What is included in the annual inspection, testing, and maintenance of an automatic sprinkler system?

by Nils Deacon, Manager, Inspections and Rating Services

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) provides specific guidelines for monthly, semi-annual, and annual inspection, testing, and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems.

The applicable standard is NFPA 25, Standard for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.

For insurance underwriting purposes, the annual inspection is most often cited and considered necessary. This is because it includes flow test information that insurance rating organizations and others use to determine if there is adequate water supply to control a possible fire. Sufficient GPM (gallons per minute) and water pressure are needed to protect the building. This is determined by design criteria specific for each building.

However, there are other categories necessary to provide protection under the standard.

Hangers, braces, and pipe fittings are inspected annually to be sure they are in good repair and not subject to excessive wear or “external loads” (nfpa.org), which could include non-sprinkler items such as decorations or everyday tools and objects.

System anti-freeze testing is also part of the annual inspection. In the May 2022 Underwriters’ Corner, the importance and appliction of anti-freeze systems was explained. As noted, the anti-freeze loop is filled with a listed anti-freeze solution and checked for stability as part of the annual inspection by a qualified sprinkler contractor.

DISCLAIMER: This information reflects the interpretation of MSO, Inc. with regard to NFPA Standards and Codes and other code sources. It does not represent these codes’ official position on the items discussed.

Sprinkler contractor’s annual inspection tag with flow test results