Whats an NFPA 25 Inspection?
NFPA stands for National Fire Protection Association. The NFPA 25 is the baseline standard for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. Not only is complying with the NFPA 25 mandatory and required by law for businesses to ensure their fire protection systems operate optimally and avoid large penalties upon violating the code, but compliance also helps maximize system integrity to avoid failure and guarantee an immediate, effective response in a fire emergency. In the US, this standard has been adopted in most states through either the building code or the fire code. It is absolutely critical to choose the right company in the industry to protect your building and all of the people within it, avoid violations and hefty fines, and also minimize the potential for corrective work being done in your building. Sirina Fire Protection has the experience, qualifications, manpower, and professionalism required to provide the highest quality of service in the industry. For quality fire protection in New York, NY, be sure to work with us.
Do I really need to install a fire sprinkler system in my building?
As per NFPA 13, all newly constructed commercial buildings that are 5,000 square feet or larger are required to have a fire sprinkler system. Also, any remodeling that adds square footage to an existing commercial building resulting in a building now the size of 12,000 sq ft mandates installation of a fire sprinkler system. It is also stated by the NFPA that any townhomes with more than 2 units per building require an automatic fire sprinkler system and the sprinkler system should be designed to meet NFPA 12-R requirements, which include coverage of balconies, breezeway, and garages. In addition, buildings exceeding 55 ft in height are also required to have an automatic fire sprinkler system installed. Sirina Fire Protection has not only been installing these fire sprinkler systems for over 30 years now, but also has been exceeding standards in the market with new technology. Not only can we perform installations, but we can also extend the life of your system and service it going forward. There is no need to deal with other companies for maintenance and service! When you need quality fire safety equipment in New York, NY, we're the team to call.
How often do my fire sprinklers need to be inspected?
Generally, fire sprinkler systems are inspected or tested weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, and every 5 years. This will help ensure your sprinkler system will work as it's supposed to, increase the life of your system, avoid fines due to noncompliance, and potentially save money on insurance premiums. Weekly and monthly, the owner should be doing their own visual safety inspections of the valves and gauges of the system. Does anything look off? Does anything look like it could need repairing? This is extremely important to ensure the safety of your fire sprinkler system and, most importantly, the safety of everyone inside of your building or space. Quarterly, annually, and every 5 years, you should be utilizing a licensed fire sprinkler systems contractor for more thorough inspections such as inspection and test of alarm devices, an inspection of supervisory signal devices, hydraulic nameplates, and control valves. For a reliable commercial sprinkler system in New York, NY, call us today!
How many fire extinguishers do I need for my business and do I really need fire extinguishers if I already have a fire sprinkler system?
This depends on square footage, travel distance, and how many stories are in the building or space. Usually, fire extinguisher spacing mandates a travel distance not exceeding 75 ft allowing for spacing of every 150 ft. This can vary and should be discussed with your licensed professional fire suppression contractor. Sirina Fire Protection is happy to come out and take a look at your location to determine the best and safest amount of extinguishers you will need. Fire extinguishers are for smaller, early stages of fires and can potentially stop a fire from spreading and resulting in a much worse situation. It is absolutely crucial to be able to stop a fire if it's caught in time. For a fire sprinkler head to go off, the ceiling temperature has to be around 155 degrees Fahrenheit. By that time, the fire will usually be very large in size and repercussions in this circumstance are likely much worse. Call us today with any further questions about fire protection in New York, NY.
How much does a fire sprinkler system cost and can I deduct the cost of a sprinkler system on my taxes?
This depends on numerous factors including the size of your building or location. Cost also varies based on system features and design, pipe material, and lifetime costs. As you're calculating the long-term investment needed to install a sprinkler system, remember that many insurance companies offer premium discounts for buildings with automatic fire sprinklers. Don't forget to factor this in to determine the true cost of your installation. There are also various water-based systems as well as specialty systems. While the different combinations are vast, the cost will vary greatly as well. Call Sirina Fire Protection today to schedule an appointment to discuss what's best for your location and we'll recommend or design a system to fit your specific and unique needs. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act incentivizes businesses to install fire sprinkler systems by allowing them to deduct the expense on their federal taxes. Under section 179 of the tax code, businesses can expend up to $1 million for fire sprinkler installations for each year of the expense. For reliable fire safety equipment in New York, NY, call us today!
How long will it take to get someone here if I have a problem with my fire alarm or sprinkler system?
Problems can arise at any time, even when properly maintained and fires don't care what time it is. We understand. Because of this, our service department is one of the few in the region that provides 24-hour service 7 days a week for emergency calls in all of NYC, Long Island, and Westchester. We respond to all calls within an hour and guarantee mechanics to be on site within 4 hours. If you have an accidental break, leak, pipe freeze, alarm going off, or if you get a violation from the fire department, we can handle it right away! Our expert, certified, and highly trained technicians are fully prepared and capable of providing service and repairs on sprinkler and specialty systems. Because of the size and qualifications of our professionals, there's no sprinkler-related problem that we can't fix. Working with the right expert fire suppression contractor could be the difference between fixing a problem right away and flooding your entire building. Not only is this important for the safety of the people and property in your building, but you are also legally responsible to do so. Minor problems need to be corrected within 30 days, but major ones require immediate action. Call Sirina Fire Protection right away for fire violation corrections in New York, NY and more!
What buildings must comply with Local Law 26 and what exactly is LL 26?
Local Law 26 of 2004 established many retroactive requirements for office buildings and other business occupancies above certain height thresholds. However, one requirement was particularly demanding: office buildings and other business occupancies existing at least 100 feet tall must be fully protected by a sprinkler system. Buildings Bulletin 2017-17 clarifies which buildings are subject to the law and may be accessed on the Department's website at nyc.gov/assets/buildings/bldgs_bulletins/bb_2017-017.pdf. For quality fire protection in New York, NY, call us today!
What is a special inspector? Do I need a special inspector?
Per NYC Building Code (BC 1704.23), special inspectors are required to verify the installation of materials, fitting hanger assemblies, and signage have pre-approved documents. In addition, they ensure that the painting of the system complies with BC 903.6. This portion of the inspection may be conducted periodically at increments suitable to the progress of the work. A special inspector shall witness all required tests, both hydrostatic and flow tests, and ensure submission of Form FP 85 to FDNY. Should you need a reliable fire system in New York, NY, be sure to call us today.
What is self certification? Who can perform self certifications?
For sprinkler work, contractors have the option to either require a department inspection or submit a self-certification of the completed work. The contractor must submit a notice of intent to self-certify with the dates of these self-certified inspections to the department and follow up with the submission of results for self-certified inspections. The Sprinkler Enforcement Unit conducts a random audit of all self-certified notices to ensure compliance of inspected work is up to code and regulations. Call us today for a reliable fire alarm system in New York, NY.
Do I request an inspection for a sprinkler sign off?
The department's online portal for scheduling appointments for required DOB inspections must be used. DOB now provides robust online accounts, making it easier to submit applications, make payments, schedule appointments, check the status of an application or inspection, pull permits, and make renewals. When it comes to fire safety equipment in New York, NY, we're the team to work with.