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Maximizing Fire Safety in New York City High-Rise Buildings with Fire Sprinkler Systems

Written by PMSI Support on May 30, 2023. Posted in Blog, Fire Code, Fire Sprinkler Systems.

Fire is among the most dangerous hazards in any building, especially in high-rise buildings. In New York City, a high-rise building is any structure over 75 feet or six stories tall. A fire in a high-rise building poses unique challenges for the occupants and firefighters, making it essential to have a fire safety plan. Installing a fire sprinkler system is crucial to any fire safety plan. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of fire sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings, the types of sprinkler systems, and the benefits of their installation.

The Importance of Fire Sprinkler Systems in High-Rise Buildings

Fire sprinkler systems are designed to contain and suppress fires. They release water through a series of sprinkler heads when the system’s sensors detect the presence of heat or smoke. Fire sprinklers can reduce the spread of flames and smoke, allowing occupants to evacuate the building safely.

In high-rise buildings, fire sprinkler systems are essential because of the following reasons:

A large number of occupants: High-rise buildings can accommodate hundreds or thousands of people at any given time. The evacuation process can become chaotic and difficult to manage in a fire. Fire sprinklers can help contain or extinguish the fire, allowing occupants to evacuate safely.
Limited access to upper floors: Firefighters face several challenges when fighting fires in high-rise buildings, including limited access to the upper floors, which can make it difficult to control the spread of the fire. Fire sprinkler systems can help contain fire and reduce the damage caused.
Spread of smoke: Fires in high-rise buildings can produce a lot of smoke, which can be more dangerous than the actual fire. Fire sprinklers can help contain the smoke and reduce the risk of smoke inhalation, making it easier for occupants to escape the building.

Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems

Several fire sprinkler systems are available, including wet, dry, pre-action, and deluge systems.

Wet sprinkler systems: This is the most common type of fire sprinkler system. These systems are permanently charged with water, and the sprinkler heads activate individually when the heat from a fire causes them to open. Wet sprinkler systems are the most reliable and cost-effective option.
Dry sprinkler systems: Are charged with pressurized air or nitrogen rather than water. When a sprinkler head opens, the air pressure is released, allowing water to flow into the pipes and out of the open sprinkler head. Dry sprinkler systems are often used in areas at risk of freezing temperatures.
Pre-action sprinkler systems: These systems are similar to dry sprinkler systems but require two activation triggers. The first trigger is usually a smoke detector, which activates a valve that allows water to enter the pipes. The second trigger is a sprinkler head that opens when the heat from a fire is detected. Pre-action systems are often used where water damage can be a concern.
Deluge sprinkler systems: These systems are designed to quickly release large amounts of water in the event of a fire. All sprinkler heads are always open, and the water is released when the system is activated. Deluge systems are often used in high-hazard areas where rapid fire spread is a concern.

Benefits of Fire Sprinkler Systems

Reduce property damage: Fire sprinkler systems can help contain fires, reducing the damage caused to the building and its contents.
Save lives: Fire sprinkler systems can extinguish fires or control their spread, providing occupants more time to evacuate the building safely.
Lower insurance premiums: Installing a fire sprinkler system can lower insurance premiums for high-rise building owners.
Compliance with fire codes and regulations: Fire sprinkler systems are often required by law in high-rise buildings, so installing them ensures compliance with fire codes and regulations.

Fire sprinkler systems are critical to any fire safety plan in high-rise buildings. They can help control the spread of fires, reduce smoke inhalation, and save lives. Additionally, they can reduce property damage, lower insurance premiums, and ensure compliance with fire codes and regulations. Therefore, High-rise building owners should prioritize installing fire sprinkler systems to maximize fire safety in their buildings. We invite you to contact our office to discuss your fire safety needs.

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How Many Sprinkler Heads are Required for My Space?

Written by PMSI Support on May 10, 2023. Posted in Blog, Fire Code, Installation.

Fire Sprinkler Installation Of Sprinkler Heads

Fire sprinkler system design and technology have revolutionized fire suppression and prevention in incalculable ways. One small sprinkler head can broadcast over an amazingly large area, with the ability to protect more than 200 square feet in some circumstances. Sprinkler head placement is both a marvel of science and engineering; sprinklers placed too close to each other, to walls, or to various obstacles can actually make a fire much more likely to spread. For this reason, sprinkler systems can only be designed and implemented by qualified professional design engineers, according to strict standards.

There are two key factors when determining both the maximum and minimum distance between fire sprinkler heads, as well as their distance from ceilings and walls. Specific characteristics including design and performance significantly impact the requirements for distance and obstructions to be protected by the system. Additionally, the type of sprinkler used (upright, pendant, or sidewall heads) determines placement and spacing, with maximum spacing for each varying depending upon a room’s hazards. Four types of hazards (with few exceptions) directly determine this distance. They are:

➢ Light Hazard – Uses of space including offices, religious, schools/educational/institutional, restaurants, clubs, hospitals, etc. must have 15 feet of maximum allowable space between them.

➢ Ordinary Hazard – Machine shops, manufacturing facilities, processing plants, commercial bakeries, repair shops & garages, parking garages, post offices, and woodworking machining & assembly plants all have the same requirement as Light Hazard facilities – 15-foot maximum sprinkler head distance.

➢ Extra Hazard/High-Piled Storage – Extra Hazard or High-Piled Storage spaces typically have a 12-foot maximum distance between fire sprinklers, with few exceptions. The facilities that are considered Extra Hazards include Printing, Painting, Varnishing, Chemical Spraying facilities, metal extruding, and plastic processing.

One other important factor influencing the spacing requirements for sprinklers is the water supply source per the purpose of the dwelling the system will protect. The distance between sprinkler heads can vary Depending on whether the system is designed with the pipe schedule method vs. a hydraulically designed system. Lastly, as the maximum spacing between sprinklers increases, so does the maximum allowable distance from walls. These parameters, while standard, are modifiable as necessary for small rooms, specialized building purposes, certain angles and curves within the structure, and racking or storage requirements in the design of the building.

It is important to distinguish that the maximum distance between sprinklers will vary depending on room size and purpose, however, the minimum distance is at least six feet between all standard spray fire sprinkler heads, with very few exceptions.

As you can see, determining fire sprinkler spacing is a complex, necessary, and highly-specialized job. At Allstate Fire Sprinkler Company in Manhattan, we are uniquely qualified to assist in the determination and implementation of the appropriate system to fit your business or home’s fire sprinkler needs. We are experts in our industry, and we look forward to helping you safeguard your work and home environment.

About Allstate Sprinkler

Our family business has developed from a “mom and pop” company into a highly regarded fire protection contractor servicing the New York City Metropolitan area. Our commitment is to assist you with all of your commercial and residential fire protection needs. We have built a reputation on the sound principle of providing professional service and high-quality products to all our customers. Our services include but are not limited to the following: complete installations and alterations of fire sprinkler and standpipe systems, prompt correction of all fire department violations, five-year hydrostatic pressure tests, emergency service, and repairs, fire pump testing and installations, fire extinguisher sales, and service, and all fire safety products and equipment.

Allstate Sprinkler Corp. is a licensed Master Fire sprinkler contractor with the New York City building department. Our priority is providing our customers with cost-effective, professional, and reliable service. We hope that you will enjoy our website and become a part of our family customer base.

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Are Hotels in New York Required to Have Fire Sprinkler Systems?

Written by PMSI Support on January 15, 2023. Posted in Blog, Fire Code, Fire Sprinkler Systems, Inspection.

The popularity of “transient dwellings” is skyrocketing – hotels, motels, hostels, rentals, timeshare, and hosting sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, etc., see travelers coming and going all day and night. With so much travel and guests, strict regulations and guidelines to ensure round-the-clock safety are crucial. At Allstate Sprinkler, we specialize in keeping such transient facilities equipped and in complete compliance with the unique NYC fire sprinkler code set forth by FDNY.

Whether protecting a dormitory, bed & breakfast, or luxury resort, all temporary housing must be protected with a fire sprinkler system, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the City of New York. Per the strict guidelines and requirements of the NFPA, even older lodging houses and dwellings must now comply with proper installation, maintenance, and routine inspection of fire sprinkler systems. While each municipality has its regulations per NFPA guidance, special considerations are more commonly required across city limits and county lines. “Universal” codes to be enforced include:

Any area used for sleeping must be equipped with smoke alarms and quick-response (residential-type) heat-sensitive sprinklers.
Areas including free-standing kiosks, stands, booths, or displays that may impede the overall water flow require ample automatic sprinkler systems.
Balconies, decks, breezeways, and hallways all require sprinkler systems
The fire sprinkler riser and supply must be protected against backflow.

Routine fire inspections are mandatory for all transient dwelling fire sprinkler systems, including regularly scheduled equipment testing and a rigorous maintenance schedule (monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending upon the mechanism) for all system elements. Qualified inspection contractors must perform these services per NFPA 25 and NYC fire code, section 901. Water flow switches, pumps, tanks, water levels, and other components must be electronically supervised and monitored daily by hotel owners and operators once installation and inspection of the system are complete.

Since 2018, hotels are also required to perform integrated testing. This practice checks the safety systems and features of a building, including fire sprinklers, fire alarm, smoke control, and elevator recall, ensuring that each takes place accordingly and appropriately should the systems activate in an emergency. If a fire is detected, each item has a specific code-required function to perform. Integrated testing ensures that all systems of this nature work together to safeguard the establishment from costly violations, individual function failures, catastrophes, and closure by authorities for failure to comply.

Allstate Sprinkler has been a family-operated business based in The Bronx for over 50 years. We proudly offer 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency service protection, 365 days a year. We take great pride and every precaution on behalf of our valued clients and humbly prize our outstanding reputation with the FDNY as a leader in our industry. A proud recipient of the Bronx Business of the Year Award and the New York Construction Legacy Award, we are uniquely qualified to provide your hotel, lodge, bed & breakfast, or rental cottages with the best fire sprinkler protection in New York and beyond. Contact us today

How to Protect Yourself From Electrical Fires

Written by PMSI Support on June 29, 2022. Posted in Blog, Fire Code.

Electrical fires can be extremely dangerous. There are several ways to protect yourself from this type of fire. Electrical fires are caused by overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, lamps, space heaters, and almost any other electrical device. The best way to protect yourself is to focus on prevention.

It’s important to remember that attempting to extinguish an electrical fire with water will probably worsen matters. Water conducts electricity, and dumping it near a power source could cause a dangerous electrical shock.

Overloaded circuits

Overloaded circuits are a leading cause of building fires. Thankfully, many of them are preventable. One way to prevent a fire caused by an overloaded circuit is to use an automatic circuit breaker to shut off electrical power.

There are several signs of an overloaded circuit:

One of the signs is a circuit breaker that frequently trips; circuit breakers trip when the circuit’s energy capacity exceeds its limit.
Another sign of an overloaded circuit is discolored or warm wall plates or sizzling receptacles on your circuit breaker.
Lastly, you may have an overloaded circuit if you experience a mild shock when touching an appliance on your property.

If you’ve witnessed any of the previously mentioned signs on your property, immediately schedule a consultation with an electrician.

Faulty wiring

Faulty wiring is one of the top causes of building fires. It’s also one of the most preventable types of fire. If you haven’t, hire a professional to check your house’s wiring and ensure everything works properly and safely.

The best way to detect faulty wiring is to have a professional conduct a routine check of all electrical cables. Check for signs of excessive heat or dripping sounds coming from electrical devices. Additionally, make sure that all smoke detectors are working.

Lighting

Ensure all your light fixtures have light bulbs that do not exceed the manufacturer’s specified wattage limit. If you notice flickering lights, have that addressed by maintenance.

Space heaters

Space heaters are one of the leading causes of fires, accounting for over one-third of all blazes. These devices are more prone to causing a fire than most appliances, and they’re particularly dangerous during colder months. Space heaters can overheat quickly, so keeping them at least three feet away from flammable materials and keeping the cord out of the way is essential.

Space heaters can cause a fire if combined with multiple appliances or extension cords. When using a space heater, it is critical to ensure that all wires connected to it are not frayed and that there is no dust buildup on or around it. It’s also important to never leave a space heater unattended.

Water

Usually, the cause of an electrical fire is due to an overload in the circuit. In some cases, water exposure to the circuit can cause a circuit to overload and overheat.

If you have an electrical fire, you should remember not to use water to put out the flames. Water conducts electricity, which can result in deadly electrocution. Instead, use class c rated fire extinguisher.

Contact us with any questions you have

Don’t forget, fire extinguisher installation is required for every commercial building in New York City, and the FDNY can issue a fine of up to $1,000 if your building violates a requirement. At Allstate Sprinkler, our team of experienced professionals can install fire extinguishers per NYC’s regulations and help you avoid costly fines. Call us today for a free estimate.

About Allstate Sprinkler

Allstate Sprinkler Corp. is a licensed Master Fire sprinkler contractor with the New York City building department. Providing our customers with cost-effective, professional, and reliable service is our priority. We hope that you will enjoy our website and become a part of our family customer base.

5 Reasons Warehouse Fire Sprinkler Systems Fail FDNY Fire Code

Written by It on May 15, 2020. Posted in Blog, Fire Code.

The FDNY has strict requirements for all commercial and multi-residential buildings within its jurisdiction. This includes the NFPA 25 standards, which were adopted citywide in 2012.

A key component of this standard is for the inspection, testing and maintenance of effective fire sprinkler systems that are specially designed for each building and occupancy.

Warehouses

Warehouses may have different needs than other facilities. There tends to be less open floor space, and tightly packed commodities on in-rack storage systems that may reach near ceiling elevations. In order to meet FDNY, Building Department and insurance minimum requirements, these facilities may require Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinkler systems in order to suppress a fire, but each warehouse is different.

Violations are very common. A recent study indicated that 1,100 buildings do not yet meet FDNY requirements and the Environmental Control Board has recently issued 983 violations for sprinkler system violations — reinforcing their ability to enforce the FDNY’s violation as well as the life-safety severity of these situations.

In order to mitigate a violation, a fire sprinkler system must be installed, tested, inspected and maintained by a Licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractor. Each FDNY violation falls within a specific violation category and the five most issued violations are as follows:

VC-5: Failure to produce permit and/or record.
VC-7: Labels/marks/stamps (color coding).
VC-12: Maintenance of sprinkler, standpipe, alarm, suppression systems.
VC-17: Certificates of fitness
VC-20: Test/inspection

1. Inspection Records

If your fire sprinkler inspections are not recorded properly, the FDNY can only assume that existing sprinkler system(s) are not up to code. You must provide specific inspection/testing and maintenance documentation, upon demand, from a Licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractor in order to comply with the local fire code. Allstate Sprinkler is the most reputable, reliable and a leading Master Fire sprinkler contractor that enables our inspectors to use customized software to record every relevant factor in the inspection. Well make sure you have the appropriate paperwork to answer this violation.

2. Color Coding of Sprinkler System Pipes

During a fire, every second is priceless. Piping and components must be immediately identifiable, especially the exterior fire department connection. This apparatus is where the fire department connects their pumper truck while fighting a fire in order to augment the existing water supply. . Interior standpipe and sprinkler piping must also be painted accordingly. Valve handles must also be painted either red, yellow or green depending on their function.

3. Proper Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Fire Sprinkler Systems

In order for fire sprinkler systems to be effective, they must be inspected, tested and maintained properly. Dirt, dust, grime and paint will affect the operational capacity of sprinkler heads; valves might be shut closed by careless employees or customers; piping and components may become corroded or develop leaks; a definitive number of spare sprinkler heads and wrench must be kept on premises; NOTHING can be hung from overhead sprinkler piping; and all inventory must be kept within 18 inches of all sprinkler heads.

4. Certificate of Fitness

Certificates of fitness are issued by the FDNY to individuals who pass a written exam to ensure they have adequate knowledge of fire sprinkler/standpipe systems. Individual businesses should also have someone on-site who is certified to safely use, store and handle dangerous materials in their particular workplace.

5. Regular Testing of Sprinkler Systems

Your fire sprinkler system must be regularly tested by a Licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractor regularly to remain within code. This includes a regiment of monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual testing procedures.

If you’ve received a Notice of Violation from the FDNY, answering it within the time frame permitted will help you reduce any possible monetary fines if you need to appear before the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings/Environmental Control Board (OATH). Allstate Sprinkler LLCoration is fully licensed and insured to test, inspection, repair and install designed sprinkler systems in all types of facilities. Contact us today for more information.

FDNY NFPA 25 Adoption: Inspection & Testing Fire Sprinkler Systems

Written by It on May 30, 2019. Posted in Fire Code, NFPA 25.

FDNY Adoption of NFPA 25: Inspection and Testing of Fire Sprinkler Systems

Effective January 1, 2012, The Fire Department of New York City adopted The National Fire Protection Association’s Standard #25. This standard significantly impacts and changes the requirements for inspecting and testing all sprinkler systems in all facilities throughout the five boroughs of New York City. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a highly trusted, not-for-profit organization that is recognized as a leading information and knowledge resource for fire, electrical, and life safety hazards. NFPA Standard # 25 identifies and governs the inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements of water-based fire sprinkler systems. The inspection, testing, and maintenance regiment of NFPA 25 will inform property owners and/or their tenants about the readiness and integrity of the fire sprinkler systems throughout their facilities.

The importance of Timely/Regular NFPA 25 inspections:

To ensure that fire sprinkler systems are working and tested properly, NFPA 25 provides a suggested timeline and frequency to perform the specific requirements. It is essential to follow the requirements of monthly, quarterly, and annual inspections and testing. Although the monthly inspection is usually a visual inspection, quarterly and annual frequencies require more thorough and detailed testing requirements. The inspection requirements vary according to the particular system(s) within a facility and the following paragraphs are summaries based upon the NFPA 25 standard recommendations.

Monthly Visual NFPA 25 Inspections:

Monthly visual inspections standardized by NFPA 25 provide immediate visible confirmation if the sprinkler system is in good, working condition. The most important tasks to perform during a visual inspection are: 1. Inspection of all control valves only equipped with locks and/or supervised tamper switches. 2. Inspection of all gauges (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge systems) 3. Inspection of all alarm valves 4. Inspection of all dry pipe valves and their heated enclosures 5. Inspection of spare sprinkler heads and spare wrench 6. Inspection of fire department connections. 7. Inspection of the backflow device 8. Inspection of the booster pump and jockey pump The visual inspection acts as a baseline indicator for property owners or building engineers to estimate the functionality of their sprinkler system. NFPA 25 describes this inspection as a visual assessment to make sure that there are no visible problems with the system and it is reliable with no visible, physical damage.

Quarterly Tests and Inspections of:

Quarterly tests and inspections standardized by NFPA 25 include the monthly visual inspection(s) identified above as well as the important tasks identified below:

Examination of the control valves to confirm they meet the following requirements:
The valves must be in their original position, open or closed.
The valves should be correctly secured, protected and monitored
The valves should be accessible and reachable with no external leakage
Alarm valves including the retard chambers and drains should be leak-free.
The valves should show no physical damages
The valves are suitably tagged and identified
Pressure reducing valves are maintaining the downstream pressure as per design criteria.
All wheel handles are in good condition.

Examination of all the gauges of the sprinkler and confirm they meet the following requirements:
Wet sprinkler systems: Confirm that all gauges are in excellent condition and the pressure from the water supply is also sufficient.
Dry Sprinkler systems: Confirm that all gauges are in excellent condition and that there is accurate pressure on the supply side of the dry pipe valve as well as on the quick-opening device, where applicable.

Mechanical water-flow alarm devices must be free from any physical damage and tested through the appropriate test connection with alarms actuating and flow being observed.
Hydraulic nameplates for calculated systems are securely attached to the riser and legible.
Fire department connection(s) are visible, accessible, not damaged with plugs, gaskets in place and in good condition with identifying sign(s) in place and lower check valves are not leaking with automatic ball-drips in place.
Post indicating valves need to be opened/closed accordingly.
Priming levels and quick opening devices on dry pipe systems are tested accordingly.
Main drain tests for systems downstream of backflow devices are performed recording both static and residual pressures.

Annual Test and Inspections:

Annual tests and inspections standardized by NFPA 25 include the monthly and quarterly regiment identified above as well as the important tasks identified below:

Inspection of the hangers, piping and fittings throughout the building where accessible
Confirm that the visible sprinkler heads are free of corrosion, free of physical damage, free of obstruction to the spray pattern and free of foreign materials including paint.
Confirm that there is adequate sprinkler protection throughout the facility where access is granted.
Operate each sprinkler control valve by closing and then restoring it to the fire ready position.
Perform annual dry-pipe trip test for dry systems.
Drain and blow out all low-point drumdrips on dry systems.
Perform full-flow fire pump test(s) (if pumps exist)
Confirm adequate heat is provided, as necessary.
Perform an internal obstruction assessment – every 5^th year.
Lastly, examine the water flow in the water supply pipes and check if there is any change in its condition.

Conclusion

Fire sprinkler systems save lives and property! The regular, timely inspections and testing of such systems as per NFPA 25 will provide building owners, tenants and firefighting personnel the utmost confidence that the sprinkler systems installed throughout the City of New York will function as designed. NFPA 25 is regularly being enforced by the FDNY and in order to avoid any violations, please contact Allstate Sprinkler LLCoration to perform these mandated inspections and ensure that you are compliant with the governing laws of New York City.

About Allstate Sprinkler

Allstate Sprinkler, LLC is a licensed Master Fire sprinkler contractor with the New York City building department. Providing our customers with cost-effective, professional, and reliable service is our priority. We hope that you will enjoy our website and become a part of our family customer base.

Allstate Sprinkler, LLC was founded in 1972 by William and Gladys Goodrich who emigrated from Russia and Poland in search of a better life in America. William, ‘Bill’, learned and mastered the fire protection trade over 5 decades of tremendous learning and effort. Our family business has developed from a “mom and pop” company into a highly regarded fire protection contractor servicing the New York City Metropolitan area. Our commitment is to assist you with all of your commercial and residential fire protection needs. We have built a reputation on the sound principle of providing professional service and high-quality products to all our customers. Allstate Sprinkler, LLC is recognized as one of the most responsive, thorough, and reliable fire sprinkler contractors in the New York City metropolitan area. We are currently licensed and conduct business throughout the -5- boroughs of New York City, Westchester County, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Lower Hudson Valley, and Northern New Jersey. We have also successfully completed large construction projects in Baltimore, Maryland; Albany, New York, and Syracuse, New York.