Dry Sprinkler Inspection

A dry sprinkler system is pressurized with air or nitrogen, rather than having the pipes constantly filled with water. These systems often cover unheated spaces like freezers, attics, or an outdoor loading dock.
The main control valve and riser are usually located in a heated space such as a maintenance room, or closet. The pressurized dry-pipe valve prevents water from entering the system until a fire activates one or more sprinkler heads.
Once a sprinkler head breaks, the system loses air pressure and the dry valve activates. The clapper then opens, filling the system with water which makes its way to activated sprinkler heads to contain and/or suppress the fire until emergency services can arrive on scene.

[@thelovefamilymilitarypod]

Thanks for the video

[@silcofireandsecurity]

You're welcome! Thank you for commenting.

[@seattlebest79]

Question, we had an issue on our riser that sometimes loose air pressure . What is normally the cause of loosing air pressure on the system? Thanks

[@silcofireandsecurity]

Hi @seattlebest79 and thank you for the question! While it's hard to say what could be causing the air pressure drop on your riser without a licensed technician checking your setup. One of the most common occurrences is pipe decay around the fittings. The Victaulic couplings that join the pipes have a small amount of water always sitting there and this can cause the pipe to decay over time, and leaks can start at that point. It could also be that the low point drain valve is not completely shut. Performing a 3-year leak test should show signs of your issue and is a code required test every 3 years. Systems naturally lose a little air pressure, but your air compressor should be powerful enough to keep adequate pressure on your dry system to offset the air loss. It's not uncommon for the air compressor to engage daily. Hopefully this helps you with your question. We recommend having a licensed technician take a look at your system to verify the cause of your air pressure loss.

[@gerald3937]

is there a way I can test the water flow switch without tripping the Dry Valve? thanks..

[@silcofireandsecurity]

Yes, there is a way to test the flow switch and not trip the valve. Depending on where you live and the regulations in your area, we recommend to have your inspector there to perform the test.

[@mikeandema6925]

1 Put the system on test call alarm company. 2 close the piv or backflow valve. 3 close the control valve. At the alarm valve Make note of the alarm panel readings for each supervised device ie. backflow or piv. Control valve. Close the air supply ball valve to the Alarm valve located at the compressor. 4 Open the water flow device/Switch with the key provided by the manufacturer. 5 manually engage and hold down the stick lever in the middle of the device for At least two minutes make note of the time detection is achieved. Revers the process. Clear the panel.

[@TonyJabroni791]

Many dry pipe valves have an alarm test valve. It comes from the bottom side of the clapper and goes into a tee that feeds the high pressure switch (water flow switch). It allows you to force water into the pressure switch with no risk of tripping the system.

[@privateuser7]

Theres no flow switch on a dry riser. Youre talking about a wet system. You can trip the flow switch manually by opening the cover and pressing down on the little black lever.

[@codydaniel8312]

Man that's an ugly Dry Valve.

[@silcofireandsecurity]

Unfortunately they are not all pretty unless it's brand new, even then - some are questionable.