Installation of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fires in the homes pose one of the biggest threats to the people of your community. Residential fire sprinklers help protect property and save lives of residents and fire fighters. Thankfully in California many new construction, remodeling, and addition projects now require residential fire sprinklers. To know the extent of fire sprinkler coverage required for a project consult the building department of the city the property is located.

Many people worry that sprinklers are unattractive and will ruin the aesthetics of the home, this is not the case. The new standard in residential fire sprinkler systems is to install concealed fire sprinkler heads hidden inside the ceiling and walls with the system piping. New concealed fire sprinkler models are very unobtrusive; a flat flush cover plate is all that is seen. It is a common myth that all fire sprinkler heads on a system will go off all at the same time or activate if exposed to smoke, this is not true - each individual sprinkler has a heat-sensitive element that breaks when it is exposed to direct heat between 145-165 degrees. Unlike smoke detectors smoke from burning toast in the kitchen or steam from a shower will not activate a sprinkler head.

Fire sprinkler plans are required for new residential fire sprinkler system installs along with system calculations. A fire sprinkler permit is issued once fire sprinkler plans are approved - a C16 fire protection contractor like I.S.FIREPRO can design plans and pull permits. An overlooked aspect of a residential fire sprinkler system is the domestic water meter and supply line. New system installs require at minimum a 1 inch meter and 1 inch supply line - depending on the area either the local water company or city handles meter upgrades and can provide pricing.

Residential fire sprinkler systems are installed during the framing stage of construction (drywall cannot be installed until all mechanicals have been inspected and approved, including fire sprinklers). The actual fire sprinkler system is concealed within the ceiling and walls of a structure. The fire sprinkler system riser (the main system control) is concealed behind an access panel usually placed within garage or by the domestic water supply. A fire sprinkler system bell (which goes off if system is activated) is required and usually placed by riser on the outside of property.

There are two fire sprinkler system inspections that are held during fire sprinkler system installation. The first is the rough inspection - conducted after system install and before drywall install to ensure the system properly holds pressure. The second is the 'final' fire sprinkler inspection, done when project is complete. This inspection ensures the fire sprinkler head covers (also called escutcheons) are installed, the water line is connected with the system and outside bell is hooked up.

To get started on a free estimate for a residential fire sprinkler system call I.S.FIREPRO at (800) 452-1060. I.S.FIREPRO's free estimates include plan design, city permits, install, labor and material in one affordable price made in payments. Call today! (800)452-1060

For frequently asked questions on fire sprinkler systems visit :
www.isfirepro.com

What is a Fire Protection Contractor?

Someone who holds a C16 license is considered a fire protection contractor, C16 is the specific type of license classification. A fire protection contractor lays out, fabricates and installs all types of fire protection systems; including all equipment associated with these types of systems, but excludes electrical alarm systems (fire alarms).

A fire protection contractor can do any new fire sprinkler system installation. A new fire sprinkler system installation requires system design with calculations that ensure there is enough water supply for proper fire sprinkler system function.  The C16 contractor does the physical installation of the fire sprinkler system into the new or existing property and inspections of that system with the local fire authority. I.S.FIREPRO does new fire sprinkler system installation for all of the different types of buiding systems; residential, commercial and industrial projects.

Fire protection contractors not only do new installations they also can repair existing fire sprinkler systems and test existing fire sprinkler systems. These services help maintain proper function of an existing fire sprinkler system. Fire protection has been around for so long that some systems have been in use for over 75 years. Repairs or upgrades on older systems are common and well within the scope of work of a C16 contractor. Fire sprinkler system testing is also a common request for a C16 contractor – testing an existing fire sprinkler system to ensure proper function if a fire were to occur.

A fire protection contractor is licensed by the state they perform work in – I.S.FIREPRO is licensed by the California CSLB (contractors’ state license board).  A c16 fire protection contractor can help a homeowner, business owner, developer, ect,  meet city, state, insurance and occupancy safety requirements by facilitating the fire sprinkler system install, repair, or service testing their particular property needs. To get started on a project that requires fire protection or need to maintain an existing system call I.S.FIREPRO at (800) 452-1060.