Dry Riser Testing Belfast Northern Ireland

Dry Risers in the UK must be designed and installed in accordance with BS 9990:2015.  

This Standard outlines recommendations for non-automatic fire-fighting systems in buildings. It sets out good practice in matters affecting the design, installation, testing and maintenance of wet and dry fire-fighting mains and includes recommendations for provision and siting.

The dry riser installation typically consists of 1 no breeching inlet installed at entry or ground level to allow easy access for fire brigade connection. A ‘dry rising’ main is installed from ground level to feed various floor levels above and or lower ground. Landing valves are installed at every level in cabinets or exposed.

These cabinets have a lock and key with each, the front window is a wired glass window fixed with glazing rubber. The window is complete with Dry Riser identification as per BS 9990:2015, These cabinets will be either horizontal or vertically mounted. Then an air release valve is installed at top of riser to permit all air in the pipe work to be released as water is pumped into the pipe work. The valve will close automatically under water pressure.

There are several things you have to take into account when installing dry risers:

• You should use galvanized wrought steel pipes and fittings;
• You must secure planning permission and follow specific building regulations during installation;
• You should consult your local fire station regarding the proper placement of all the dry riser components. It is important that all the elements fit the equipment a fire station uses;
• The dry riser installation needs a water supply nearby to ensure that the firefighters have enough water to work with;
• A competent person needs to perform an inspection of the dry riser every six months, with the annual inspections requiring a full wet test. For the purposes of the test, you’ll need to pressurise the mains to 150 PSI or 10 Bar and run water through the pipes.

You need to comply with all the above regulations if your building is required to have a dry riser for fire safety.

Dry Riser Testing Belfast Northern Ireland

Regarding the testing of the Dry riser during maintenance, the system should be completely charged with water to a pressure equal to its design operating pressure measured at the inlet for a period of at least 15 minutes.

During this period, an inspection of the system should be made to check whether there is any leakage of water at any of the joints or landing valves.

If any leaks are identified, appropriate remedial action should be taken, and the system should be retested.

Our Services:

• Full supplied Installation
• Test on water to 12 bar & certificated commission
• Bi-annual inspection
• Annual Service & Maintenance