Backflow alert system
A sprinkler backflow alert system includes a sprinkler system, a building fire panel, a backflow preventor including at least one shut-off valve, a fluid detection system, and a tamper switch. The backflow preventor may be fluidly coupled upstream of the sprinkler system. The fluid detection system is configured to detect a discharge of water from the backflow preventor and generate a water discharge signal corresponding to the backflow discharge. The tamper switch is configured to detect a change in a position of the at least one shut-off valve and generate a tamper signal in the event the at least one shut-off valve is closed or partially closed. When a backflow discharge event occurs, a signal is sent to the fire panel triggering the building fire alarm as well as sending an alert to the local fire department and facility owner.
1 . A backflow alert system comprising:
a backflow preventor including at least one shut-off valve;
a fluid detection system configured to detect a discharge of water from the backflow preventor and generate a water discharge signal corresponding to the backflow discharge; and
a tamper switch configured to detect a change in a position of the at least one shut-off valve and generate a tamper signal in the event the at least one shut-off valve is closed or partially closed.
2 . The backflow alert system of claim 1 , wherein the tamper signal is configured to trigger a building fire alarm.
3 . The backflow alert system of claim 2 , wherein the tamper signal is configured to cause an alert to be transmitted to at least one of a fire department or a facility owner.
4 . The backflow alert system of claim 2 , wherein the tamper signal is transmitted wireless to the building fire alarm.
5 . The backflow alert system of claim 2 , wherein the tamper switch is coupled via a wired connection to the building fire alarm.
6 . The backflow alert system of claim 1 , wherein the water discharge signal is transmitted to a building fire panel in response to the fluid detection system detecting the discharge of water from the backflow preventor.
7 . The backflow alert system of claim 6 , wherein the water discharge signal is transmitted to tamper switch and is transmitted from the tamper switch to the building fire panel.
8 . The backflow alert system of claim 1 , wherein the tamper switch is coupled to the at least one shut-off valve.
9 . The backflow alert system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid detection system includes at least one sensor configured to detect the discharge of water from the backflow preventor using capacitance.
10 . A sprinkler backflow alert system comprising:
a sprinkler system;
a building fire panel;
a backflow preventor including at least one shut-off valve, the backflow preventor fluidly coupled upstream of the sprinkler system;
a fluid detection system configured to detect a discharge of water from the backflow preventor and generate a water discharge signal corresponding to the backflow discharge; and
a tamper switch configured to detect a change in a position of the at least one shut-off valve and generate a tamper signal in the event the at least one shut-off valve is closed or partially closed.
11 . The sprinkler backflow alert system of claim 10 , wherein the tamper signal is configured to trigger a building fire alarm.
12 . The sprinkler backflow alert system of claim 11 , wherein the tamper signal is configured to cause an alert to be transmitted to at least one of a fire department or a facility owner.
13 . The sprinkler backflow alert system of claim 11 , wherein the tamper signal is transmitted wireless to the building fire alarm.
14 . The sprinkler backflow alert system of claim 11 , wherein the tamper switch is coupled via a wired connection to the building fire alarm.
15 . The sprinkler backflow alert system of claim 10 , wherein the water discharge signal is transmitted to the building fire panel in response to the fluid detection system detecting the discharge of water from the backflow preventor.
16 . The sprinkler backflow alert system of claim 15 , wherein the building fire panel is configured to trigger a building fire alarm in response to receipt of the water discharge signal.
17 . The sprinkler backflow alert system of claim 15 , wherein the water discharge signal is transmitted to tamper switch and is transmitted from the tamper switch to the building fire panel.
18 . The sprinkler backflow alert system of claim 10 , wherein the tamper switch is coupled to the at least one shut-off valve.
19 . The sprinkler backflow alert system of claim 10 , wherein the fluid detection system includes at least one sensor configured to detect the discharge of water from the backflow preventor using capacitance.