When it comes to fire suppression efforts, most commercial establishments use fire sprinkler systems to directly extinguish fires in specific areas. While some systems use chemical agents, many others use water as the dousing agent. In such a system, however, water backflow can cause potable water to mix with contaminated wastewater.
A series of backflow preventers will keep that form of cross-contamination from occurring, so it is important to know about the two types of backflow preventers and what’s involved in maintaining their good working condition. That knowledge will help you protect your sprinkler system and your business’s potable water supply.
The Two Types of Backflow Preventers
Just as there’s a different type of fire extinguisher for each situation, each of the two types of backflow preventers has a distinctive use. Knowing how these units will protect the water in your fire sprinkler systems will help you choose the right type for your business.
DCV (Double Check Valve) Systems
DCV systems are the most commonly used backflow preventers, as they are acceptable for use in non-hazardous situations; that is, situations in which the cross-contamination of water might be unpleasant or unwanted but won’t create a health hazard.
The DCV system uses the following components:
- One inlet shutoff valve
- Two spring-loaded check valves
- Four test cocks
- One outlet shutoff valve
The system uses its two check valves to ensure the flow of water gets blocked as soon as cross-contamination is detected. If one check valve fails, the secondary valve will block the water.
Of course, keeping a fire extinguisher in New Jersey businesses is still important and required. If cross-contamination results in a shutdown of the sprinkler system, you’ll need to have another type of fire suppression equipment close at hand.
RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zones) Systems
These backflow preventers use a more complex system of hydraulic relief valves. The relief valve functions in addition to spring-loaded check valves to block the flow of water.
These systems are always required in commercial and industrial businesses in which contaminated water poses a bigger threat. If cross-contamination could result in the spread of illness or even cause fatalities, you’ll need plenty of reliable RPZ backflow preventers in your facility.
Backflow Preventers Require Consistent Maintenance
Just as you need testing prior to a fire extinguisher inspection in NJ, you should also have your backflow preventers tested on an annual basis. The difference between the two is that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) no longer necessitates backflow preventer testing, a requirement that was once included in NFPA 25.
Since that change in 2011, local city governments have regulated the maintenance of backflow preventers. To find regulations regarding the testing and inspection of backflow preventers, look to the plumbing codes in your city. Alternatively, your commercial plumber should know more about these regulations.
The NFPA does, however, still regulate forward water flow testing to ensure firefighters have access to water in an emergency. The NFPA makes that distinction as fire protection is their primary concern, and the protection of the public’s water supply is each city’s responsibility.
The testing of backflow preventers is, thankfully, a simple and relatively quick task that only takes around 15 minutes to complete. It involves simulating the conditions that cause backflow. If the test reveals a water leak, the valve responsible for the leak must be repaired or replaced.
Keep Your Backflow Preventers in Excellent Condition
Among the many products and services that ABC Fire & Safety offers are backflow preventers. We can help you choose and install the configuration that’s best for your business, and we also offer maintenance and repairs for all of your fire safety equipment. Reach out to us to ensure the best fire protection for your business.
