6/26/23, 9:18 AM Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems and Their Inspection and Testing Requirements

CONTACT US BILL PAY

1.855.206.2490
MENU
+

DELUGE FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

AND THEIR INSPECTION AND TESTING
REQUIREMENTS
Posted March 29, 2022 by Koorsen Fire & Security

https://blog.koorsen.com/deluge-fire-sprinkler-systems-and-their-inspection-and-testing-requirements 1/10
6/26/23, 9:18 AM Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems and Their Inspection and Testing Requirements

Deluge fire protection systems are a special type of fire sprinkler system, which is connected
directly to the water supply with a deluge valve. In more common types of sprinkler
systems, the sprinkler heads are closed until activated whereas the sprinkler heads or
nozzles in a deluge system remain open at all times. When the deluge valve is activated, it
releases the water into the pipes and through all the sprinkler heads or nozzles all at once,
inundating the protected area.

Foam water deluge systems function in basically the same way but are connected to a
source of concentrated fire suppressant foam in addition to a water supply, which allows
mixing as it is released through the sprinkler heads or nozzles.

A deluge system is an "empty-pipe" system. Unlike a "wet-pipe" system in which the piping
system is filled with water at all times, or a "dry-pipe" system, in which the pipes are filled
with pressurized air or nitrogen, the piping in a deluge system contains only air at the
surrounding atmospheric pressure. The water (and foam, in foam water systems) are held
back by a deluge valve at the water supply connection.

Deluge systems are typically used in high hazard areas such as power plants, chemical
plants, and other industrial or manufacturing facilities where there are large amounts of
combustibles that would allow a fire to become explosive and spread quickly. Because of
their ability to completely flood an area with water within seconds of activation, deluge
systems are very effective in such scenarios.

Fire Sprinkler Questions?

Click to Contact Us Now!

What You Should Know If You Have a Deluge

System
Like all fire protection systems, deluge sprinkler systems must be inspected and tested on
a regular basis to remain in compliance with local and state fire codes. The National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems covers these requirements in detail. If your
building has a deluge system, you will find the table below a useful summary of the
inspection and testing requirements for deluge systems.

https://blog.koorsen.com/deluge-fire-sprinkler-systems-and-their-inspection-and-testing-requirements 2/10
6/26/23, 9:18 AM Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems and Their Inspection and Testing Requirements

Frequency System Components

Inspections
Daily Enclosures (during cold weather)

Casing and pressure relief valves on any fire

Weekly pumps serving the system
Dry pipe gauges

Control valve and alarm valves exteriors

Dry pipe and deluge valve exteriors
Monthly
Proportioning systems (foam water systems)
Spray nozzle location and position

Fire department connections

Supervisory signal devices (except valve
Quarterly supervisory switches)
Foam concentrate strainers (foam water systems)
Drainage in system area

Semiannually Valve supervisory signal initiating device

Sprinkler location, and position

Sprinkler condition and the number of spare
sprinklers on hand
Inspection of all fittings and pipes for damage and
Annually
corrosion
Hangers, braces, and supports
Interior condition of deluge valve
All required informational signs

All strainers, filters, and orifices

Every five
Dry pipe check valve interiors
years
Alarm valve interiors

Testing

Quarterly Main drains

Annually Deluge valve trip test

Complete operational test (foam water systems)

https://blog.koorsen.com/deluge-fire-sprinkler-systems-and-their-inspection-and-testing-requirements 3/10
6/26/23, 9:18 AM Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems and Their Inspection and Testing Requirements

Proportioning systems, foam water solution, and

concentrate strainers (foam water systems)
Control valve position and operation
Supervisory valve
Water supply piping
Backflow prevention assemblies
Discharge device testing for proper location,
position, and to identify any obstructions
Manual actuation devices

Every five Gauges

years Water supply flow test

Every ten
Sprinklers tested/replaced
years

While these requirements may seem daunting, they don't have to be. Regardless of the type
of sprinkler system your building has, Koorsen can help you determine what inspections and
tests are required and can help you stay on top of them to keep your system well maintained
and compliant at all times. Contact us today to begin enjoying the peace of mind that if a
fire does break out in your building, your sprinklers will operate as expected to put it out
quickly.

Fire Sprinkler Questions?

Click to Contact Us Now!

Tweet Share Like 0 Share

Topics: Fire Protection, Fire Sprinkler Systems

Contact Us Now!
FIRST NAME *

https://blog.koorsen.com/deluge-fire-sprinkler-systems-and-their-inspection-and-testing-requirements 4/10
6/26/23, 9:18 AM Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems and Their Inspection and Testing Requirements

LAST NAME

EMAIL *

PHONE NUMBER

WORK SITE CITY WORK SITE STATE

WORK SITE ZIP CODE *

REQUEST TYPE
QUOTE

IMMEDIATE SERVICE
CUSTOMER SERVICE
OTHER

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?

SUBMIT

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but Koorsen Fire & Security
assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. It does not constitute professional advice. The
user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information's accuracy from all available sources, including the product
manufacturer. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.

RELATED POSTS

https://blog.koorsen.com/deluge-fire-sprinkler-systems-and-their-inspection-and-testing-requirements 5/10
6/26/23, 9:18 AM Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems and Their Inspection and Testing Requirements

Overview of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code

Code Requirements for Commercial Fire Protection
Design Considerations for Commercial Fire Protection
Advances In Commercial Fire Protection Technology
The Importance of Fire Drills and Employee Training in Fire Protection

Questions?
Contact Us Now!

SEARCH OUR BLOG

Search

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG

EMAIL *

NOTIFICATION FREQUENCY *

DAILY
WEEKLY

SUBSCRIBE

RECENT POSTS
The Integration of Access Control Systems with Other Security Systems

Choosing the Right Emergency and Exit Lights for Your Building
The Role of Physical Access Control in Overall Security Strategy

How Schools are Using Security Technologies to Enhance Safety

https://blog.koorsen.com/deluge-fire-sprinkler-systems-and-their-inspection-and-testing-requirements 6/10
6/26/23, 9:18 AM Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems and Their Inspection and Testing Requirements

The Importance of Emergency and Exit Lights in Fire Safety

CATEGORIES
Fire Protection (110)
Commercial Security (99)

Fire Safety & Security (72)

Koorsen News (71)

Fire Safety (59)

see all

Koorsen Fire & Security

Based on 722 Trustindex reviews

See all reviews Write a review

Julie Mccauley
June 19, 2023

Ron was very professional and was able to help solve our alarm system problems with ease!

Deborah Lloyd
June 19, 2023

Ben is great! Thorough, efficient and friendly.

Starshine
June 13, 2023

We really appreciate Dave's professionalism and friendliness. He and Jim worked quickly and
efficiently on the camera setup at one of our communities. Also, he explained really well how to use
the monitors and app.

Michael Atwell
June 11, 2023

https://blog.koorsen.com/deluge-fire-sprinkler-systems-and-their-inspection-and-testing-requirements 7/10
6/26/23, 9:18 AM Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems and Their Inspection and Testing Requirements

The fire alarm team from Koorsen, Reid and Nick, show up whenever we have an alarm issue and are
always professional, knowledgeable and prompt. I work in the specialty shop at Ariel Corp in Mt
Vernon and other Koorsen techs have handled our sprinkler system - not sure of their names, but
they also seem to have the same high standards as the alarm guys. Great company to call on for all of
your fire safety needs!

Mark Perri
June 8, 2023

Jason and Noah are doing the annual fire and life safety at my properties and are doing a great job

Patrick Lawler
June 8, 2023

Koorsen has some of the best techs! Jason Blythe took great care of us on the inspections.

Tyler Lawler
June 8, 2023

I had Jason and Noah at all my properties doing inspections! They where great

Omari Hill
June 7, 2023

Dave Green was extremely helpful with setting up the panels and teaching us how to use them! We
highly recommend Koorsen!

Tanya Smith
June 7, 2023

Dave was our technician and he was absolutely wonderful. He was here when he said he was going to
be here. He let me know if there was a day he wouldn't be here and when he would return. He is very
professional and courteous. He reminded me if an Army soldier saying yes ma'am. Dave cleaned up
after himself. I'm so glad the he did our installation.

https://blog.koorsen.com/deluge-fire-sprinkler-systems-and-their-inspection-and-testing-requirements 8/10
6/26/23, 9:18 AM Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems and Their Inspection and Testing Requirements

Truck Driver
June 6, 2023

Thank you so much for helping me out with my fire extinguisher. Really helpful and understandable
people working there. Appreciate your help

ALL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

GENERAL FIRE PRODUCTS

EMERGENCY/EXIT LIGHTING

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

KITCHEN FIRE SUPPRESSION

FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

COMMERCIAL SECURITY

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION

COMMUNICATIONS

HOME SECURITY

NURSE CALL SYSTEMS

OTHER COMPANIES

KOORSEN ENVIRONMENTAL

KOORSEN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

CONTACT KOORSEN

855-206-2490

[email protected]

FAQS

KOORSEN CAREERS

MEDIA RELATIONS

TRANSPARENCY IN COVERAGE

https://blog.koorsen.com/deluge-fire-sprinkler-systems-and-their-inspection-and-testing-requirements 9/10
6/26/23, 9:18 AM Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems and Their Inspection and Testing Requirements

 

© 2 0 2 3 K O O R S E N F I R E & S E C U R I T Y | P R I VA C Y P O L I C Y

https://blog.koorsen.com/deluge-fire-sprinkler-systems-and-their-inspection-and-testing-requirements 10/10