Experts in fire protection

Problem

... winter is approaching. And what is true for cars, also applies to sprinkler systems: you have to make them winterproof!

Frost damage is not uncommon in water-bearing systems. In sprinkler systems, frost damage affects mainly the range pipes and screwed-in sprinklers. Their locking elements can be damaged by frost to such an extent that the system triggers after thawing. Frost damage thus may lead not only to a failure of the extinguishing system, but also to unintentional triggering of the system and to water damage. Frost damage can even occur in dry pipe systems through collected condensation.

To avoid these problems, it is not sufficient to merely check the actual sprinkler system. Particular attention must be given to the environment: are the doors and gates closed? Any heaters in operation? Is the cold and heat insulation installed correctly? Are all wall openings closed?

For this reason, the sprinkler systems should regularly undergo a winter check.

Solution:

Before the start of the frost period, our service technician will come to you, check and drain your dry pipe systems, check if your extinguishing control panel and the wet pipes are sufficiently heated or protected by antifreeze and inform your employees about measures to be regularly performed pursuant to VdS leaflet 2373. Furthermore our employees can identify potential problems and make suggestions about suitable measures, such as, for example, the repair of an existing pipe heater. For wet pipe systems, the use of antifreeze agents or the installation of pipe heating are important elements of frost protection. In the case of dry pipe systems, it is often sensible to add additional discharge points and to substitute drain valves with drain units. There is also the option to fill the pipes with nitrogen to reduce or entirely prevent the collection of condensate. In this way, our winter check will help you get your sprinkler system safely through the winter. By complying with VdS leaflet 2373, you can also discharge your duty of care and duty as an operator.

Scope of service

Dry pipe systems

  • Activation and testing of all draining of the dry pipe systems
  • Checking the existence of the necessary pipe gradient
  • Creation of a results log
  • If necessary, proposal of additional measures to secure and improve frost protection
  • Briefing of employees about required regular precautions pursuant to VdS leaflet 2373

Scope of service

Wet pipe systems

  • Inspection of the relevant heating devices in the building and on the extinguishing system
  • Verification of unwanted influx of cold air
  • Verification of the quantity and quality of the existing antifreeze agent
  • Creation of a results log
  • If necessary, proposal of additional measures to secure and improve frost protection
  • Briefing of employees about required regular precautions pursuant to VdS leaflet 2373