1. Waterflow detectors may not work or operate properly if sprinkler piping being monitored is plugged with pipe scale, mud, stones or other foreign material. Sprinkler systems should be checked regularly for such blocking material, following the instructions in Chapter 5 of NFPA Standard 13A.
2. Alarms generated by the activation of waterflow detectors may not be received by a central station if telephone or other communication lines to the detector are out of service, disabled, or open.
3. Vane-type waterflow detectors have a normal service life of 10-15years. Hard water, however, may substantially reduce waterflowdetector service life.
4. Waterflow detectors are not a substitute for insurance. Building owners should always insure property and lives being protected by sprinkler systems.
5. If valves controlling the water supply to a sprinkler system are closed, vane-type waterflow detectors will not work. All valves controlling a sprinkler water supply should be sealed or locked in the normally open position. The normally open position should be monitored by a sprinkler supervisory switch.
