Pre-functional test plan and functional performance test plan for wet pipe sprinkler systems and fire detection systems

It should be assumed that individual components and packaged equipment have been tested by the manufacturer. As part of the commissioning effort each component should be checked for damage, deterioration and failures by a procedure using inspections and tests as defined by the specific equipment manufacturers and applicable NFPA standards. Equipment manuals from manufacturers identify the minimum required receipt inspections, handling and installation procedures, drawing and wiring verification, field inspection and installation checks, verification of removal of shipping braces, inspection of installation against drawings and nameplates, inspection of components for damage and cleanliness, inspection of insulators and grounding, inspection of anchorage and alignment, adjustment checks, mechanical operation and interlock checks, lubrication application and verification that local safety equipment is in place.

1. Fire suppression, detection, inspection, maintenance and testing. Tests, as required by the NFPA, fire department, insuring agency and authority having jurisdiction are done by licensed and bonded fire sprinkler companies and fire detection companies. Test reports are provided to the facility manager and others as requested. These tests should form the basis of commissioning as required by the commissioning plan. Some pre-functional tests may be conducted to provide general knowledge of the system. These are outlined in figure 7-2, wet pipe sprinkler system and fire detection system inspection checklist.
2. Fire codes. It is imperative that the NFPA Fire Code standards and manufacturer’s recommendations relative to each suppression, detection and alarm system be consulted before any operation is performed on any of these systems.
3. Safety, fire suppression systems. Many tests involve the use of high voltages, high currents and pressurized water. These can be dangerous to personnel and damaging to equipment. A procedure should be followed to insure adequate safety rules are instituted and practiced to prevent injury to personnel performing the tests and other personnel who might be in the local area.
4. Test equipment, fire suppression systems. It is important that in any test program the proper equipment is used. The equipment should be calibrated, in good condition and used by qualified operators as required by a procedure. Any test equipment used for calibration shall have twice the accuracy of the system to be tested. All equipment should be operated in accordance with its instruction manual. A procedure defining installation inspection and a system test needs to be provided.