What steps follow a discharge?

• A. Refill/recharge the agent, inspect for damage, reset the system, and conduct acceptance tests.
• B. Notify authorities, evacuate, and shut down power.
• C. Document incident only and wait for next scheduled test.
• D. Inspect for leaks and replace the entire system.

Answer: (A)

After a discharge, the system needs to be brought back into service. The best sequence is to refill or recharge the extinguishing agent, inspect the system for any damage or leaks, reset the system so it can be armed again, and then perform acceptance tests to verify everything functions correctly. Recharging the agent is essential because the discharge drains the medium, and the system must have the proper amount and concentration to provide protection. Inspecting components—piping, valves, nozzles, and the vessel—ensures there wasn’t damage during discharge that could compromise performance. Resetting clears alarms and returns the control panel and interlocks to a ready state. Acceptance testing confirms the system operates as intended, including the release sequence and alarm responses, after it’s been serviced.

The other options don’t fit typical post-discharge restoration: emergency actions like notifying authorities, evacuating, or shutting down power are not routine steps after a discharge. Merely documenting the incident and waiting for the next test doesn’t restore readiness. Inspecting for leaks and replacing the entire system is unnecessary unless there is extensive, unrecoverable damage.