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There's a problem with testing sprinklers: engaging them can be damaging to contents and even structures. So, we're talking about completely emptying the facili

by lrem 6y ago

There's a problem with testing sprinklers: engaging them can be damaging to contents and even structures. So, we're talking about completely emptying the facility, then taking it offline to dry for a time. I've never heard about this being done to anything that was already operational (but I wasn't researching this either).

ygra 6y ago
Isn't something like Halon used in data centers for that reason? That can probably be tested without damaging infrastructure.
- weeeeelp 6y ago
  Halon is pretty much banned for years now, other agents have been introduced. Sadly, making an actual full test of a gaseous extinguishing system (such as FM200 or Novec 1230) can be prohibitively expensive (mainly costs of the "reloading" of the system with new gas). Those are just mostly tested for correct pressure in tanks and if the detection electronics are working fine, making an actual dump would be very impractical (evacuation of personnel, ventilating the room afterwards etc.)
- lrem 6y ago
  Good point. But, apart from cost of the gas, mentioned by sibling comment, that also isn't disruption-free. Gas-based systems are by definition (they displace oxygen) dangerous to humans. But yeah, not being able to run maintenance is orders of magnitude less problematic.
dylan604 6y ago
There are methodds of testing the water pressure in the pipes without actually engaging the sprinkler heads. It is part of the normal checks done during the maintenence/inspection a business is supposed to have done. In fact, one place I was in had sensors, and would sound the actual fire alarm if the pressure fell below tolerance at any time. The lack of pressure in the Universal vault was 100% unexcusable.
- Scoundreller 6y ago
  It’s common for sprinklers in parking garages in cold climates to be “dry” where there’s a bubble of air that needs to run through first before water shoots out from a non-freezeable source. Want to test the system? Just turn off that water valve, hook up your air compressor and pressure test to your heart’s content.

by lrem 6y ago

ygra 6y ago

Isn't something like Halon used in data centers for that reason? That can probably be tested without damaging infrastructure.

weeeeelp 6y ago
Halon is pretty much banned for years now, other agents have been introduced. Sadly, making an actual full test of a gaseous extinguishing system (such as FM200 or Novec 1230) can be prohibitively expensive (mainly costs of the "reloading" of the system with new gas). Those are just mostly tested for correct pressure in tanks and if the detection electronics are working fine, making an actual dump would be very impractical (evacuation of personnel, ventilating the room afterwards etc.)
lrem 6y ago
Good point. But, apart from cost of the gas, mentioned by sibling comment, that also isn't disruption-free. Gas-based systems are by definition (they displace oxygen) dangerous to humans. But yeah, not being able to run maintenance is orders of magnitude less problematic.

dylan604 6y ago

There are methodds of testing the water pressure in the pipes without actually engaging the sprinkler heads. It is part of the normal checks done during the maintenence/inspection a business is supposed to have done. In fact, one place I was in had sensors, and would sound the actual fire alarm if the pressure fell below tolerance at any time. The lack of pressure in the Universal vault was 100% unexcusable.

Scoundreller 6y ago
It’s common for sprinklers in parking garages in cold climates to be “dry” where there’s a bubble of air that needs to run through first before water shoots out from a non-freezeable source. Want to test the system? Just turn off that water valve, hook up your air compressor and pressure test to your heart’s content.