{"id":1095,"date":"2022-09-27T13:20:19","date_gmt":"2022-09-27T17:20:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/csafire.com\/?p=1095"},"modified":"2022-09-27T13:20:25","modified_gmt":"2022-09-27T17:20:25","slug":"why-you-need-an-antifreeze-sprinkler-system-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/csafire.com\/why-you-need-an-antifreeze-sprinkler-system-check\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Need an Antifreeze Sprinkler System Check"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In 2019 there were over 110,000 commercial fires<\/a>, nearly 30% of which were caused by cooking. Many commercial businesses mitigate the risk of severe injury and damage using wet sprinkler systems. In areas where the weather drops below freezing temperatures, some businesses use sprinkler systems integrated with antifreeze to keep the water in its liquid state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have an antifreeze sprinkler system, it may be time to get it checked out. Upcoming guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) may affect your business. If they affect you, the deadline to make changes, September 30th, 2022, is incoming fast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antifreeze Sprinkler System Dangers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Antifreeze seems ideal for businesses in cold areas to keep their sprinkler systems working in freezing temperatures. Adding some antifreeze components to the water makes them feel peace of mind as though they don’t have to worry about further maintenance. But that peace of mind is misplaced because antifreeze sprinkler systems can worsen fires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highly-Concentrated Chemicals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Antifreeze contains flammable substances<\/a> like glycol and glycerin. They aren’t harmful as long as they’re diluted in water at the proper proportions. But water with too high a concentration of antifreeze can stoke a fire instead of quelling it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antifreeze Settling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, an old antifreeze sprinkler system also puts your property at risk. Over time, the more dense antifreeze separates from the water and settles. Even at the proper proportions, if the system goes off, it may spray pure antifreeze and worsen a fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you already have an antifreeze sprinkler system installed at your business, you’re aware of the higher level of maintenance they require. However, the NFPA has released updated guidance that may impact your business as soon as September 30th, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NFPA Requirements for Antifreeze Sprinkler System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The new NFPA requirements won’t impact every business with an antifreeze sprinkler system. If you installed your sprinkler system after 2012, you’re exempt from the September 30th deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may continue your regular sprinkler inspection schedule as usual. Remember that every time you flush your sprinkler system, you must add back in a fresh UL-certified<\/a> antifreeze solution. If you aren’t using one already, you should drain your system and replace it immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if I Installed My System Before 2012?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The NFPA ordered that businesses using an antifreeze sprinkler system follow strict adherence to specific guidelines in 2013. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n