Sprinkler fitter

Sprinkler fitters are responsible for the installation of fire protection systems that sprinkle water. They connect pipes, tubing and the necessary accessories. Sprinkler system installers also test the systems for leaks.

The duties of a sprinkler fitter include, but are not limited to:

• Installing sprinkler systems in new buildings, or retrofitting existing buildings with new sprinkler systems
• Ensuring that all plumbing and electrical work is completed prior to installing fire sprinkler systems
• Installing valves, gauges, and other equipment to monitor water flow in pipes
• Installing fire sprinkler systems in residential and commercial buildings to prevent fires from spreading
• Installing fire sprinkler systems in tunnels, underground parking structures, warehouses, factories, and other structures where fire could spread rapidly
• Installing, repairing, or replacing pipes and valves that carry water to fire sprinklers
• Identifying problems with existing fire sprinkler systems and repairing them
• Installing equipment such as pipes, valves, and wiring that are used in fire protection systems
• Repairing or replacing damaged or faulty fire sprinkler systems

Sprinkler fitters typically work in commercial and industrial settings. They may be exposed to a variety of hazards, including falls, electrical shocks, and cuts from sharp tools and equipment. Fire sprinkler fitters typically work full time, and some may work overtime. They may be required to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines.

The following job titles also refer to sprinkler fitter:

fire sprinkler fitter
fire safety system fitter
fire protection system fitter
fire safety system installer
sprinkler technician
sprinkler system fitter
fire protection system installer
sprinkler installer

High school diploma is generally required to work as sprinkler fitter. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

Sprinkler fitters need at least a high school diploma. Many sprinkler fitters choose to pursue an associate’s degree in fire protection technology. This two-year program includes courses in fire protection, fire sprinkler systems, fire detection and suppression, and building codes.

Sprinkler fitters must be certified to fit, repair and maintain fire sprinkler systems in buildings. There are several organizations that offer certification programs for fire sprinkler fitters.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Sprinkler fitter is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to sprinkler fitter.

water conservation technician
irrigation system installer
resilient floor layer
carpet fitter
plumber

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of sprinkler fitter. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of sprinkler fitter with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

plumbing supervisor
water conservation technician supervisor
plastering supervisor
tiling supervisor
bricklaying supervisor

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of sprinkler fitter.

• Plumbing tools: A variety of common plumbing tools and their usage cases, limitations and risks.
• Automated sprinkler bulbs: The different types of frangible sprinkler bulbs, which are designed to break at a certain temperature to trigger the sprinkler action. The colour codes of the enclosed fluids, signifying the temperatures at which the bulbs break due to the expansion of the enclosed fluid.
• Mechanical systems: Mechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.
• Types of piping: A variety of types of piping and piping materials. PVC, CPVC, PEX, copper, and the advantages, usage cases, risks, and costs of each.
• Types of sprinklers: The different types of installations using water supply for the control and extinguishing of fires. These systems include fast- and standard response sprinklers wet and dry pipe systems, deluge systems, pre-action systems, foam water sprinkler systems, water spray systems, and water mist systems. Their preferred usage cases, advantages and disadvantages.

These skills are necessary for the role of sprinkler fitter.

• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Check compatibility of materials: Make sure the materials are fit to be used together, and if there are any foreseeable interferences.
• Inspect construction supplies: Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
• Check water pressure: Check the water pressure in a water circulation system, using a built-in gauge or by attaching a water pressure gauge onto a pipe. In the case of a stand-alone gauge, be sure to depressurise the system before attaching the gauge.
• Lay pipe installation: Install the system of pipes used to transport a fluid, be it a liquid or a gas, from one point to another and connect it to the fuel and water supply lines, air ducts, and other components.
• Install fire sprinklers: Install individual fire sprinklers on a prepared pipe system. Point the sprinklers to a specified direction if required.
• Follow health and safety procedures in construction: Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.
• Interpret 3D plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.
• Use measurement instruments: Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
• Set up water pump: Install a device that pumps water from a lower location to a higher location. Set the pump in the right position, taking care not to expose any sensitive parts to water. Connect the pump to water pipes and a power source.
• Interpret 2d plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of sprinkler fitter. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Security panels: The internal logic of the security panel, where security sensors send their data for processing. The different components of the panel, such as the wire contact points, motherboard and transformer.
• Smoke sensors: A variety of devices that detect the optical qualities, air composition or ionisation patterns of smoke, fire and carbon monoxide, usually to prevent fire or illicit smoking. The different advantages, disadvantages, usage cases and price points of each type.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of sprinkler fitter. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Wire security sensors: Draw wires from the correct contact points in a variety of security sensors to the control panel. Make sure the wiring plan of the control panel is clear and effective.
• Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
• Work in a construction team: Work as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible manner.
• Install PVC piping: Lay different types and sizes of PVC piping in prepared spaces. Cut the piping to size and attach it by using glue or other systems. Make sure the piping has a clean edge, is free of strains and has the right tilt for fluids to run through.
• Calculate needs for construction supplies: Take measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.
• Test sensors: Test sensors using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
• Install insulation material: Place insulation material, often shaped into rolls, in order to insulate a structure from thermal or acoustic influences and to prevent fire. Attach the material using face staples, inset staples, or rely on friction to keep the material in place.
• Install construction profiles: Install a variety of metal or plastic profiles used to attach materials to each other or to structural elements. Cut them to size if called for.
• Keep personal administration: File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
• Order construction supplies: Order required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.
• Process incoming construction supplies: Receive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.
• Attach PEX pipe: Make attachments between PEX pipes and between PEX and other materials. Put a copper crimp ring around both ends. Insert a connector piece between the cable ends and use the appropriate size crimp tool to crimp the rings. Check the crimp operation using a go-no-go tool.
• Use safety equipment in construction: Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Operate hand drill: Use a hand drill to make holes in various types of material such as stone, brick and wood. Take care to use the appropriate equipment, settings, drill bit and pressure for the task.

7126 – Plumbers and pipe fitters

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References

1. Sprinkler fitter – ESCO
2. Fire Sprinkler Fitter Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
3. Featured image: By Brandon Leon – Flickr: Day 25: Fire Sprinkler, CC BY-SA 2.0