* When it comes to inspection and/or testing guidelines, your Authority Having Jurisdiction makes the final decision as to what needs to be performed for a particular inspection. You should either speak directly with your AHJ or a licensed fire protection contractor within your state.

As their name implies, quarterly inspections are performed every quarter.

Visually inspect the system: Your inspector should perform a walk-through of the protected areas and visually inspect the piping and sprinkler heads. If there have been any structural or ceiling changes which require the addition or relocating of sprinkler heads, the inspector should note the changes. To make things easier on your inspector, you will need to grant him or her complete access to all areas of the building on the day of the quarterly inspection. Back To Top

Alarm devices: Although not all jurisdictions call for it, it is a good idea to test the alarm bells during each quarterly inspection. Testing the alarm doesn't necessarily mean flowing water either; the inspector can manually trip the flow switch to see if a flow signal is tripped. Back To Top

Gauges: Gauges should be checked that they are in good working order. Your inspector can disable the 3/4" valve feeding the guages, remove them, and then reinstall them. By opening the 1/4" valve again, the guage can be visually checked to see if it shows a substantial increase in pressure. Back To Top

Sprinklers: Inspecting the sprinklers for spray obstruction and for potential damage/corrosion is part of the visual inspection aspect of a quarterly inspection. The spare head box should also be checked for spare sprinkler heads in new condition. Back To Top

FDC: The Fire Department Caps and the FDC itself should be checked for proper installation and be free of obstructions should the FDC need to be operated. Back To Top