Sprinkler system inspection: The question “how often and by whom” is key to ensuring the system remains reliable over time. The UNI EN 12845 standard devotes an entire chapter to the operation and maintenance of sprinkler systems, including procedures and schedules for pump units as well.
Table of Contents
Why the inspection isn’t “just a formality”
A sprinkler system cannot be considered “in good working order” simply because it has been installed correctly; it must remain in operation under controlled conditions. The logic is simple: when the system is called upon to operate, it must be able to actually do what it was designed to do.
For this reason, inspection and maintenance activities should not be underestimated. They consist of a set of procedures and checks that, when carried out on a regular basis, help ensure the system’s reliability over time.
UNI EN 12845 and the chapter on operation and maintenance
Chapter 20 of UNI EN 12845 is devoted to the operation and maintenance of sprinkler systems. It also outlines the procedures and timeframes for carrying out these activities, including those related to the operation of pumping units.
This guideline helps structure a systematic approach: what to do, when to do it, and how to show that it has been done.
Sprinkler System Inspection: The Most Common Tasks (Weekly and Monthly)
The most frequent operations—that is, weekly and monthly ones—fall under what is known as “monitoring.” In practice, these are activities that are normally carried out by the plant operators.
This setting is useful because:
- incorporates the check into the operational routine;
- reduces the risk that tasks will “slip” over time;
- It allows you to identify potential operational issues early on.
Longer-Term Activities: Who Can Do Them and How to Organize Them
Operations that occur less frequently (such as quarterly, semiannually, etc.) may also be carried out by external companies. In such cases, these companies are tasked with implementing the required procedures.
From an organizational standpoint, this means making a clear distinction between:
- what remains the responsibility of internal oversight;
- what is scheduled as a periodic service performed by third parties;
- How is the documentation of the activities carried out managed?
Pump Units: Why Maintenance Is Essential
Proper maintenance of the pumping units is essential for one operational reason: to ensure that, when they are needed, they will actually be able to deliver the design flow rate (Q) and head (H) for the required duration (system runtime).
In other words, maintenance isn’t “just an inspection”—it’s a practical way to ensure that the system performs as expected when it’s called upon to operate.
A useful reference also for those who need to verify compliance
The guidelines in Chapter 20 of UNI EN 12845 are considered an improvement over previous regulations. The practical implication is that the system is no longer “left to fend for itself.”
In addition, those responsible for verifying whether the system has been properly maintained during operation (such as insurance adjusters or other professionals) have a clearer basis for evaluating the system’s management.
Recording Transactions: The Rule That Often Makes All the Difference
In addition to carrying out the tasks, it is important to accurately record the operations performed so that there is a record of what has been done.
This traceability helps to:
- demonstrate the continuity of operation and maintenance;
- reconstruct what was done and when;
- to make any subsequent verification easier.
Operational Support: An Event Log Already Built Into the PUMP SET
To support operations, EPRO control units record every single event related to the pump unit, including both the number of events and their duration. In practice, this serves as a full-fledged logbook right on the PUMP SET itself.
This approach helps turn a focus on maintenance into a habit that can be measured and verified over time, without relying solely on reminders or separate notes.
Conclusion
Sprinkler system inspections should be organized as a combination of routine monitoring activities (weekly and monthly) and less frequent activities (quarterly, semiannual, etc.), in accordance with the procedures and schedules specified in UNI EN 12845. There are two key aspects: performing the tasks and documenting them with accurate records.
