I have noticed a trend over the past few years. Many new sprinkler systems are installed with no water motor gong and no electronic bell on the exterior wall. How do these contractors pass initial inspection without the required alarm (WMG or Electric Bell) on the exterior wall in the vicinity of the sprinkler riser?

Many contractors also install risers using a straight section of pipe with no alarm check valve (not even a standard check valve).....how do they pass inspection??

Am I missing something; is there some exception in NFPA 13 or the life safety code which indicates an exterior alarm at the riser is not required??? Same question with regard to alarm check valves for wet systems????

How many folks call 911 when they hear a bell go off on a building? Not many, how many water motor gongs do not work because of bees,or a bird and or lack of maintenance, a lot.  Give me a central station monitored sprinkler system. I can tell you from an insurance point of view we place little value to the local bell on the outside of the building. If they do not have a central station alarm they pay more $$ premium, and depending on the type of occupancy we will not write the account if they only have a local alarm. We require a monitored system even if they have less then 20 sprinklers.  

FFP1 said ......"Am I missing something; is there some exception in NFPA 13 or the life safety code which indicates an exterior alarm at the riser is not required??? Same question with regard to alarm check valves for wet systems????"

Typically the prevailing building code will dictate what alarm devices are necessary, not NFPA 13, nor 101.  We really need to look at the BIG picture here, instead of staying within the smaller NFPA 13 box.  The fact is that NFPA 13 is a "standard", not a code, and is referenced by the Building Codes, which are adopted as LAW by each jurisdiction.  So, if the Building Code says one thing, and NFPA 13 another, the Building Code TRUMPS/WINS.  As for alarm devices, when central station monitored devices are installed, exceptions kick in that allow the exclusion of additonal devices.  Each case is different, so refer to your BUILDING CODE!

As for check valves, do you notice or recognize the backflow prevention device as a CHECK valve??  Aren't backflows pretty much mandated now by most water purveyors/jurisdictions in the country?  If there is a backflow device, then an additional check valve is unnecessary.  Now if there is also NO backflow device, then you have something to talk about.

I do not believe what you are seeing is a contractor "getting away" with something.  What you are seeing is a contractor whom has to compete with the next guy, providing the most cost effective minimum CODE compliant system for a custome that only cares about PRICE.  You need to leave your old insurance inspector hat at the door to be a contractor.

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