Frequently Asked Questions
Keeping San Diego Residents Safe One Building at a Time
Fires are terrifying disasters that can lead to property destruction and even loss of life. While there’s always the possibility of an accident, there are some steps you can take to lower the chances of a destructive blaze in your home, office or structure.
For more than two decades, FireWatch has served as a trusted fire equipment service provider in the San Diego community. We’re here to use our industry experience to help you & your family stay safe. Here are a few frequently asked questions answers to help you get on the way to a safer home/business.
Q: How do I read my fire extinguisher tag to know when it needs to be serviced?
A: The date punched in the tag is the date that the extinguisher was last serviced. Reoccurring annual maintenance will need to take place one year from the date punched on the tag.
Q: Do I need to service my fire extinguisher?
A: Your extinguisher needs to be serviced on an annual basis to ensure proper operation. Every six years the extinguisher needs to be broken down so all the valve steams, o-rings and other internal components can be replaced. A Hydrostatic test must be completed every 12 years to verify the structural integrity of the extinguisher cylinder.
Q: How does a fire sprinkler system work?
A: Sprinklers work by using specialized sprinkler heads to hold water in a series of charged pipes. When the temperature of the flame gets hot enough, the affected plug melts and the system discharges releasing the water on to the flames.
Q: What are the different Classes of Standpipes?
A: The Three Types of Standpipe Systems
Class I System is a [2-1/2" (64mm)] fire hose connection that is provided for use by the responding fire departments. Beyond the reach of fire department ladders, Class I systems provide water supply for the primary means of fire fighting.
Class II System is a [1-1/2" (38mm] fire hose station that supplies water for use by trained building occupants until the fire department arrives.
Class III System shall provide a [1-1/2" (38mm)] hose stations to supply water for use by trained building occupants and hose connections to supply a larger volume of water for use by fire departments.
Class I System is a [2-1/2" (64mm)] fire hose connection that is provided for use by the responding fire departments. Beyond the reach of fire department ladders, Class I systems provide water supply for the primary means of fire fighting.
Class II System is a [1-1/2" (38mm] fire hose station that supplies water for use by trained building occupants until the fire department arrives.
Class III System shall provide a [1-1/2" (38mm)] hose stations to supply water for use by trained building occupants and hose connections to supply a larger volume of water for use by fire departments.
Q: What different types of Fire Extinguishers are there?
A: Water, Foam Spray, ABC Powder, Carbon Dioxide and Wet Chemical
Q: Is the smoke detector in my unit tied into the Building’s Fire Alarm System?
A: NO. The smoke detectors in your unit are typically stand-alone detectors that are battery operated and NOT part of the building fire alarm system.
Do I have a fire alarm mini-horn with-in my unit?
A: Typically any condo/apartment building that has 15 or more units will have a fire alarm mini-horn within the bedroom, hallway and/or living room.
Q: Is it required to use a man-lift to inspect each individual sprinkler head?
A: NO. Inspections are performed from common area access ways.
Q: What is a fire alarm mini-horn?
A. A mini-horn is an appliance that sounds when a fire alarm device is activated. These horns are typically located in the bedrooms, or hallways, approximately seven (7) feet above the floor, and are the size of a single wall switch. These are life safety devices, designed to save YOUR life in the event of a fire, or other emergency. When operating properly, these sounders produce a loud, high-pitched sound capable of waking you and/or alerting of a possible emergency. These alarm mini-horns are all electrically connected to each other in a continuous low voltage parallel circuit, which starts from the control panel. The control panel is, constantly supervising each mini-horn, as well as the circuit. Should an alarm mini-horn inside your unit be removed, or disconnected, a trouble condition will occur, and the control panel will sound an alert. Even worse, however, a disconnection may cause other alarm mini-horns to fail in the event of an actual alarm or emergency; in effect, someone removing or disconnecting a fire alarm mini-horn is risking the life of his or her neighbor.
Q: Is an inspection of my fire protection equipment required?
A: YES.
OFFICIAL CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
TITLE 19. PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION 1. STATE FIRE MARSHAL
§ 1.14. Maintenance. Every fire alarm system or device, sprinkler system, fire extinguisher, fire hose, fire resistive assembly or any other fire safety assembly, device, material or equipment installed and retained in service in any building or structure subject to these regulations shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with these regulations and with their intended use.
OFFICIAL CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
TITLE 19. PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION 1. STATE FIRE MARSHAL
§ 1.14. Maintenance. Every fire alarm system or device, sprinkler system, fire extinguisher, fire hose, fire resistive assembly or any other fire safety assembly, device, material or equipment installed and retained in service in any building or structure subject to these regulations shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with these regulations and with their intended use.
REMEMBER THE ACRONYM, P.A.S.S.
PULL the Pin
AIM the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames
SQUEEZE the handle or trigger while holding the extinguisher upright
SWEEP the extinguisher from side to side, covering the base of the fire with the extinguisher agent
Special Note: Some special purpose fire extinguishers such as Wet Chemical (Class K) and Class D extinguishers have special use instructions. It is always best to familiarize yourself with the extinguishers located in your workplace. Read the operating instructions found on the extinguisher nameplate or label.
Call Us Today
If you have more fire prevention questions after reading this FAQ, contact FireWatch to speak with a member of our staff. Trust our over two decades of experience serving San Diego County and let us help you keep your property and loved ones safe.
To learn more about what our fire protection equipment company can do for you or to schedule an appointment, CALL us today at