Your business needs a fire sprinkler system to stay safe and minimize damage. But did you know these systems have to follow rules, too? Florida fire protection companies can help keep your building up to code so you can focus on running your business smoothly.

Many businesses must follow rules and regulations to comply with local, state, and federal laws. Restaurants, hotels, manufacturing facilities, and retail stores are a few examples. If a restaurant doesn’t follow health code rules, it can be shut down. Why? Because skirting the rules puts people in danger. Kitchen Nightmares, anyone? The same is true for your fire sprinkler system. Not following the rules can get you in trouble and put the lives of your building occupants at risk. 

Florida fire protection companies like DynaFire work tirelessly to keep businesses safe and code-compliant by designing, installing, and maintaining fire sprinkler systems.

What Are Fire Sprinkler Codes?

Fire sprinkler codes are regulations by the National Fire Protection Administration (NFPA) to ensure that all commercial buildings use benchmark fire safety precautions. The three principal regulations that deal with fire sprinkler systems are NFPA 13, NFPA 25, and NFPA 72.

NFPA 13 is a standard that provides guidelines for installing fire sprinkler systems in buildings. It covers the design, installation, and maintenance of automatic fire sprinkler systems to mitigate the impact of fires. NFPA 13 is essential because it helps ensure the effectiveness and reliability of fire sprinkler systems, which are critical for protecting lives and property in the event of a fire.

NFPA 25 specifies the guidelines for inspecting, testing, and maintaining water-based fire protection systems. It provides guidelines for ensuring the proper functioning of fire sprinkler systems, fire pumps, water tanks, and other components to help prevent failures during emergencies. 

NFPA 25 is essential for maintaining the reliability and effectiveness of fire protection systems, reducing the risk of property damage, and enhancing overall fire safety. Building codes and regulations often require compliance with NFPA 25 standards to ensure the ongoing protection of buildings and occupants.

NFPA 72 regulates fire alarm and communication systems, specifying installation, testing, and maintenance standards. It encompasses fire detection devices like smoke and heat detectors and notification devices like horns and strobes. The code ensures early fire detection, prompt occupant notification, and coordinated emergency response, enhancing safety and property protection.

How Can Your Business Stay Code-Compliant?

With the help of Florida fire protection companies, your business can easily follow these regulations and ensure the safety and compliance of your property. 

At DynaFire, our engineers tailor fire protection systems to your building’s unique needs. 

By analyzing factors like size and occupancy, we ensure compliance with AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) regulations while maximizing safety and property protection. With our state-of-the-art sprinkler system designs, your business can rest assured knowing it’s equipped for any emergency.

Testing and Maintenance Regulations

In addition to design and installation, a professional fire safety company must regularly test your fire sprinkler system. Falling behind on your testing schedule risks fines and jeopardizes the safety of your building occupants.

The NFPA recommends the following testing and maintenance schedule for all commercial fire sprinkler systems:

• Quarterly: Conduct tests on mechanical devices, alarm devices, and the main drain of the fire sprinkler system.
• Semi-Annually: Test vane and pressure switch type devices.
• Annually: Perform a comprehensive fire sprinkler system test, including the main drain, water flow, fire pump, antifreeze solutions, and alarm devices.
• Every Five Years: Test and replace fire sprinkler gauges.
• Every 10 Years: Dry sprinkler systems require testing or replacement.

The DynaFire team can handle all of your fire sprinkler testing appointments. We constantly keep up with the latest regulations to keep you and your business compliant.

Do Regulations Ever Change?

Periodically, the NFPA releases updates to their regulations to keep up with the latest fire safety knowledge and technology. In 2023, NFPA 25 got a refresh that clarifies when to replace sprinkler heads. The 2017 edition required professional fire protection companies to replace sprinkler heads with rust, dirt, or paint on them. The new edition specifies that replacement is only needed if these conditions affect the sprinkler heads’ performance.

DynaFire Always Follows The Rules

Only Florida fire protection companies that follow regulations and best practices can adequately care for your fire sprinkler system. Our professional team of fire sprinkler technicians will ensure your commercial fire sprinkler system stays code-compliant with proper design, installation, and maintenance procedures. Contact us today to learn more about how we can keep your business safe and protected.