Testing & System Commissioning
Safe Inspection of the Fire Protection Installation Before Handover.
The fire pump, valve sets, line pressure, flow rate, alarm signals and overall system performance are checked before handover to confirm that the system is ready to operate in an emergency.
Request a Quote for Your Project →Why is commissioning testing important?
A fire protection installation is not complete simply because it has been installed. It must be tested to confirm that it operates at the correct pressure, at the correct flow rate and with the correct alarm signals.
Testing and commissioning allow the installation to be checked under conditions close to real use. The pumps, valves, alarm equipment, pressure values, flow measurements and leak checks are all covered.
The aim is to confirm that the system can do its job in the event of a fire. A closed valve, low pressure, an incorrect connection, a missing alarm signal or leaks in the pipework only come to light through proper testing.
On completion of commissioning, a system handover report is prepared. For the client, this report is an important document both as technical assurance and for future maintenance.
What steps are used to inspect a fire protection installation?
The testing process consists of a pressure test, flow test, valve check, alarm signal test, pump operation test and handover report.
Pressure Test
The pressure test checks whether the pipes, joints, valves and fittings in the fire main withstand the specified test pressure without leaking.
This test detects hidden leaks, loose joints, faulty welds or unsuitable fittings before handover.
Items checked
| Purpose | To confirm that the fire main is leak-free and safe |
|---|---|
| Area of application | Sprinkler mains, fire hose cabinet mains, hydrant mains, pump outlets, risers |
| Points to note | The test pressure and duration must be determined according to the design standard, and the test result must be recorded. |
Flow Test
The flow test checks whether the system can supply the required amount of water in the event of a fire. Pressure alone is not enough; sufficient water flow is also needed to fight a fire.
Flow testing is critical for seeing the real performance of hydrant, fire hose cabinet, sprinkler and pump systems in particular.
Technical assessment
| Purpose | To confirm that sufficient water can reach the system in the event of a fire |
|---|---|
| Area of application | Fire pumps, hydrant systems, fire hose cabinets, sprinkler test lines |
| Points to note | The flow measurement must be discharged to a safe drainage area and the results must be reported. |
Fire Pump Commissioning
The fire pump is the heart of the system. During commissioning, the electric duty pump, diesel standby pump and jockey pump are checked to ensure that they start in the correct sequence.
Commissioning a pump involves more than simply running it. Pressure settings, control signals, valve positions, fuel, batteries, power supply and alarm outputs are all checked together.
Items checked
| Purpose | To confirm that the pumps operate automatically and safely in the event of a fire |
|---|---|
| Area of application | Sprinkler, hydrant, fire hose cabinet and fire brigade inlet systems |
| Points to note | During the pump test, valve positions, the bypass line and the drain line must be set correctly. |
Valve Set and Alarm Check
In fire protection systems, it is vital that valves are in the correct position. A single valve left closed can put the entire system out of action in the event of a fire.
For this reason, the alarm valve, monitored valves, test and drain valve, flow switch, pressure switch and fire alarm panel signals must be checked during commissioning.
Items checked
| Purpose | To check that the fire protection system raises the correct alarms mechanically and electrically |
|---|---|
| Area of application | Sprinkler valve stations, fire pump rooms, zone valves, alarm panels |
| Points to note | After testing, the valves must be returned to their correct operating positions and labelled. |
Handover Report and Documentation
Once testing is complete, the values at which the system was tested, the equipment that was checked and any outstanding defects must be documented in writing.
For the client and the installer, the handover report is an important document showing the technical condition of the system. It can also be used as a reference for future maintenance and service work.
What the report should include
| Purpose | To formally record the technical condition of the system before handover |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Creates a clear, traceable technical document for the client, the maintenance team and the installer. |
| Points to note | Any defects must be rectified before handover or clearly stated in the report. |
What checks should be carried out before handover?
1. A pressure and leak check must be carried out.
The fire main must be leak-free, pressure values must remain stable throughout the test and the joints must be inspected.
2. The pump and alarm system must be tested.
The fire pump must operate automatically, and valve and flow switch signals must reach the fire alarm panel correctly.
3. A handover report must be prepared.
The tests performed, measured values, defects and system condition must be added to the handover file in writing.
Let’s inspect your fire protection installation together before handover.
We will confirm that your system operates safely through pressure testing, flow checks, fire pump testing, valve set checks and a handover report.