Best Way to Maintain Air Pressure in Fire Sprinkler Systems
Dry pipe and pre-action fire sprinkler systems need constant air pressure to ensure rapid fire suppression during an emergency and prevent accidental water flow.
Pressurized air also helps minimize internal corrosion and detect leaks more easily, ensuring the pipework stays structurally sound with minimal maintenance. Here are the best practices in fire sprinkler system air pressure maintenance.
Use a Compressor and an Air Maintenance Device (AMD)
Air compressors are specialized devices that pressurize dry pipe and pre-action fire sprinkler systems, preventing water from entering the pipes until a fire occurs. They replace water with air, keeping lines in unheated areas from freezing, expanding and bursting.
The NFPA 13 standard for the installation of sprinkler systems requires that dedicated air compressors be listed for fire protection. Listed units undergo rigorous third-party testing and certification to ensure they are up to standard.
AMDs regulate the air pressure from compressors to fire sprinklers. Regardless of how many your system requires, this setup is vital for maintaining constant air pressure in your piping.
Choose the Right Equipment
Fire protection air compressors come in different forms. Oil-less models are suitable for light-duty applications where the air must be clean and dry, require less maintenance, and reduce oil contamination risk to zero. Lubricated ones are ideal for industrial use, create minimal noise and have longer lifespans.
Base-mounted air compressors are ideal in situations where tailored solutions are necessary because they are available in fixed and variable speed drive options. They give you more control over the quality of compressed air.
Tank-mounted units are a solid option for fire sprinkler systems with multiple risers, as they can supply a higher volume of air. In contrast, riser-mounted devices are good enough for smaller systems. The riser-mounted type is a viable substitute for a tank-mounted one when there is inadequate room to install the latter, as installers can set the former on the wall or floor.
Observe Routine Inspection
Monthly, quarterly and annual inspections are integral in the maintenance of fire sprinkler system air compressors. Inefficiencies and premature equipment failure usually stem from neglect. Discovering and addressing cracked hoses, loose wiring, damaged seals and other causes for concern are crucial to prolong a compressor’s service life.
Moreover, routine tests can verify whether they can fill the pipework with pressurized air in a timely manner without overheating. Constant monitoring is vital for quickly detecting leaks, which typically cause pressure loss.
The upkeep of lubricated models is more challenging. These units require scheduled oil checks to prevent friction, which subjects moving parts to considerable heat that accelerates wear.
Some locations present unique hazards that should influence your equipment maintenance strategy. For example, in environments with high levels of dust and particulate matter, filter replacement should be more frequent to mitigate the destructive effects of clogging on the device’s internal components.
Leading Companies That Produce Fire Protection Air Compressors
Choose from these three trusted compressor manufacturers to source the units you need to maintain your sprinkler system’s air pressure more easily.
1. General Air Products
General Air Products has been manufacturing air compressors for fire protection applications since the late 1950s. It has an extensive range of oil-less and lubricated units suitable for base, tank and riser mounting configurations. Its catalogue includes a series of quieter models for churches, hotels, offices and other occupied spaces, and maintenance kits. The company has a product with sufficient capacity to meet the unique pressure requirements of any system size.
General Air Products’ air compressors can last up to 10 years when properly sized and installed. Its team provides engineering support to technicians from fire protection entities over the phone and help them navigate complex challenges. This manufacturer’s one-year warranty covers the equipment’s non-consumable components with material and workmanship defects.
Key Features:
- Strict NFPA 13 compliance
- Proprietary digital pressure switch technology
- In-person fire protection training
2. C-Aire
C-Aire has an established track record of developing cost-effective air compressors since 1979. This manufacturer offers an impressive selection, including oil-less models with excellent noise performance. Their low-vibration design makes them no louder than a humming refrigerator, combining the benefits of quiet operation and minimal maintenance.
The brand assembles every unit in its facility in the United States. Its team conducts thorough inspection and full-run testing on each air compressor before shipment. C-Aire also offers a three-year warranty on pumps and drying systems.
Key Features:
- Tight quality control
- Extendable warranties
- Comprehensive support tools
3. ABAC
ABAC has been offering compressed air solutions for various industries since 1981. This manufacturer provides low-maintenance oil-less and lubricated air compressors for fire sprinkler systems, including compact models with small footprints optimized for mobility. Its products have continuous operation capability for extended commissioning and testing.
The enterprise has partnered with hundreds of distributors, allowing its in-house team to focus on equipment quality and research and development. ABAC warranties vary in length, but they can reach up to five years for specific units.
Key Features:
- Global dealer network
- Phone and email technical support
- Self-service resources
Criteria for Comparing Solutions for Maintaining Sprinkler System Air Pressure
Consider these factors when choosing a fire protection air compressor and a reliable place to buy it:
- Equipment type: Is the air compressor lubricated or oil-less? Base-, tank- or riser-mounted?
- Technical specifications: Does the device have adequate capacity to meet the system’s requirements?
- Compliance: Does it meet the NFPA 13 standards for fill-up time and water delivery time?
- Noise: Is the model quiet enough for its intended application?
- Warranty: What does the manufacturer’s warranty cover and for how long?
- Maintenance needs: What does the equipment require to function properly in its environment?
- Estimated longevity: How long does the manufacturer expect a well-maintained fire protection air compressor to last under normal circumstances?
- Customer service: What kind of technical support does the manufacturer offer during installation, maintenance and replacement?
Maintain Air Pressure to Ensure Your Fire Sprinkler System Works as Intended
Investing in an appropriate compressor, combining it with an AMD and taking proactive maintenance seriously are the best practices to ensure an adequate level of compressed air in a fire protection system.
Learn more about the products of General Air Products, C-Aire and ABAC to find the perfect fit for your property.
