To remain accurate and reliable in accordance with industry standards and manufacturer recommendations calibration of fire equipment testing equipment should be conducted regularly. While the frequency of calibration is recommended at least annually by most other guidelines, such as those from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more frequent checks may be required based on how hard a gas monitor has to work and the types of conditions in which it operates.
Fire extinguisher and sprinkler systems testing use pressure gauges which must be calibrated annually to retain a precision of ±1%). Working pressure for these tools is typically in the 100 to 300 psi range, and even a slight variance can cause misreadings. NFPA 25 requires that failure to test these devices on schedule may increase the system failing rate by as much as twenty-five-percent.
Yet another important type of testing equipment that needs to be calibrated, is the aerosol testers used for smoke detectors. These devices are made to act just like real life smoke conditions and guarantee that the detectors, react in accordance with NFPA 72 by responding within 30 seconds. Experts recommend calibration every six months for high-use environments, like manufacturing and larger commercial buildings where testing of detection systems is common.
Additionally, thermal imaging is also calibrated to with accuracy so that the temperature level everything can be read and monitored: as exact as 0.5℃ to detect heat in its early stages preventing fire hazards. Fire Equipment Manufacturers Association clarifies that you must calibrate your thermal imager 12 monthly or after major changes in conditions and experience, for example, from extreme temperature. For example, a lag in calibrating thermal cameras at an industrial plant this year prevented them from noticing equipment overheating and ignited a fire destroying $2 million worth.
The flow meters employed to test the sprinkler systems can measure rates of water delivery with an error margin lower than 2%. Fire codes require once yearly calibration to confirm local code standards, as fulfilling a minimum of 15gpm for residential systems. Improper calibration will lead to inaccurate distorted flow readings and may potentially compromise the fire fighting efforts.
Fire safety expert Dan Madrzykowski replayed what has unintentionally become boilerplate: “Calibration is not optional; it is essential for ensuring the reliability of fire safety systems. Routine calibration enables Fire Equipment Testing Equipments to deliver precision data, underpinning quick corrective maintenance and safety regulation instances.
Read on Fire Equipment Testing Equipment: Maintenance and Calibration for Optimal Reliability and Safety In Your Fire Protection System →