To ensure the life safety of a facility’s occupants and to protect an individual or a business’ property, the installation of fire protection systems is mandated by the BC Building Code. Provincial and Municipal Governments use this document to establish the requirements for the installation of fire sprinkler, standpipe, hose, and fire pump systems in buildings across the province. The legal reference in the BC Building Code ensures that other standards and codes become legally enforceable. The standards and codes referenced for sprinkler systems are the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards.
The installation of an automatic fire protection system in a new construction project can be a complicated and involved process. From fluid mechanics and hydraulic calculations to the engineering and design of sprinkler risers, standpipes, fire pumps, generators and all the other components that make up an integrated fire protection system, there are a lot of crucial systems involved. Having a single point of contact to arrange, coordinate and ensure the verified completion of all these systems is vital to your building process.
The codes and standards that apply to fire protection systems are:
- NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.
- NFPA 13 Standard for the installation of Sprinkler Systems.
- NFPA 14 Standard for the installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems.
- NFPA 20 Standard for the installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection.
- NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
Masters Fire and Safety Ltd has gathered the finest group of support staff to ensure your company’s fire protection system is installed on time, on budget and is compliant with all the necessary codes and standards governing their installation.
We handle every job from start to finish. From providing you with engineered drawings to submitting your final compliance letter to the fire department, Masters Fire and Safety Ltd is with you every step of the way. We have worked on all kinds of jobs from small renovations to full system installations. Our clientele spans a diverse range from small companies to large warehouses, retirement homes, condominium towers and hotels in the Greater Vancouver and Golden Horse Shoe areas.
Renovations
When performing renovations on a property, the fire protection system is often overlooked. A simple wall relocation or a closet construction could make your existing system non-compliant with NFPA codes. Whenever there is a change in the layout of a building, a trained technician should assess if there is a need for alteration to the fire protection system. Masters Fire and Safety Ltd technicians are available to perform any modifications or upgrades required at your convenience.
If you are unsure if your renovation has caused changes to your fire protection system, contact our office. We will be happy to send an inspector to check and ensure your building is up to the required codes and standards.
Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems
Masters Fire and Safety Ltd opened a committed residential fire sprinkler division in January of 2006. Since then we have performed many types of installations from town homes to estate homes that measure over 15,000 square feet. We have dedicated sales, estimation and design teams to service the industry’s needs.
Myths and Facts
Myth: When a fire occurs, every sprinkler in the house will get activated.
Fact: Contrary to the movie scenes, all the sprinklers in a sprinkler system do not activate at once. When a fire sprinkler activates, by design, the sprinkler closest to the fire goes off and in 90% of cases, one sprinkler is enough to suppress the fire.
Myth: Small things like burning a piece of toast could trigger the sprinkler system.
Fact: Burning toast and smoking cigars will not trigger a fire sprinkler, fire sprinklers are only activated by extremely high temperatures, not by smoke. Only a threatening fire can generate enough heat to activate a sprinkler.
Myth: A little fire or smoke damage is better than having the whole house ruined by water damage if the sprinkler system goes off.
Fact: A residential fire sprinkler uses only 10 to 25 gallons of water per minute and operates early in a fire. The hose used by firefighters consumes 125 to 250 gallons of water per minute which is about ten times that of a fire sprinkler.
Myth: Fire sprinklers could go off accidentally.
Fact: The chance that a sprinkler will accidentally discharge due to manufacturing defects is extremely rare- 1 in 16 million. Overall, sprinkler accidents are generally less likely and less severe than accidents involving home plumbing systems.
Myth: Fire sprinklers won’t look nice in beautiful new homes.
Fact: Most fire sprinklers are small and unobtrusive, so you won’t even notice them unless you are looking for them. Residential sprinkler heads come in a wide range of colors and styles, ensuring that they blend aesthetically with any home décor.
Myth: Home fire sprinklers are very expensive.
Fact: The cost of installing a fire sprinkler is only about the cost of a flooring upgrade, and can offer peace of mind and protect your family for many years. Plus, you can enjoy discounts of up to 15% on your homeowner’s insurance premium.