When piping passes through warm areas into cold areas on a pre-action system, an obstruction investigation needs to be performed at what intervals?

In a pre-action fire protection system, the piping can experience condensation issues when it transitions from warm areas to cold areas. Such conditions are conducive to the accumulation of water or ice, which can obstruct the flow of water through the system and potentially impair its functionality in the event of a fire.

Conducting obstruction investigations annually is the recommended practice in this context. This interval allows for a sufficient period to monitor any changes and prevent issues that could arise from the accumulation of ice or water within the pipeline, ensuring the system remains operational and compliant with safety standards. Annual assessments provide the opportunity to thoroughly inspect, maintain, and address any potential blockages due to the environmental changes the piping undergoes.

Quarterly, semi-annually, or bi-annually investigation intervals may not be frequent enough to identify and resolve issues promptly, increasing the risk of an obstruction that could jeopardize the effectiveness of the pre-action system when it's needed the most.