SERVICE DEFINITIONS GUIDE
The definitions contained herein, along with the definitions found in Chapter 3 Definitions of NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspections, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems 2020, shall apply to the terms used in Our Subscription Agreement(s), Work Orders, and Professional Services Agreements.
“Adjust” means to maintain or regulate, within prescribed limits, by setting the operating characteristics to specified parameters.
“Clean” means to remove dirt, scale, and debris.
“Deficiency” means for the purposes of inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection system, a condition that will or has the potential to adversely impact the performance of a system or portion thereof but does not rise to the level of an impairment.
“Critical Deficiency” means a deficiency that, if not corrected, can have a material effect on the ability of the fire protection system or unit to function as intended in a fire event. This deficiency will be listed as “Inoperable” in reports.
“Noncritical Deficiency” means a deficiency that does not have a material effect on the ability of the fire protection system or unit to function in a fire event, but correction is needed to meet the requirements of this standard or for the proper inspection, testing, and maintenance of the system or unit. This deficiency will be listed as “Deficient” or “Suggested” in reports based on its potential to impact the operation of the system.
“Impairment” means a condition where a fire protection system or unit or portion thereof is out of order, and the condition can result in the fire protection system or unit not functioning in a fire event.
“Emergency Impairment” means a condition where a water-based fire protection system or portion thereof is out of order due to an unplanned occurrence, or the impairment is found while performing inspection testing or maintenance activities.
“Preplanned Impairment” means a condition where a water-based fire protection system or a portion thereof is out of service due to work planned in advance, such as revisions to the water supply or sprinkler system piping.
“Inspection” means a visual examination of a system or portion thereof to verify that it appears to be in operating condition and is free of physical damage.
“Initial Term” means the first time period as detailed in the Order Form.
“Maintenance” with respect to water-based fire protection systems, means the work performed to keep equipment operable or to make repairs.
“Order Form” means the documents for placing orders hereunder, including Quotes, Proposals, and/or Work Orders, and addenda thereto, that are entered into between You and Us or any of Our Affiliates from time to time, including addenda and supplements thereto. By entering into an Order Form hereunder, an Affiliate agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement as if it were an original party hereto. Order Forms shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference.
“Professional Services” means work performed by Us for You pursuant to a Statement of Work, Order Form or Work Order.
“Repair” means to restore to sound working condition or to fix damage.
“Replace” means to remove a component and install a new or equivalent component.
“Services” means the products and services that are ordered by You with a Subscription Order Form made available by Us.
“Statement of Work” shall mean Our standard form for ordering Professional Services, which has been completed and acknowledged by You by clicking a box indicating your acceptance, or signing and returning Our standard form, and which specifies the scope and schedule of Professional Services to be performed by Us for You and the applicable fees.
“Test” means the operation of a device to verify that it is functioning correctly, or the measurement of a system characteristic to determine if it meets requirements.
“Testing” means a procedure used to determine the operational status of a component or system by conducting periodic physical checks, such as waterflow tests, fire pump tests, alarm tests, and trip tests of dry pipe, deluge, or preaction valves.
“We,” “Us” or “Our” means Cornet, Inc., a Virginia Corporation located at 13996 Parkeast Circle; Suite 104, Chantilly, VA 20151.
“Your Users” means individuals who are authorized by You to order or use the Services, and who have been supplied user identifications and passwords by You (or by Us at Your request). Your Users may include but are not limited to Your employees, consultants, contractors and agents, and third parties with which You transact business.
“You” or “Your” means the Subscriber and Affiliates of the Subscriber.
Inspections & Testing of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
Inspections & Testing Services are delivered to You as detailed in the Order Form. All tasks are conducted in accordance with the 2020 ed. of NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Systems. The Order Form specifically details the System Type, Quantity, and Frequency of Services included in Your Subscription Agreement.
Inspection and testing services that are conducted in accordance with any Subscription Agreement or Order Form shall not be considered an engineering review of the fire protection system.
NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Systems requires the owner to take some actions on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
A written report will be provided at the completion of the inspection visit and reviewed with the responsible party.
- Have sprinkler system drawings available on site to assist the inspector to identify equipment components so that they can be properly located. Owner is responsible for identifying equipment locations.
- Provide access to all components of the sprinkler system.
- Provide notifications to alarm monitoring company, local fire department and occupants before and at the completion of the inspection and testing. Owner or Responsible individual should know all pass codes and alarm panel codes, where necessary, to make such notifications.
- Have sufficient knowledge of system to alert inspection technicians of changes and modifications made to building or system(s) since the last inspection visit.
- Have authorized person that can review and sign inspection report on site.
- Owner acknowledges that the maintenance of the system in accordance with NFPA 25, rests solely with the Owner. The provision of adequate heat, to protect the wet system from freezing, the maintenance of the alarm system and its interface with the wet systems, as well as central station monitoring if installed, is an important part of the maintenance responsibility. Consequently, the failure of the Owner to provide such measures in accordance with his responsibility, and such failure may impact the operation of, or cause damage to the wet system, or fail to annunciate activation of the system prolonging response time and its resultant damage to property; such failure shall serve to hold the Inspection Provider harmless from liability for these related events.
- The Owner shall be responsible for ensuring that drainage is adequate to handle expected flows from inspector’s test connections and main drains. Winchester Sprinkler or any of its affiliates shall not be held liable for inadequate drainage.
- All other Requirements as listed in NFPA 25 – Chapter 4, Section 4.1 through 4.9 inclusive.
All work is to be conducted during normal business hours (7:00 am and 5:00 pm)
Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems
- Water flow alarm devices will be tested by flushing water through inspector’s test connection(s). Exception: During times of sub-freezing temperatures where icing causes an unsafe condition, alternate means of testing will be used.
- Water flow alarm device(s) will be inspected to determine that the device(s) are free from mechanical physical damage.
- System Gauges will be inspected to ensure that they are in good condition and that normal water pressure is being maintained.
- Hydraulic data plate, if provided will be inspected to ensure that it is firmly attached to the sprinkler riser and that it is legible.
- Pressure Reducing Valves, if provided, shall be inspected to ensure that it is the open position, not leaking, maintaining downstream pressures and is in good condition.
- The condition of fire department siamese connection shall be checked including caps, gaskets, clappers and ball drips.
- Water flow alarm devices will be tested by flushing water through inspector’s test connection(s). Exception: During times of sub-freezing temperatures where icing causes an unsafe condition, alternate means of testing will be used.
- Supervisory switch(es) installed on control valves will be tested.
- System Gauges will be inspected to ensure that they are in good condition and that normal water pressure is being maintained.
- Hydraulic data plate, if provided will be inspected to ensure that it is firmly attached to the sprinkler riser and that it is legible.
- Pressure Reducing Valves, if provided, shall be inspected to ensure that it is the open position, not leaking, maintaining downstream pressures and is in good condition.
- The condition of fire department siamese connection shall be checked including caps, gaskets, clappers and ball drips.
- Water flow alarm devices will be tested by flushing water through inspector’s test connection(s). Exception: During times of sub-freezing temperatures where icing causes an unsafe condition, alternate means of testing will be used.
- Water flow alarm device(s) will be inspected to determine that the device(s) are free from mechanical physical damage.
- System Gauges will be inspected to ensure that they are in good condition and that normal water pressure is being maintained.
- Hydraulic name plate if provided will be inspected to ensure that it is firmly attached to the sprinkler riser and that it is legible.
- Pressure Reducing Valves, if provided, shall be inspected to ensure that it is the open position, not leaking, maintaining downstream pressures and is in good condition.
- The condition of fire department Siamese connection shall be checked including caps, gaskets, clappers and ball drips.
- Supervisory switch(es) installed on control valves will be tested.
- A flow test will be conducted at each system riser’s main drain; static, residual values recorded.
- A visual inspection will be conducted from floor level of all visible system components including pipe, hangers and sprinklers. Components installed in concealed spaces and above hung ceilings are excluded.
- All control valves will be fully exercised through its full range and returned to its normal position.
- Operating stems of OS&Y valves (including backflow) lubricated.
- An assessment of internal condition of piping and certain valves shall be conducted every 5 years for the purpose of inspecting for the presence of foreign organic and inorganic material.
- Alarm valves, check valves, dry valves, preaction valves and their associated strainers, filters and restriction orifices.
- Open a flushing connection at the end of one main or by removing the end fitting or piece of branch line or a sprinkler.
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems
- Water flow alarm devices will be tested by flowing water through by-pass test connection(s). Water flow alarm device(s) will be inspected to determine that the device(s) are free from mechanical physical damage.
- Supervisory switch(es) installed on control valves will be tested.
- System Gauges will be inspected to ensure that they are in good condition and that normal water pressure is being maintained.
- Hydraulic name plate if provide will be inspected to ensure that it is firmly attached to the sprinkler riser and that it is legible.
- Pressure Reducing Valves, if provided, shall be inspected to ensure that it is the open position, not leaking, maintaining downstream pressures and is in good condition.
- Priming water will be checked and adjusted as necessary.
- Air pressure will be checked and the air compressor, if provided, shall be tested for proper operation.
- The quick opening device, if provided, will be trip tested, cleaned, inspected and reset. After being reset the device will be checked for air leaks and control valves will be sealed open with device left in service.
- The condition of fire department Siamese connection shall be checked including caps, gaskets, clappers and ball drips.
- All known auxiliary drains will be drained after trip testing and during the cold weather inspection visit. (see owner’s requirement section)
- All local and supervisory alarms shall be tested.
- The availability of spare sprinklers and wrenches will be verified.
- Water flow alarm devices will be tested by flowing water through by-pass test connection(s).
- Water flow alarm device(s) will be inspected to determine that the device(s) are free from mechanical physical damage.
- System Gauges will be inspected to ensure that they are in good condition and that normal water pressure is being maintained.
- Hydraulic name plate, if provided, will be inspected to ensure that it is firmly attached to the sprinkler riser and that it is legible.
- Pressure Reducing Valves, if provided, shall be inspected to ensure that it is the open position, not leaking, maintaining down-stream pressures and is in good condition.
- Priming water will be checked and adjusted as necessary.
- Air pressure will be checked and the air compressor, if provided, shall be tested for proper operation.
- The quick opening device, if provided, will be trip tested, cleaned, inspected and reset. After being reset the device will be checked for air leaks and control valves will be sealed open with device left in service.
- The condition of fire department siamese connection shall be checked including caps, gaskets, clappers and ball drips.
- All known auxiliary drains will be drained.
- All local and supervisory alarms shall be tested.
- The availability of spare sprinklers and wrenches will be verified.
- Supervisory switch(es) installed on control valves will be tested.
- A flow test will be conducted at each system risers main drain.
- A standard partial trip test with the control valve only partially open will be conducted. The interior condition of the valve, clapper, latching devices, velocity check valve and facings shall be cleaned and checked. The operation and condition of the valve will be recorded.
- A visual inspection will be conducted from floor level of all visible system components including pipe, hangers and sprinklers. Components installed in concealed spaces and above hung ceilings are excluded.
- All control valves will be fully exercised through its full range and returned to its normal position.
- Full Flow Trip Test – In addition to the above, the dry pipe valve will be full flow trip tested with the control valve fully opened. The inspectors test connection will be fully opened and system shall be flushed until water discharge flows clear. The time it takes for the valve to trip and for water to reach the inspectors test connection shall be recorded and compared to previous trip test results.
- 3 Year Air Testing – Dry pipe systems shall be tested once every three (3) years for gas leakage. A gas (air or nitrogen) pressure test at 40psi shall be performed for 2 hours.
- The system shall be allowed to lose up to 3psi during the duration of the test.
- An assessment of internal condition of piping and certain valves shall be conducted every 5 years for the purpose of inspecting for the presence of foreign organic and inorganic material.
- Alarm valves, check valves, dry valves, preaction valves and their associated strainers, filters and restriction orifices.
- Open a flushing connection at the end of one main or by removing the end fitting or piece of branch line or a sprinkler.
Fire Pumps
- Verify control valves are in correct open or closed position, properly locked or supervised, free from leaks.
- Perform “no-flow” churn testing. Diesel (weekly) and electric (monthly)
- Record pump starting pressure.
- Record time to reach full speed.
- Record suction & discharge pressure gauge readings.
- Record continuous pump run times.
- Compare results to previous churn testing results.
- Verify operation of circulating relief valve.
- Verify operation of pressure reducing or relief valve.
- Confirm voltage/amperage
- Check engine gauges, oil, temp, batteries, etc.
- Verify packing glands are adjusted properly.
- Check temperature of pump and associated apparatuses.
- Verify pump house/room temperature
- Verify valve positions
- Verify louvers are operational
- Fuel tank level acceptable
- Inspect shaft movement or end play with pump operating.
- Conduct “no load / churn” “rated load / 100%” “peak load / 150%” flow testing.
- Simulate normal power failure.
- Simulate alarm conditions.
- Provide fire pump curve & full testing report.
- Manual pump starting means confirmed
- Back-up generator transfer confirmation
- Governor setting checked
- Confirm pump performs equal to the original manufacturer’s ratings, GPM, RPM, Voltage and Amperage, and pressure readings during all loads, transfer to emergency power during peak load
- Cooling water line Strainers cleaned and inspected
- Inspect fire pump base condition, motor condition, pump performance, shaft condition.
Backflow Prevention Devices
- Visually check to ensure that no unusual conditions or discharge of water exist.
- Test the proper operation of the mechanical components of the system.
- The backflow device will be functionally tested and certified by a Certified Backflow Tester. Procedures for the model and type of testing device will be followed to ensure compliance.
- A forward flow test equaling system demand will be conducted where proper connections of proper size exist. Where proper connections are not available a flow test of the maximum flow available will be conducted.
Inspections & Testing Of Fire Alarm Systems
All tasks are conducted in accordance with Chapter 14 of the 2013 ed. of NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code, excluding Section 14.5.
- Inspect the system to determine whether it is in service and in satisfactory condition in accordance with NFPA standards.
- Identify potentially detrimental site conditions that could compromise the performance of mechanical and/or electronic components of the system.
- Inquire about changes or modifications of the fire detection system in accordance with NFPA standards.
- Inquire about changes in the general occupancy environment, operations and conditions relating to the fire detection and alarm system in accordance with NFPA standards.
- Check the general condition of the fire alarm panel and related equipment.
- Test all smoke and heat detectors in accordance with their manufacturer’s specifications.
- Test all manual pull stations in accordance with their manufacture’s specifications.
- Inspect all fire alarm control panels and remote fire alarm panels.
- Inspect and test all annunciators and zones both visually and by activating devices.
- Inspect and meter all batteries.
- Inspect all output relays and test their activation.
- Visually inspect sprinkler-related fire alarm devices. Test all flow, tamper, and pressure switches electronically.
- If applicable, verify that all signals are received by the Security Central Monitoring Station.
- Test non-restorable heat detector circuits by simulating electrical operation at the wiring connection.
- Function test all accessible heat-actuating devices, both electrically and/or pneumatically in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification.
- During testing of the fire detection system, activate outputs for the purpose of equipment shutdown, start up and HVAC/smoke control.
- Tag devices as required and perform all required record keeping.
Sensitivity test via the fire alarm control panel shall be performed to ensure that each smoke detector is within its listed and marked sensitivity range.
- Sensitivity testing will be performed on all smoke detectors. Detectors or smoke alarms found to have a sensitivity outside the listed and marked sensitivity range shall be cleaned, recalibrated and/or replaced.
Some fire alarm control panels and older devices do not have the capability to perform remote sensitivity testing of smoke detectors. Sensitivity testing of these types of detectors will require additional testing activities at an additional cost.
- Perform periodic sensitivity testing in accordance with NFPA 72.
- Test detector for alarm response using approved smoke generator
- Clean exterior using industry-approved process and materials.
- Clean exterior of screen and chamber using non-electrostatic vacuum, specifically designed to prevent smoke detector damage.
- Disassemble detector and clean interior if required.
- Retest sensitivity to ensure proper operation.
- Replace any malfunctioning detectors as needed (additional costs apply).
- Inspections and/or Tests designated as Daily, Weekly, or Monthly in frequency are excluded from the Scope of Work unless specifically included in the Work Order or Subscription Order Form.
- Unless specifically listed in the Work Order or Subscription Order Form, tasks, services, or any maintenance and/or repair activities listed in Section 14.5 – Maintenance of the 2013 ed. of NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code, or in the manufacturer’s O&M manual(s) are excluded from the Scope of Work. These can be performed on a “Time & Materials” basis (additional costs apply).
