Sprinkler system flow test device ensures no water is wasted

With the patent on the existing Zonecheck device now expired SEP MD Rob Bell and Zeffire MD Jerry Owen have come together to offer an alternative to the industry.

Bell explained: "We are working with Zeffire, an experienced distributor of equipment to the UK fire sprinkler contracting industry. It seems a lifetime ago when Jerry asked if he could call in to discuss a potential joint venture; as a former distributor of the Zonecheck devices, Zeffire were looking for an established high quality manufacturer to work with on a device which can be used to test the integrity of Zone Flow Switches in accordance with the mandatory regulations.

“The patented Zonecheck has been extremely successful in this regard but, as the patent is now expired and many of our customers have been asking about this for some time, we both felt it was time our industry is given the opportunity to shop around for an alternative. We've had challenges, and more are sure to follow, but we are determined to succeed."

When a building is protected by a sprinkler system the law stipulates that it must be maintained and tested to ensure it complies with the requirements of the British Standard. BS EN12845 makes quarterly flow testing mandatory for any sprinkler system. The ZONE GUARDIAN's combination of ease of use and efficiency completely removes the hassle of carrying out what otherwise can be an arduous task four times a year.

The water flow detector, or flow switch, is a key component that needs regular testing. Without ZONE GUARDIAN to test the switch, a hosepipe must be connected downstream of the flow switch and sufficient water must be drained from the sprinkler system to actuate the flow switch and ensure everything is in order.

This often requires the work to be carried out ‘out of hours’ and wastes a huge amount of water - potentially hundreds of litres per quarterly test for each flow switch installed. The ZONE GUARDIAN makes this unnecessary by creating a loop within the system which simulates the operation of one sprinkler head without the need for any discharge.

The ZONE GUARDIAN is now available from Sale Engineering Products and Zeffire for 50, 65, 80, 100, 150 and 200mm pipe sizes.