One of the most important components of fire and life safety is readiness and a prevention strategy. Inadequate fire safety system testing and inspections are the main cause of system malfunction, which can be prevented by following proper procedures. Commercial building owners must be proactive in ensuring there is a procedure for periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance of their integrated fire safety systems to avoid malfunctions.
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NFPA 25 Water-Based Fire Protection Guidelines
People’s lives depend on your integrated fire alarm system to be in proper working order. Therefore, it should be a normal practice to inspect the water-based fire protection components of your system regularly.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets certain standards for dry and wet systems to be tested every five years, and every three years, a complete performance testing of the system must be performed. NFPA 25, the Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, also mandates certain inspections to be conducted weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually.
Weekly Inspections
Every week, the inspection procedures that must be performed are:
- Manual and automatic fire alarm systems must be tested and inspected
- Visual inspection of every fire door to confirm they are free from debris and obstruction and are operating correctly
- Visual inspection of gauges on dry systems to confirm normal air and water pressures
- Inspect the branch lines on fire protection mains that may be prone to colder temperatures
Monthly Inspections
Each month, the following inspections are required to ensure all equipment is functioning properly:
- Inspect the control valves visually to confirm they are in the correct position, are accessible, and do not have any external leaks
- Conduct a visual inspection of wet pipe system gauges to ensure normal water pressure and functionality
Quarterly Inspections and Testing
The following should be inspected and tested quarterly to ensure all components and equipment are functional:
- Pressure-reducing valves should be inspected to confirm they are leak-free, in the correct open position, and overall good condition
- All fire department connections should be inspected to confirm they are visible, working properly, easily accessible, and free of any damage
- Any alarm devices with water flow should be tested quarterly to confirm they are functional and working properly
Annual Inspections and Testing
NFPA 25 has specific instructions on the annual inspection and testing procedures. Integrated commercial fire alarm systems are often complex and require a certified professional to conduct all inspections and testing. A trained, certified professional will know what to look for in your fire alarm system and quickly identify if it is malfunctioning or has any damage. Adhering to the NFPA fire alarm system inspection and testing regulations is the best way to protect the lives of all the occupants of your building.
High Rise Security Systems (HRSS) has over 30 years of experience in commercial fire and life safety and is globally recognized as an industry leader. Our team of NICET-certified fire technicians are field-trained and knowledgeable on a variety of fire alarm equipment and safety building codes. We seek to identify any component or area of your fire alarm system that could jeopardize its ability to operate properly by following a meticulous checklist. We bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in conducting inspections and licensed testing of commercial fire alarm systems in the Chicagoland area.
High Rise Security Systems is an industry leader in commercial fire and life safety solutions and proudly has been serving the Chicagoland area for more than 30 years. We offer comprehensive fire alarm services, including custom design, inspections, repairs, maintenance, and 24/7/365 monitoring. We provide total safety with advanced technology that is tailored to meet the unique needs of your commercial building. Contact us to learn how we can ensure your commercial fire alarm systems are compliant with NFPA 25 water-based fire protection guidelines.