Various fire protection devices and systems perform their functions when the equipment to verify that the fire readiness in case of any emergency have on hand this specialized test equipment. Testing of Key Fire EquipmentAll key categories are tested to achieve industry standards and regulations, reducing the chances that they will fail if/when you do need them.
Fire extinguishers are some of the most frequently inspected equipment. Every extinguisher is pressure tested into meeting required operating pressures that are usually between 100 and 200 psi. Hydrostatic testing, conducted as frequently as every 5 to 12 years depending on the type of extinguisher, validates the integrity of the cylinder to prevent a rupture. The NFPA says that more than 90% of the fire extinguishers are successful with standard equipment, and if you have correctly maintained your devices, they often work quite well.
Flow and pressure testing of sprinkler systems tested to ensure proper water delivery during a fire. If everything checks out, specialized flow meters and pressure gauges will determine if the system is flowing at a minimum of 15 gallons per minute for residential setups or more for commercial installations. A UL study conducted in 2021 reported that routine testing lowered sprinkler failures by 30%, dramatically boosting fire suppression results.
Aerosol testing instruments are used for testing fire alarms and smoke detectors to ensure their sensors work properly. NFPA 72 says smoke detectors should activate within 30 seconds. For example, an event from 2020 included malfunctioning smoke detectors which prompted a late evacuation of a commercial building stressing the critical need for accurate testing.
Temperature calibration devices are used for the test of thermal imaging cameras. Features like these ensure that cameras can detect temperature variations to within just a couple of Fahrenheit degrees, which is very useful for spotting hot spots or hidden flames. In an industrial environment, one cannot rely on ordinary cameras to protect high-risk areas by detection of potentially flammable situations that might be overlooked, this is where thermal cameras are most important and their calibration significant.
Specialized equipment is also tested on the road, including fire hydrants. It is performed to make sure that the hydrants will flow at a 1000 gallons per minutes or more depending on what is required by the town. Cities often perform these tests on an annual basis to stay in compliance with safety regulations and be sure there will be enough water in case of an emergency.
This includes equipment designed to test emergency lights and fire doors. Safety codes require emergency lights to provide a minimum of 90 minute runtime when power fails at your facility. The testing tools induce a failure to ensure compliance. Fire doors are subject to pressure testing and heat resistance testing to ensure they can withstand being exposed to temperatures up to 1,800°F for a specific amount of time.
In a news release, Dan Madrzykowski, a fire safety expert with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Fire Research Division said, “Preparedness is the key to fire safety,” stating simply that because… fires happen everywhere. Understanding Fire Equipment Testing Equipment: A Comprehensive Study Inspection is the backbone behind the functioning of fire protection systems in every industry.