How often should dry systems be checked for air leakage?

Dry systems, which are fire sprinkler systems filled with pressurized air or nitrogen instead of water, require regular monitoring to ensure their effectiveness. It is essential to check these systems for air leakage at least once a year. This is crucial because any loss of air pressure can render the system inoperable during a fire emergency, as it must activate quickly and effectively.

Annual inspections help detect leaks that could compromise the system's integrity and functionality, allowing for timely repairs and maintenance. Regular checks also ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards, which often specify annual testing for dry systems to maintain optimal performance and readiness.

In contrast, other frequencies such as bi-annually, every three years, or every five years do not provide sufficient oversight to guarantee that the system remains fully operational and capable of responding promptly in the event of a fire. This lack of routine assessment could lead to hazardous situations if the system were needed but found to be non-functional due to unnoticed leaks or pressure loss. Therefore, the requirement for annual checks is critical to the safety and reliability of dry fire suppression systems.