General

What information should be provided in order for us to effectively quote for sprinklers?

In order for us to quote effectively we would need the following information:

• Size: 15mm or 20mm?
• Deflector Pattern: Upright / Pendant / Conventional 
• Finish: Brass / White / Chrome
• Temperature: 68°C / 79°C / 93°C / 141°C

Do you supply Viking / Reliable / Angus Kits?

No, we only supply Tyco Kits and source a selected range of redundant kits

How do water-based fire sprinkler systems work?

Water-based fire sprinkler systems work by detecting heat from a fire. When the temperature rises to a certain point, a heat sensitive element in the sprinkler head (such as a glass bulb filled with liquid) breaks, allowing the water to flow from the system’s piper and onto the fire.

What are the Different types of water-based fire sprinkler systems?

The main types of water-based fire sprinklers include:

• Wet pipe systems which are the most commonly used.
• Dry pipe systems which are used in areas where freezing is a concern
• Pre-Action systems these require two triggers, usually heat and smoke.
• Deluge systems these have open sprinkler heads and release water simultaneously when activated, suitable for high hazard areas.

What are the benefits of installing a water-based fire system?

• Life safety: Sprinklers can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in a fire
• Insurance Savings: Many Insurance companies offer lower premiums for buildings equipped with sprinkler systems.
• Automatic Operation: Sprinklers activate automatically without human intervention.

What should be done if a sprinkler head is damaged?

If a sprinkler head is damaged, it should be replaced immediately. It is important to shut off the water supply to the system attempting any repairs. Always consult a qualified fire protection Professional for repairs and replacements.

Can water-based fire sprinkler systems be used in all types of buildings?

While water-based fire sprinkler systems are suitable for many types of buildings, their design and installation must consider specific hazards and occupancy types. Some environments, like certain industrial settings may require specialised systems.

Accounts related questions

When do you send out statements?

Statements get updated within the first week of a new month with all the months invoices and payments.

We made a payment on the 1st day of a new month and our payment is not reflecting on our statement, when will it reflect?

All statements will be updated from the first to the last day of each month. So, payments made after those dates will not reflect and will only show on the following months statement.

Is there a deposit required for any goods?

A 50% deposit is required only if goods on non-stock items that are being imported.

Do we provide Credit facilities to Africa customers?

Unfortunately, we only supply credit approved by our Credit Insurance Company CGIC to customers that are currently in South Africa. 

Why was my submitted credit application rejected?

We submit the complete credit application we receive back from each customer to our Credit Insurance Company CGIC to review and give us feedback. They decide whether a company’s credit application is approved or denied. Without their approval we cannot provide credit. The process takes about 2-5 working days from the date that we receive the complete credit application.

How long is my credit account available for use prior to opening it?

Accounts will be active for 3 months after last purchase. If no purchase was made within 3 months the credit limit will be reduced to Nil. If any purchases need to be made after the 3 months, we will need to re-apply credit with CGIC to activate account again, alternatively you can pay cash for the order if you are not able to wait 2-5 working days.

Gas Suppression

What information is required to quote on a gas suppression system?

Project Information, Room Information, Fire Risk Assessment, System Specifications

What project information is required?

• Site Address: Location of the site where the system will be installed.
• Project Description: Overview of the facility, such as the type of building or data centre.

What room information is required?

• Room and Void Dimensions: Length, width, and height of the protected area and voids to calculate the volume.
• Room Usage: Type of equipment or material in the room (data centre, server room, electrical room, etc.).
• Room Integrity: Information about room sealing (e.g., room integrity tests or any air leakage issues).

What fire risk is required?

Fire Class: What type of fire is the system meant to suppress (e.g., Class A, B, C)?

What System Specifications is required?

• Preferred Gas Suppression Agent: Types such as HFC 227ea, FK 5-1-12, IG541, CO₂.
• Standards Compliance: Local or international fire safety standards that the system needs to comply with (e.g., NFPA 2001, ISO 14520).

What is room integrity testing and why is it important?

Room integrity testing checks whether a protected room can hold suppression agent 
long enough to prevent reignition of the fire, ensuring optimal system performance.
 

How often should hydrostatic pressure testing be performed?

Hydrostatic testing should be every 10 years as outlined by national regulatory requirements. (PER / SANS347)

What is the lifespan of a fire suppression system?

The lifespan varies depending on the type of system, but with proper maintenance, most systems can last 15-20 years or more.

Do you provide installation services?

No, we do not offer installation services, but you can find the contact information for approved installers on the SAQCC website.

What is the purpose of a fire alarm system with a fire suppression system?

Fire alarm systems provide early detection and notification, while fire suppression systems actively extinguishes and suppresses the fire. Together, they provide comprehensive protection.

Deliveries and Collections

Do you deliver?

Yes we do.

What size vehicles do you use?

We have a 1 Ton Truck and 4 Ton Truck

Do your vehicles have a taillift?

Yes the 4 Ton Truck does have a tailift.

Do you charge for deliveries?

We only begin charging for deliveries outside of a 50km radius from our office which covers the whole of Johannesburg. Anything further and we would normally suggest you arrange a courier or freight company due to it not being our core business leading to higher costs.

What delivery times can we expect for each system?

This is dependent on 2 factors. The size of the system and the date of approval of the designs provided. Our average pack times are as follows:

• Components: 1-2 days
• Manifolds (CO2 and IG Systems only): 3 weeks (depending on our third-party manufacturer and their schedules following date of design approvals)
• Cylinders: 3-5 Working days per 10 cylinders required (CO2 and IG Systems); 2-5 Working days (Halocarbon Systems)
• Nozzle Drilling: 1-2 days (Following date of design approvals)

HP (Hydrostatic Pressure) Testing

How often do my cylinders that form part of my fire suppression system need to be pressure tested?

According to the PER/SANS347 and SANS1825_2021 ed. 4.02 cylinders used in a fire suppression system should be pressure tested every 10 years.  The test station shall by means of hard stamp add the month and year when the test took place, thereafter the cylinders need to be pressure tested once every 10 years thereafter.

If my fire suppression system has discharged before the 10-year testing cycle has lapsed, do I need to pressure test them before they can be refilled and placed back into service.

As the interval for periodic inspection and testing is 10 years you would not need to pressure test the discharged cylinders before they are refilled It is, however, advised that cylinders not tested between the 5-10 year period, but have been discharged, should be pressure tested.

What are the normal lead times to have my cylinders revalidated for further use and refilled for continued service.

Depending on the size of the cylinder bank and the current schedule of our workshop, pressure testing orders can take anything from 5 to 20 working days.  Please contact our offices for a more accurate estimate on lead times for your pressure testing needs.

Are the processes and procedures that redG follows regulated by any governing bodies in South Africa.

redG is an accredited inspection body governed by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS).  Our workshop and management system are fully audited annually by SANAS and are approved to test and revalidate fire suppression cylinders that fall under our scope of work for the following year.  All processes and procedures are audited by SANAS to ensure compliance with National and International Standards.

What information do I need to supply to redG to get a quotation on pressure testing the cylinders in my fire suppression system.

The more information that can be supplied the better.  It would be best to send us a photo of the number of cylinders in the bank, the valve on the cylinder and a photo of any cylinder information labels to determine the work required and whether the cylinders are of a brand which we are capable of servicing safely without causing damage. This will prevent potential unforeseen problems on receipt of the cylinder/s.