Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems Inspection Testing Maintenance

An nfpa 25 inspection applies to a properly installed fire sprinkler system only and is the standard for inspecting not for installing.

Dry pipe fire sprinkler systems inspection testing maintenance. During full flow tests dry sprinkler systems don t have to deliver water to the inspector s test connection within the 60 second timeframe generally required by nfpa during a fire. During a complete fire sprinkler system test the technician should perform physical checks on all parts of your fire sprinkler system. Maintenance intervals other than preventive maintenance are not provided as they depend on the results of the visual inspections and operational tests. Specific requirements relating to the inspection testing and maintenance of fire pumps can be found in chapter 8 of nfpa 25.

Instead the water delivery time is compared to results from the original acceptance test which was performed right after the system was installed. These checks include water flow tests fire pump tests antifreeze concentration tests in applicable systems alarm tests and trip tests of dry pipe deluge and pre action valves. Dry sprinkler systems protect people and property from fires in areas prone to freezing but this important benefit comes with some strings attached. Systems other than those which have been properly installed are beyond the scope of nfpa 25.

The next article in a series discussing fire sprinkler system inspection testing and maintenance is published in asse fireline. As part of the minimum inspection testing and maintenance requirements for wet pipe systems and portions of dry pipe systems containing water it is critical to ensure that the piping is protected against freezing conditions. For foam water sprinkler systems in aircraft hangars refer to the inspection test and maintenance requirements of nfpa 409 table 11 1 1. An inspection is a visual inspection performed from the ground.

Since dry sprinklers are more complicated than wet sprinkler systems and regularly exposed to harsh environments extra care is required to maintain reliable fire protection.