Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More with Our FAQ

Fire Equipment FAQ

  • How often do fire extinguishers need to be inspected?

    Extinguishers need to be inspected annually by an authorized service provider. They should be visually inspected monthly by the business or property owner.

  • How often do ABC extinguishers need maintenance service?

    Every six years, ABC extinguishers require either an internal inspection (6-year maintenance) or a hydrostatic pressure) test (12-year maintenance).

  • How often do other types of fire extinguishers need maintenance services?

    Every six years, ABC extinguishers require either an internal inspection (6-year maintenance) or a hydrostatic pressure) test (12-year maintenance).

  • How often do other types of fire extinguishers need maintenance services?

    K-Class extinguishers, water, and CO2 extinguishers require a hydrostatic test every five years.

  • How often do fire suppression systems need to be inspected?

    The New York fire prevention code requires that all fire suppression systems be inspected semi-annually by an authorized service provider.

  • Does Hudson Valley Fire Inc. have 24hr emergency service?

    Yes! Our 24/7/365 Emergency Service is the best anywhere. Each of our offices maintains means for emergency contact after hours. We’re never too far away to reach the scene of your emergency promptly.

Sprinkler System FAQ

  • What is an Automatic Fire Sprinkler System, and how does it work?

    A fire sprinkler system comprises a series of piping and several fire sprinklers connected to a water supply. The sprinklers are located throughout the entire ceiling of a building. The location of each sprinkler is determined by design calculated for each specific hazard area. A sprinkler or sprinklers are activated by heat from any unwanted fire allowing water to flow and either control or extinguish the fire.

  • How do sprinklers operate?

    Automatic fire sprinklers are individually heat activated and have a constant water supply under pressure. When the sprinkler reaches its operating temperature (usually 160 degrees), a solder link will melt, or a liquid-filled glass bulb will shatter, releasing water directly over the heat source.

  • If one sprinkler goes off, will they all?

    Only the sprinkler closest to the heat source will activate. Sprinklers react to temperatures in each area individually. So, a fire in a kitchen will activate only the sprinkler(s) in that room.

  • Will sprinklers activate accidentally?

    Sprinkler systems are specifically designed for each building and hydrostatically tested at 200 psi for two hours. (Normal pressure at a home is about 65 psi). There is little chance that a sprinkler would accidentally leak or activate without being tampered with or accidentally damaged.

  • If I have smoke detectors, why would I want a sprinkler system?

    Smoke detectors will save lives by providing a much-needed warning, but they can do nothing to extinguish a growing fire. Too often, battery-operated smoke detectors fail to function because the batteries are dead or have been removed. Smoke detectors combined with a fire sprinkler system will reduce the chance of loss of life by 98.5%, compared to smoke detectors alone at 48.5%.

You can count on us for quality fire services – call now at (914) 788-6654.

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