This page covers the minimum requirements for the inspection, testing and maintenance of the systems and components described throughout this website.

Inspection, testing and maintenance should only be done by personnel who are trained and qualified to handle the equipment described below.

Chapter

System Type

Frequency

Code

Requirement

Inspection

Monthly

4-3.1

Fire extinguishers shall be inspected when initially placed in service and thereafter at approximately 30-day intervals.

Maintenance

Annually

4-4.1

Fire extinguishers shall be subjected to maintenance at intervals of not more than 1 year, at the time of hydrostatic test, or when specifically indicated by an inspection.

6-Year Maintenance

6 Years

4-4.3

Every 6 years, stored-pressure fire extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test shall be emptied and subjected to the applicable maintenance procedures.

Hydrostatic Test

See Requirements, at Right

5-2

Refer to Table 5-2.

Pressurized Water

5 Years

Wetting Agent(s)

5 Years

AFFF Foam

5 Years

FFFP Foam

5 Years

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

5 Years

Dry Chemical(s)

12 Years

Halogenated Agent(s)

12 Years

Hose Conductivity Testing

Annually

4-4.1.2

A conductivity test shall be conducted annually on all carbon dioxide hose assemblies.

System Inspection

Annually

4-1.1

At least annually, all systems shall be thoroughly inspected and tested for proper operation by competent personnel. Discharge tests are not required.

System Test

Annually

4-1.1

At least annually, all systems shall be thoroughly inspected and tested for proper operation by competent personnel. Discharge tests are not required.

Weigh Cylinders

Semi-Annually

4-1.3

At least semiannually, the agent quantity and pressure of refillable containers shall be checked.

Container Test

See Requirements, at Right

4-2.1

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Canadian Transport Commission (CTC), or similar design clean agent containers shall not be recharged without retesting if more than 5 years have elapsed since the date of the last test and inspection.

Hose Test

5 Years

4-3.2.1

All hoses shall be tested every 5 years.

Room Integrity

Annually

4-4

At least every 12 months, the enclosure protected by the clean agent shall be thoroughly inspected to determine if penetrations or other changes have occurred that could adversely affect agent leakage or change volume of hazard or both.

System Inspection

Monthly

1-11.1

At least every 30 days, an inspection shall be conducted to assess the system's operational condition.

System Test

Annually

1-11.3.2

The following shall be verified by competent personnel at least annually using available documentation required in 1-7.2.6.

Weigh Cylinders

Semi-Annually

1-11.3.5

At least semiannually, all high-pressure cylinders shall be weighed and the date of the last hydrostatic test noted (see 1-9.5.1)

Container Test

See Requirements, at Right

1-9.5.1

High-pressure cylinders used in fire-extinguishing systems shall not be recharged without a hydrostatic test (and remarking) if more than 5 years have elapsed from the date of the last test. Cylinders continuously in service without discharging shall be p

Hose Test

5 Years

1-11.2.1

All system hose including those used as flexible connectors shall be tested every 5 years in accordance with 1-11.2.

System Inspection

Semi-Annually

4-1.1

At least semiannually, all systems shall be thoroughly inspected, tested, and documented for proper operation by trained competent personnel. Tests shall be in accordance with the appropriate NFPA or Canadian standards.

Container Test

See Requirements, at Right

4-2.1

DOT, CTC, or similar design Halon 1301 cylinders shall not be recharged without a retest if more than five years have elapsed since the date of the last test and inspection.

Hose Inspection

Annually

4-3

All system hoses shall be examined annually for damage.

Hose Test

5 Years

4-3.2

All hoses shall be tested every 5 years in accordance with 4-3.1.

Room Integrity

Semi-Annually

4-4

At least every 6 months the halon-protected enclosure shall be thoroughly inspected to determine if penetrations or other changes have occurred that could adversely affect halon leakage.

Maintenance

Semi-Annually

9-3.1

At least semiannually, maintenance shall be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's listed installation and maintenance manual.

Container Test

12 Years

9-5a.

The following parts of dry chemical extinguishing systems shall be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test at intervals not exceeding 12 years: a. Dry Chemical Containers

Hose Test

12 Years

9-5c.

The following parts of dry chemical extinguishing systems shall be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test at intervals not exceeding 12 years: c. Hose Assemblies

Agent Examination

Semi-Annually

9-3.1d.

Examination of the dry chemical (If there is evidence of caking, the dry chemical shall be discarded and the system shall be recharged in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.)

Agent Replacement

See Requirements, at Right

9-5.2

Dry chemical agent removed from the containers prior to hydrostatic testing shall be discarded.

Maintenance

Semi-Annually

5-3.1.1

At least semiannually, maintenance shall be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's listed installation and maintenance manual.

Container Test

12 Years

5-5a.

The following parts of wet chemical extinguishing systems shall be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test at intervals not exceeding 12 years: a. Wet Chemical Containers

Hose Test

12 Years

5-5c.

The following parts of wet chemical extinguishing systems shall be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test at intervals not exceeding 12 years: c. Hose Assemblies

Agent Replacement

See Requirements, at Right

5-5.2

Wet chemical agent removed from the containers prior to hydrostatic testing shall be discarded.

Visual Inspection

7-3.1

Visual inspection shall be performed in accordance with the schedules in Section 7-3 or more often if required by the authority having jurisdiction. The visual inspection shall be made to ensure that there are no changes that affect equipment performance.

Control Panels

Annually

Batteries

Semi-Annually

Remote Annunciators

Semi-Annually

Initiating Devices

Air Sampling

Semi-Annually

Duct Detectors

Semi-Annually

Electromechanical Releasing Devices

Semi-Annually

Suppression System Switches

Semi-Annually

Manual Pull Stations

Semi-Annually

Heat Detectors

Semi-Annually

Radiant Energy Fire Detectors

Quarterly

Smoke Detectors

Semi-Annually

Supervisory Signal Devices

Quarterly

Waterflow Devices

Quarterly

Alarm Notification Appliances

Semi-Annually

Interface Equipment

Semi-Annually

Digital Alarm Communication Equipment

Semi-Annually

Testing

7-3.2

Testing shall be performed in accordance with the schedules in Chapter 7 or more often if required by the authority having jurisdiction. If automatic testing is performed at least weekly by a remotely monitored fire alarm control unit specifically listed

Control Panels

Annually

Batteries

Semi-Annually

Remote Annunciators

Annually

Initiating Devices

Air Sampling

Annually

Duct Detectors

Annually

Electromechanical Releasing Devices

Annually

Suppression System Switches

Annually

Manual Pull Stations

Annually

Heat Detectors

Annually

Radiant Energy Fire Detectors

Semi-Annually

Smoke Detectors

Annually

Supervisory Signal Devices

Quarterly

Tamper Switches

Semi-Annually

Waterflow Devices

Semi-Annually

Alarm Notification Appliances

Annually

Interface Equipment

Annually

Digital Alarm Communication Equipment

Annually

Hose

Annually

2-4.1

The hose shall be service-tested as specified in Section 5-4 within 90 days prior to being placed in service for the first time and at least annually.

Couplings

Annually

4-2.1

Couplings shall be kept in serviceable condition. After each use, and during each hose service test, they shall be visually inspected

Gaskets & Seals

Annually

4-3.1

The thread gasket in couplings and nozzles shall be inspected for presence, tight fit, and lack of deterioration. If defective, it shall be replaced with a new gasket.

Nozzles

Annually

4-1.2

All nozzles shall be inspected after each use and at least annually.

Re-rack Hose

Annually

2-3.3

In-service hose shall be unracked, unreeled, or unrolled and physically inspected as specified in Section 2-5 at least annually. Hose shall be reracked, rereeled, or rerolled so that any folds do not occur at the same position on the hose.

Hydrostatic Test

See Requirements, at Right

2-3.2

In-service hose designed for occupant use only shall be removed and service-tested as specified in Chapter 5 at intervals not exceeding 5 years after installation and every 3 years thereafter.

Inspection

Quarterly

9-7.1

Fire department connections shall be inspected quarterly.

Inspection

Quarterly

9-5.1

Sprinkler pressure reducing control valves shall be inspected and tested as described in 9-5.1.1 and 9-5.1.2.

Sprinkler Systems

Quarterly

9-5.1.1

All valves shall be inspected quarterly.

Hose Connections

Quarterly

9-5.2.1

All valves shall be inspected quarterly.

Hose Racks

Quarterly

9-5.3.1

All valves shall be inspected quarterly.

Fire Pump Casing Relief Valves

Weekly

9-5.5.1

All circulation relief valves shall be inspected weekly.

Fire Pump Pressure Relief Valves

Weekly

9-5.5.2

All pressure relief valves shall be inspected weekly.

Single Station Smoke Detectors

Monthly

2-6.2.1

Test single station detector monthly.

Battery Replacement

Annually

Replace battery annually.

Inspection

Gauges - Dry, PreAction & Deluge

Weekly

2-2.4.2

Gauges on dry, preaction, and deluge systems shall be inspected weekly to ensure that normal air and water pressures are being maintained.

Gauges - Wet Pipe Systems

Monthly

2-2.4.1

Gauges on wet pipe sprinkler systems shall be inspected monthly to ensure that they are in good condition and that normal water supply pressure is being maintained.

Control Valves

Monthly, Other

(See "Valve Inspection" below)

Alarm Devices

Quarterly

2-2.6

Alarm devices shall be inspected quarterly to verify that they are free of physical damage.

Hydraulic Nameplate

Quarterly

2-2.7

The hydraulic nameplate, if provided, shall be inspected quarterly to verify that it is attached securely to the sprinkler riser and is legible.

Buildings

Annually

2-2.5

Annually, prior to the onset of freezing weather, buildings with wet pipe systems shall be inspected to verify that windows, skylights, doors, ventilators, other openings and closures, blind spaces, unused attics, stair towers, roof houses, and low spaces

Hangers/Bracing

Annually

2-2.3

Sprinkler pipe hangers and seismic braces shall be inspected annually from the floor level.

Pipe & Fittings

Annually

2-2.2

Sprinkler pipe and fittings shall be inspected annually from the floor level.

Sprinkler Heads

Annually

2-2.1.1

Sprinklers shall be inspected from the floor level annually.

Spare Sprinkler Heads

Annually

2-2.1.3

The supply of spare sprinklers shall be inspected annually

Valves (All Types)

(See "Valve Inspection" below)

Testing

Alarm Devices

Quarterly

2-3.2

Waterflow alarm devices including, but not limited to, mechanical water motor gongs, vane-type waterflow devices, and pressure switches that provide audible or visual signals shall be tested quarterly.

Main Drain

Quarterly

(See "Valve Testing" below)

Antifreeze Solution

Annually

2-3.4

The freezing point of solutions in antifreeze shall be tested annually by measuring the specific gravity with a hydrometer or refractometer and adjusting the solutions if necessary.

Gauges

5 Years

2-3.2

Gauges shall be replaced every 5 years or tested every 5 years by comparison with a calibrated gauge. Gauges not accurate to within 3 percent of the full scale shall be recalibrated or replaced.

Sprinkler Heads

See Requirements, at Right

2-3.1.1

Where sprinklers have been in service for 50 years, they shall be replaced or representative samples from one or more sample areas shall be submitted to a recognized testing laboratory acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction for field service test

Sprinkler Heads - Extra High Temp

See Requirements, at Right

2-3.1.1

Exception No. 3*: Representative samples of solder-type sprinklers with a temperature classification of extra high [325°F (163°C)] or greater that are exposed to semi-continuous to continuous maximum allowable ambient temperature conditions shall be tested.

Sprinkler Heads - Fast Response

See Requirements, at Right

2-3.1.1

Exception No. 2: Sprinklers manufactured using fast response elements that have been in service for 20 years shall be tested. They shall be retested at 10-year intervals.

Maintenance

Valves (All Types)

Annually, Other

(See "Valve Maintenance" below)

Obstruction Investigation

Other

10-2.2

Systems shall be examined internally for obstructions where conditions exist that could cause obstructed piping. If the condition has not been corrected or the condition is one that could result in obstruction of piping despite any previous flushing procedure

Valve Inspection

Control Valves

Weekly

9-3.3.1

All valves shall be inspected weekly.

Alarm Valves

Monthly

9-4.1.1

Alarm valves shall be externally inspected monthly.

Check Valves

5 Years

9-4.2.1

Valves shall be inspected internally every 5 years to verify that all components operate properly, move freely, and are in good condition.

Preaction/Deluge Valves

Annually

9-4.3.1.3

The interior of the preaction or deluge valve and the condition of detection devices shall be inspected annually when the trip test is conducted.

Dry Pipe Valves/Quick Opening Devices

Annually

9-4.4.1.4

The interior of the dry pipe valve shall be inspected annually when the trip test is conducted.

Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Annually

9-6.1.2

All backflow preventers installed in fire protection system piping shall be tested annually.

Valve Testing

Main Drain

Quarterly

9-2.6

A main drain test shall be conducted quarterly at each water-based fire protection system riser to determine whether there has been a change in the condition of the water supply piping and control valves.

Waterflow Alarm

Quarterly

9-2.7

All waterflow alarms shall be tested quarterly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Control Valves

Annually

9-3.4.1

Each control valve shall be operated annually through its full range and returned to its normal position.

Preaction/Deluge Valves

Annually

9-4.3.2.2

Each deluge or preaction valve shall be trip tested annually at full flow in warm weather and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Dry Pipe Valves/Quick Opening Devices

Annually

9-4.4.2.1

Each dry pipe valve shall be trip tested annually during warm weather.

Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Annually

9-6.2.1

All backflow preventers installed in fire protection system piping shall be tested annually.

Valve Maintenance

Control Valves

Annually

9-3.5

The operating stems of outside screw and yoke valves shall be lubricated annually.

Preaction/Deluge Valves

Annually

9-4.3.3.2

During the annual trip test, the interior of the preaction or deluge valve shall be cleaned thoroughly and the parts replaced or repaired as necessary.

Dry Pipe Valves/Quick Opening Devices

Annually

9-4.4.3.2

During the annual trip test, the interior of the dry pipe valve shall be cleaned thoroughly and parts replaced or repaired as necessary.

Testing

Monthly

7-9.3

A functional test shall be conducted on every required emergency lighting system at 30-day intervals for not less than 30 seconds.

Annual Test

Annually

7-9.3

An annual test shall be conducted on every required battery-powered emergency lighting system for not less than 11/2 hours. Equipment shall be fully operational for the duration of the test.

Visual Inspection

Monthly

7-10.9.1

Exit signs shall be visually inspected for operation of the illumination sources at intervals not to exceed 30 days.

Annual Test

Annually

7-10.9.2

Exit signs connected to or provided with a battery-operated emergency illumination source, where required in 7.10.4, shall be tested and maintained in accordance with 7.9.3.