FAQ | Getz Fire

What is a Backflow Preventer?

As the name suggests, a backflow preventer works to ensure that liquids do not flow back against the required direction of flow. When used in the context of a fire sprinkler system, a backflow preventer device is used to ensure that water does not flow from the sprinkler system back into the municipal water supply, or other source of drinking water. Unfortunately, water held in the sprinkler system can become contaminated. If allowed to re-enter the water supply, there is potential for the contaminated water to become a health hazard. The backflow preventer is intended to prevent water flowing back towards the main supply. Backflow preventers need to be checked regularly for effectiveness, as well as inspected annually by a fire inspection company in order to ensure they are working as they should.

How Does a Backflow Prevention Device Work?

A backflow prevention device responds to changes in pressure. When the water flows in the desired direction, the pressure of the flow pushes the backflow valve into the open direction, allowing the water to proceed as needed. When pressure builds up in the opposite direction (backflow), the pressure pushes the valve closed, meaning that water cannot flow back towards the mains. This simple procedure prevents contaminated water making its way back to the supply system. Backflow prevention devices normally require very little maintenance once in position, and do not need any external power supply in order to function correctly – their action is determined by the relative pressure on either side of the device.

What is a Fire Pump?

Sprinkler systems are common features in many buildings because they are one of the most effective methods of quickly controlling a fire. When the sprinkler system is activated, water is delivered to the sprinklers at a pressure that’s greater than the usual mains pressure. The increased pressure is achieved through the use of a fire pump, which accelerates the flow rate of the water.

How Does a Fire Pump Work?

A fire pump works through the use of an engine, which can be powered by electricity, diesel, or sometimes by steam turbines. The pump is activated when one or more of the sprinklers in the system is triggered, causing the pressure in the system to drop below a specific level. Fire pumps are needed wherever the existing water pressure is insufficient to work effectively in a sprinkler system. It is recommended that an independent source of power is used for fire pumps, which is why many electrically powered pumps have a connection to an external, emergency generator.

How do you Test a Fire Pump?

Building owners and/or employers have a legal duty to ensure that suitable fire prevention and fire-fighting equipment is in use and functional. An annual inspection by a third party who meets the relevant NFPA 25 guidelines is required. In between annual inspections, it is recommended that the pump is run for a short period once a week to check performance. Regular visual checks are also recommended, in order that early signs of wear can be detected.

How Does a Fire Sprinkler System Work?

Fire sprinklers are installed in order to extinguish fires as soon as they are detectable. Sprinklers are activated by heat, therefore, not all the sprinklers in system will activate due to a single heat source. Only those directly above the heat source, where the threshold temperature has been reached, will activate. Most sprinkler heads are fitted with a small glass tube containing glycerin. The heat from the fire causes the glycerin to expand, breaking the glass and activating the flow of water via the opening of a valve. Above the sprinklers, running across the ceiling, are a series of pipes which deliver water to the sprinklers. These are connected either to the municipal water supply or to an outside water source.

How Often Do Sprinkler Systems Need to Be Inspected?

The type of inspection and maintenance tasks required, and the frequency with which they need to be performed, are covered under the NFPA 25 requirements. On a weekly or monthly basis, the gauges in the sprinkler system should be checked and tested. It is suggested that the other components (including the supervisory alarm devices, control valves, signal devices and hydraulic nameplates) are inspected and tested every three months. Once a year, the pipes, fittings and relevant signage needs to be checked. The internal workings of the sprinklers (involving dismantling them to check their integrity) need only be completed once every five years. By sticking to this schedule, the risk of your sprinkler system malfunctioning, or failing completely, is minimized.

How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Checked?

It is imperative that regular checks are carried out to ensure a fire extinguisher is in top condition at all times. A monthly visual inspection and pressure check should be completed by an appropriate member of the maintenance team, or similarly employed individual. This type of check can pick up on any problems which might have developed between mandatory annual inspections. An annual inspection, of fire prevention equipment is a legal requirement. The annual check needs to be carried out by a certified and possibly licensed fire inspector from a fire protection equipment company. Every six years, the extinguisher should be dismantled and the internal components thoroughly inspected – this needs to be done by a fire protection equipment company. All checks and inspections should be documented.

What Are the Different Types of Fire Extinguishers?

Determining what fire extinguisher is the best fit for your use depends on the type of material that it would to be used on. Fires are classified into five categories: generic, suppression of a combustible solution, oils and fats, specialist solutions. The types of extinguisher include: water extinguishers that are suitable for most generic fires, foam extinguishers that can be used for generic fires and sometimes for fires involving oils and fats, dry chemical extinguishers (for generic fires where visibility or respiration aren’t priorities), CO2 extinguishers (suitable for electrical fires), and wet chemical extinguishers, which are frequently used on fires caused by fat or oils.

Which fire extinguishers should be used for what kind of fire?

Selecting the right type of fire extinguisher means knowing what an area’s risks are. There are several classes of fire extinguishers, based on the types of fires they best put out. Here’s a breakdown:

A Class A fire extinguisher will put out most fires involving solid materials. This includes textiles, paper, and wood.
A Class B fire extinguisher is best for oils, disease, and petrol. It is designed for flammable liquids.
Class C fire extinguishers are best for fires involving some type of energized electricity.
A Class D fire extinguisher is best used for fires involving combustible metals with very high temperatures.
Class K fire extinguishers are best used for cooking oils and other grease-type fires.

Which fire extinguisher is suitable for virtually all fires?

The most common option for fire extinguishers for residential and light commercial areas is an ABC chemical fire extinguisher. It uses a powder-like product to extinguish the fire. It also handles the most common types of fires, including Class A, B, and C fires. For other types of risks, it is important to choose more specialized fire extinguishers based on the risks within that area.

How do you install a fire suppression system?

A fire suppression system works to put fires out, and therefore must move suppression products throughout high-risk areas. This is done through a network of pipes that lead to areas of high risks, such as over areas where grease fires could occur. The system should be installed by a professional; it is not advisable for anyone to install a system like this on their own.

How do fire suppression systems work?

A fire suppression system works to put out fires as quickly as possible. When they detect any level of heat or smoke above set limits, the system will send the control unit a message. This message tells the control unit to then send the fire suppressant through pipe network. This leads to valve heads opening above the fire, and spraying the suppressant over the area to put out the fire.

What are the types of fire?

Four types of fire types.

Class A relates to combustible materials like paper and wood.
Class B relates to flammable liquids such as gas or grease.
Class C relates to electrical-specific risks.
Class D relates to combustible metals.

What are fire alarm systems?

Fire alarm systems are groups of electronic devices that work together, primarily, to notify building occupants to evacuate upon threat of fire, and, secondarily, to alert first responders to extinguish or contain the fire, and to assist in evacuation.

The essential components of a fire alarm system are the signaling appliances that provide both audible and visible indication of a fire event throughout a facility. These notification systems can be manually activated, and can also commonly incorporate automatic fire detection, such as smoke and heat detectors.

Fire alarm systems are designed and customized specifically to accommodate each facility, in accordance with national, state, and local laws. Several overlapping factors determine the size and complexity of the system, including building construction type, the use of the facility, the occupant load, and specific hazards within. Risk analysis by professionals guides the design of any fire alarm system.

How often should fire alarm systems be tested?

Fire alarm systems must be fully tested by qualified personnel, and those results documented at least annually. Depending on the facility the system might have to be fully tested twice a year, and some components of it monthly to comply with your local codes. In addition, there are visual inspections that need to be done weekly that can be performed by any responsible person.

Getz Fire Equipment employs qualified personnel that can work with you and your local or state authorities to assist you in determining the best plan for your facility.

How do you dispose of old/empty fire extinguishers?

The fire extinguishers rating system may be affected by its required disposal method. If you are uncertain about the method required, check with your local government or fire department for the specific disposal requirements in your area.

What happens when a fire extinguisher expires?

You may be able to have specific components of a fire extinguisher repaired, especially if the unit is relatively new and rechargeable. If you are unsure whether you should replace or repair an expired or damaged extinguisher, call Getz Fire Equipment Company for an inspection. We can provide you with professional advice based on our evaluation.

If it becomes necessary to replace your fire extinguisher, you are not permitted under the law to simply throw the unit away. Fire extinguishers are designated as hazardous material and need to be disposed of properly.

If properly cared for, a fire extinguisher should last at least a decade. When a dry chemical fire extinguisher reaches this age, it should undergo hydrostatic testing to ensure the integrity of its outer shell. If the fire extinguisher passes this test, you may recharge the unit and continue using it for several years.

Are old fire extinguishers recyclable?

Most fire extinguishers are made from steel, which is a recyclable material. If the extinguisher is empty, squeeze the trigger to verify that the unit is not holding any pressure. Then remove the valve. When this is done, you can take the canister to a recycling center that processes steel. However, if your extinguisher is partially or completely full, you can have your local fire company discharge the unit for you in a safe manner. Then, after removing the top, you can take it to a recycling facility. The fire company may even handle the recycling for you.

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