supplies from contamination. Many types of backflow devices also have ports so that they can be tested or examined to ensure that they are functioning properly.
Backflow prevention protects the potable system from minor, moderate, and severe hazards. There are over 10,000 reported cases of backflow contamination each year. Some cases can be fatal. Backflow devices are required by law where needed and must be installed in accordance with local code. A backflow assembly has test cocks and shut-off valves and must be tested each year or more frequently in accordance with local code.
At each inspection we will perform a full operational test of backflow device including pressure and flow chamber measurements and valve seat testing. Prepare and forward directly to Owner and Local Fire Official, a comprehensive report of system condition.
The frequency of testing required would be quarterly for a backflow device which is connected to a domestic system. Backflow devices that are connected to Fire Protection Systems only, are required to be tested on an annual basis. Backflow Prevention System inspections are performed only by our NEWWA Certified Technicians.
Owners Tip - It is the Owner's responsibility to obtain appropriate permits if necessary and to furnish a safe area for discharging outflow of water.
Inspection Frequency: quarterly/annually or as per AHJ
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FIRE HYDRANTS
A fire hydrant is an active fire protection measure, and a source of water provided in most urban, suburban and rural areas with municipal water service to enable firefighters to tap into the municipal water supply to assist in extinguishing a fire.
At each inspection we will perform a flow test of Hydrant, check and lubricate hose connections. Check overall condition of unit including drainage. Prepare and forward to Owner a comprehensive report of system condition.
Inspection Frequency: annually
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FIRE HOSE STATIONS (CABINETS, RACKS, REELS, ETC.)
Fire hose stations are located to provide a reasonably accessible and controlled supply of water to combat a potential fire risk. A control nozzle attached to the end of the hose enables the operator to control the direction and flow of water to the fire.
At each inspection we will remove, inspect, re-rack and tag hose lengths. Inspect condition of hose valves and nozzles. Check condition of hose threads, couplings and gaskets.
Owners Tip - Expanded Hydro-testing is required every three years whereby hose is pressurized to test for leaks.
Inspection Frequency: annually
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ENGINEERING
Our on-site design/engineering team is level 3 NICET certified, and simply put, the best in the business. No job is too big or too small for our team. From Air Traffic Control Towers to small limited area systems; we have you covered every step of the way.
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HYDRAULIC CALCULATIONS
In general, Hydraulic Calculations are computer generated from the SprinkCAD program and are performed to determine pipe sizes of the sprinkler system based on pressure loss to provide a prescribed water density, in gallons per minute per square foot (mm/min), or a prescribed minimum discharge pressure or flow per sprinkler, distributed with a reasonable degree of uniformity over a specified area. In laymen terms, Hydraulics Calcs are used to assure that water will reach all parts of the sprinkler system in a sufficient amount of time with enough volume in order for the sprinkler system to operate properly.
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PIPE FABRICATION SERVICES
At Allied Fire and Safety our state of the art fabrication equipment allows us to custom fabricate your piping. This process enables us to provide superior service to all of our clients, general contractors included. That's not all; when you order is complete, we deliver it on our own truck, so the middleman is completely eliminated. Stop listening to the excuses on why your job is not completed on time. Contact your Allied sales representative today and receive a free quote for all of your fabrication needs.
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SPECIALIZED TRAINING
Everyone knows that the best system in the world can prove useless unless everyone is properly trained on how to use and maintain those systems. Upon your request, Allied is ready to tailor any of our training programs to your needs.
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