Fire System Pressure Gauges
Vložit
- čas přidán 20. 08. 2024
- This video discusses the little know five year requirement for Fire Sprinkler System pressure gauge replacement. These gauges have been found to be leaking, stuck and corroding internally while they appear to look fine from the outside.
+1 for someone who is late in replacing their gauge (12 years old), and whose gauge was corroded. Turns out, however, the old gauge was working because the new gauge showed the same pressure, but still, it needed to be replaced.
FYI, 5 years ago my fire system pressure was about 80 psi. It now is about 94 psi. I contacted the water department, asking if that pressure is OK. The non-technical point-of-contact asked one of their inspectors; she then passed on this information: "I was able to reach one of the inspectors to verify that 92-94 psi would be adequate for a residential sprinkler system. They stated that systems can run on up to approximately 175 with minimal issue. Should the pressure continue to rise though, it may be beneficial to have a company service the system..." Since I didn't speak directly with an inspector, however, I trust this information a bit less than if I had. And yet, that is what I will rely on for now.
My main house water pressure is regulated by the whole house pressure regulator, which I had replaced several years ago. The pressure at an outside hose bib is 60 psi, which is in the range I believe is acceptable, 40-80 psi. This is reflective of the water pressure throughout my home. Since the fire system branches off the main incoming water line prior to this pressure regulator, the pressure in the fire loop is different and higher that the rest of the home. So I just need to monitor the fire system pressure occasionally to make sure it is not rising continually over the years. If you want to test your home water pressure, you can buy a gauge at Lowes or Home Depot that screws onto the hose bib, and of course, you can see the fire system pressure inside the panel in your garage (if the gauge is working properly).
I agree with everything you say. Glad you changed the gauge out because 100% of the gauges I have seen have shown signs of minor to significant corrosion or leakage. Your incoming water pressure is determined by the city. In Peoria even though they state they supply water pressure no higher than 80psi, I find that entire neighborhoods can run in excess of this. I understand your wanting to monitor your fire system pressure periodically but I would urge you to monitor your house pressure even more. With the high minerals in our water regulators are prone to failure which would subject your household water pipes to stressful pressures if it were to fail.
My pressure gauge is reading 90. I have replaced the valve with a fire sprinkler safety firm in 2019. However recently I hear a humming sound coming from the fire sprinkler box in my garage. I called the firm and they said it’s almost 5 years and I should consider replacing the valve or gauge again. The service fees are outrageous the parts are minimal. I’m on the fence. Could it be something related to my irrigation system . Should I have the irrigation system looked at instead?
Dave, Can I turn off the water and replace the guage myself?
I have seen 9 gauges that have been replaced by homeowners and 100% of them have shown signs of leaking and failure.
What should the gauge pressure be?
The gauge should reflect the City of Peoria water pressure which is between 50-80 psi. The pressure may fall as low as 40 psi for short periods of high usage.
I had the fire department visit a few years ago to show me how to do a simple check of my system after I learned that they make these visits. My gauge read 80 psi and he said, "that is where you want it to be."
An equivalent pressure gauge is also available cheaper at Home Depot (OnLine) for $15.57
You can ship it to the store for Pick Up.
Go to www.homedepot.com and search on PFE3935R1