Potter Releasing Systems - Manual (Page 41)

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Visual Inspections Inspections are required at various frequencies as noted below. Use the Inspection
Forms at the end of this chapter to record all inspection results.
Daily Dry Pipe Systems:
During freezing weather, the heated enclosure for the dry pipe valve
should be checked to assure it is adequately heated.
Weekly All Sprinkler Systems:
Inspect control valves (if sealed).
Water supply valves, including post indicator and roadway valves,
should be checked to assure that they are open.
Inspect condition of sprinkler heads.
Heads should be checked to make sure they are not damaged or
blocked by storage and have not been painted or otherwise impaired.
Note: An 18 inch (457-mm) clear space must be maintained below the
sprinklers to assure an adequate discharge pattern. Attachment of 18-inch-
long paper or plastic streamers to the sprinkler piping helps remind people
working in storage areas of the minimum clear space requirement.
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems:
Inspect air pressure and water pressure gauges. Be sure that air
and water pressures are within the normal range for that
particular system.
Record pressure readings. It is recommended that the normal
pressure be noted on the gauge or a tag attached to it. A loss of
pressure of more than 10 percent should be investigated.
Monthly All Sprinkler Systems:
Inspect fire department connections. Connections should be accessible and
visible at all times. Caps or plugs should be in place and threads clean,
undamaged and lightly lubricated with graphite.
The connection should be drained through the ball drip from the check valve
to assure it will not freeze.
Inspect control valves (if locked).
Water supply valves, including post indicator and roadway valves, should be
checked to assure that they are open.
Quarterly Determine dry pipe system priming water level by slowly opening the
priming water level test valve. If only air escapes, close the test valve
and add priming water. This is done by closing the lower priming
valve, opening the upper priming valve, and adding approximately 1
quart of water through the priming funnel. The upper priming valve is
then closed and the lower priming valve opened, which allows the
water to run into the dry pipe valve. Again, check the test valve. If
water does not run out, repeat the procedure. When sufficient water
has been added so that water drains from the test valve, allow it to
drain until air begins to escape, then close the valve securely. Also be
( sure the upper and lower priming valves are closed securely.