Code Required Frequency of Functional Testing and Visual Inspections

The inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for your building’s fire and safety systems are critical to ensuring the safety and code compliance of your facility. These requirements begin from the date of initial installation and are code required to continue at specific intervals throughout the lifespan of the devices and systems.

To assist you in navigating these code requirements, we have organized this guide into two key sections: Functional Testing and Visual Inspections. Each section outlines the NFPA Code Required Frequency along with the specific systems and devices that require testing and inspection at that interval.

Functional Testing Frequency | Visual Inspections Frequency

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Functional Testing Frequency

Code Required Frequency Testing Inspections

Functional Testing Frequency Quick Reference Guide PDF Pg. 2 of 2

Quick Reference Guide of common fire and safety systems and devices that are code required to be Functionally Tested at a specific frequency. Involves activating components of the fire and safety system to confirm they operate as intended and may require specialized equipment and trained technicians to perform the testing.

Skip to section: Visual Inspections Frequency

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) specifies the minimum Codes and Standards requirements. Frequency may vary based on a risk analysis by your Insurance Company or AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). Your facility may have additional or special equipment not covered in this guide. Codes Referenced: NFPA 72: 2013 edition, NFPA 25: 2014 edition, NFPA 10: 2013 edition, NFPA 17: 2013 edition, NFPA 17A: 2013 edition, NFPA 101: 2015 edition, ULCS536: 2004 edition. NFPA.org List of Codes and Standards

Skip to Interval / Frequency of Functional Testing:

DAILY – MONTHLY TEST
QUARTERLY TEST
SEMI-ANNUALLY TEST
ANNUALLY TEST
2 YEAR INTERVAL TEST
3 YEAR INTERVAL TEST
5 YEAR INTERVAL TEST
6 YEAR TEST
12 YEAR INTERVAL TEST
10 YEAR INTERVAL & GREATER TEST

DAILY – MONTHLY TEST

Automatic Fire Alarm ULC S536

Daily and Monthly Status Check

Supervisory field devices, Supervisory circuits and DCL, in-and-out conductors of supervised circuits, ancillary device control circuit, one initiating field device, operation of common audible and visual trouble signals, one emergency phone, voice paging capability to one zone. Battery terminals are clean and lubricated, terminal clamps are secure, electrolyte level and specific gravity.

Portable Fire Extinguishers NFPA 10

Monthly – Ensure in proper operating condition. Safety seals, tags, pressure gauge readings, HMIS Label

Emergency Lights NFPA 101

Monthly – 30 second quick check and battery check

Fire Pump NFPA 25

Weekly system procedures. Monthly – Electric 10 min. Weekly – Diesel 30 min.

QUARTERLY TEST

Sprinklers NFPA 25

Mechanical Water Flow Devices

Tank High and Low Alarms that do not Report to a Fire Panel that is Monitored 24 Hours a Day

Valves, Valve Components

Hose Valves/PRV’s

Main Drain (with Backflow Device)

Low Air Pressure Alarms

Quick Opening Devices

Priming Water

Master PRV Main Drain

SEMI-ANNUALLY TEST

Hood Suppression NFPA 17A

What to Expect During ANSUL Service and Inspection

Hood Suppression – What to Expect PDF

All Kitchen Suppression Systems

Sprinklers NFPA 25

Valve Supervisory Devices

High/Low Tank Alarms

Automatic Fire Alarm NFPA 72

Batteries – Fire Alarm Systems

Sealed Lead-Acid – Load Voltage Test

ANNUALLY TEST

Portable Fire Extinguishers NFPA 10

Conductivity test of all carbon dioxide hose assemblies. Ensure in proper operating condition. Safety seals, tags, pressure gauge reading, HMIS label. Empty and recharge all stored pressure loaded stream fire extinguishers.

Infographic NFPA Code Requirements for Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable Fire Extinguishers – Frequency Inspect & Test Infographic PDF

Automatic Fire Alarm NFPA 72, ULC S536

Control Equipment: Building Systems Connected to Supervising Station

Functions, Fuses, Interface Equipment, Lamps & LEDs, Primary (main) Power Supply, Transponders

Batteries – Fire Alarm Systems

Control Unit Trouble Signs

Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications Equipment

Remote Annunciators

Initiating Devices

Duct Smoke Detectors

Electromechanical Releasing Devices

Fire Extinguishing System(s) or Suppression System(s) Switches

Fire Alarm Boxes (Pull Stations)

Fire Phones

Heat Detectors

All Smoke Detectors – Functional

Fire – Gas and other detectors

Interface Equipment

Special Hazard Equipment

Alarm Notification Devices

Audible Devices

Audible Textual Notification Appliances

Visible Devices

Supervising Station Fire Alarm System – Transmitters

Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (DACT), Digital Alarm Radio Transmitter (DART)

Special Procedures

Sprinklers NFPA 25

Main Drain

Antifreeze Solution

Valves, Valve Components

Pressure Reducing Valves/Relief Valves (part flow)

Master Pressure Reducing Valves (full flow)

Control Valves

Dry System, Partial Trip Test

Deluge, Pre-action Full Trip Test

Air Maintenance Device

Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Full Forward Flow Test

Private Fire Hydrant

Standpipe

Main Drain Test

Hose Valves

Valves (all types)

Private Fire Service Mains

Monitor Nozzles

Hydrants

Fire Pump System

Full Flow

Alarm Signals

Annual Maintenance

2 YEAR INTERVAL TEST

Automatic Fire Alarm NFPA 72

Smoke Detector Sensitivity Testing

3 YEAR INTERVAL TEST

Sprinklers NFPA 25

Dry System Full Flow Trip Test

Dry System Air Leakage

Water Tanks without Corrosion Protection

5 YEAR INTERVAL TEST

Portable Fire Extinguishers NFPA 10

Hydrostatic testing of Carbon Dioxide, wet chemical and foam Fire Extinguishers

Hydrostatic testing of cartridges associated with portable fire extinguishers and wheeled units

Hydrostatic testing of carbon dioxide hoses equipped with a shut-off valve.

Sprinklers NFPA 25

Gauges (Test or Replace)

Sprinklers – Extra-high Temperature/Corrosive Atmosphere

Internal Pipe Obstruction Inspection

Fire Department Connections

Hydrostatic Test Siamese Connections, (City of Pittsburgh every 3 years)

Standpipe – Full Flow Test Remote Point

Hose Connection Pressure Reducing Valves (full flow)

Hydrostatic Test Manual/Dry Standpipes

Standpipe Hoses – 5 year test for new fire hoses and every 3 years thereafter

Valves, Valve Components

Pressure Reducing Valves/Relief Valves (full flow)

Private Fire Service Mains

Full Flow Test

Internal Tank Test

Internal Backflow & Re-test

6 YEAR TEST

Portable Fire Extinguishers NFPA 10

Stored-pressure extinguishers requiring 6 year hydrostatic test shall be emptied and subjected to applicable maintenance procedures.

12 YEAR INTERVAL TEST

Portable Fire Extinguishers NFPA 10

Hydro test of dry chemical and clean agent extinguishers

Hydro test of dry chemical hose equipped with a shut-off valve

Hood Suppression NFPA 17A

Hydrostatic Testing

Cylinder

Replacement of cartridge

Regulator Test

Wet Chemical Containers

Auxiliary Pressure Containers

Hose Assemblies

10 YEAR INTERVAL & GREATER TEST

Sprinklers NFPA 25

Dry Type: At 10 years and every 10 years thereafter

Quick Response: At 20 years and every 10 years thereafter

Standard: At 50 years and every 10 years thereafter

Visual Inspections Frequency

Visual Inspections Frequency Quick Reference Guide PDF Pg. 1 of 2

Quick Reference Guide of common fire and safety systems and devices that are code required to be Visually Inspected at a specific frequency. It’s a visual assessment verifying that fire and safety components appear to be in operating condition, in proper location, and are free of physical damage or conditions that impair operation.

Skip to section: Functional Testing Frequency

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) specifies the minimum Codes and Standards requirements. Frequency may vary based on a risk analysis by your Insurance Company or AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). Your facility may have additional or special equipment not covered in this guide. Codes Referenced: NFPA 72: 2013 edition, NFPA 25: 2014 edition, NFPA 10: 2013 edition, NFPA 96: 2014 edition, NFPA 17: 2013 edition, NFPA 17A: 2013 edition, NFPA 101: 2015 edition, NFPA 70: 2017 edition, NFPA 2001, ULCS536: 2004 edition. NFPA.org List of Codes and Standards

Skip to Interval / Frequency of Visual Inspections:

DAILY / WEEKLY INSPECT
MONTHLY INSPECT
QUARTERLY INSPECT
SEMI-ANNUALLY INSPECT
ANNUALLY INSPECT
5 YEARS INSPECT
10 YEARS / 12 YEARS INSPECT

DAILY / WEEKLY INSPECT

Automatic Fire Alarm NFPA 72

Control Panel Normal

Sprinklers NFPA 25

Gauges (Dry, Pre-action, and Deluge Systems)

Cold Weather Enclosures

Valves, Valve Components, Trim Inspections

Sealed Control Valves

Master Pressure Reducing

Fire Pump System

Casing Relief Valves

Pressure Relief Valves

Pump House, Heating Ventilating Louvers

Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Reduced Pressure Detectors

Control Valves (locked/supervised)

Standpipe

Sealed Control Valves

Gauges (Automatic Dry Standpipes)

MONTHLY INSPECT

Portable Fire Extinguishers NFPA 10

Portable Fire Extinguishers – Frequency Inspect & Test Infographic PDF

Location in designated place

No obstruction to access or visibility

Operating instructions on nameplate legible and facing outward

Safety seals and tamper indicators not broken or missing

Fullness determined by weighing or “hefting”

Examination for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle

Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position

Condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose, and nozzle checked (for wheeled units)

Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) Label in place

Automatic Fire Alarm NFPA 72, ULC S536

Unmonitored Control Equipment: Check for Alarm, Supervisory, and Trouble Signals

Sprinklers NFPA 25

Gauges (wet, dry, pre-action, and deluge systems)

Valves, Valve Components, Trim Inspections

Locked/Supervised Control Valves

Valve Supervisory Switches

Tamper Switches

Alarm Valves (exterior bells)

Dry Pipe, Deluge, Pre-action Valves

Pressure Reducing Valves

Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Double Check Valves

Control Valves (locked/supervised)

Standpipe

Control Valves (locked/supervised)

Gauges (Automatic Dry Standpipes with Air Pressure Supervision)

Private Fire Service Mains

Hose Houses

Emergency Lights/Exit Signs NFPA 101, 70

Functional Test

Hood Suppression NFPA 17

Owners Inspections: Extinguishing system in proper location, manual actuators unobstructed, tamper seals intact, system tag in place, no obvious physical damage, pressure gauge in operable range, nozzle blow-off caps intact, no modifications to protected equipment

QUARTERLY INSPECT

Automatic Fire Alarm NFPA 72

Initiating Devices

Optical Flame Detectors, Water Flow Switches

Sprinklers NFPA 25

Waterflow Alarm and Signaling Devices, including mechanical devices (i.e. water motor gongs)

Valve Supervisory signal devices

Supervisory signal devices (except valve supervisory switches)

Gauges (Wet Pipe Systems)

Fire Department Connections

Pressure Reducing and Relief Valves

Hose Connections

Hose Racks

Hydraulic Design Information Sign

Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Standpipe

Private Fire Service Maintenance

SEMI-ANNUALLY INSPECT

Hood Suppression NFPA 96, 17, 17A

Hood Suppression – What to Expect PDF

Certified Technician’s Inspection

Suppression System

Fusible Link Replacement

Engineered Suppression NFPA 2001

Visually Inspect All Clean Agent Field Devices

Automatic Fire Alarm NFPA 72, ULC S536

Control Equipment: Fire Alarm Systems Monitored for Alarm, Supervisory, and Trouble Signals

Fuses

Interfaced Equipment

Lamps and LEDs

Primary (main) Power Supply

Control Equipment: Fire Alarm Systems Unmonitored for Alarm, Supervisory, and Trouble Signals

Nickel-Cadmium

Sealed Lead-Acid

Transient Suppressors

Control Unit Trouble Signals

Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications Equipment

Remote Annunciators

Batteries

Sealed Lead-Acid

Initiating Devices

Air Sampling Smoke Detectors

Duct Smoke Detectors

Electromechanical Releasing Devices

Fire Extinguishing System(s) or Suppression System(s) Switches

Fire Alarm Boxes (Pull Stations)

Heat Detectors

Smoke Detectors

Interface Equipment

Alarm Notification Appliances – Supervised

Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems – Transmitters

Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (DACT)

Sprinklers NFPA 25

Private Fire Service Mains

Monitor Nozzles

ANNUALLY INSPECT

Hood Suppression NFPA 17, 17A

Fusible Links

Cartridge (Hydrostatic Test/Replacement) – PYROCHEM (FM200)

Portable Fire Extinguishers NFPA 10

All of monthly inspection, plus conductivity test (Carbon Dioxide), Determination of 6 year or Hydro test, inspection of shell and nameplate, Hanger/seismic bracing

Automatic Fire Alarm NFPA 72, ULC S536

Control Equipment: Fire Alarm Systems Monitored for Alarm, Supervisory, and Trouble Signals

Fuses

Interfaced Equipment

Lamps and LEDs

Primary (main) Power Supply

Control Equipment: Fire Alarm Systems Unmonitored for Alarm, Supervisory, and Trouble Signals

Radiant Energy Fire Detectors

Supervisory Signal Devices

Waterflow Devices

Sprinklers NFPA 25

Pipe and Fittings (from floor)