Navigating the Requirements of the Sprinkler Field Testing Process
Sprinkler inspection and testing plays a key role in maintaining building safety and compliance. By performing regular inspections and maintenance, you help to assure that your fire sprinkler system operates effectively when needed. This proactive approach not only helps reduce the risk of fire-related incidents but also helps avoid costly repairs and fines for non-compliance. At Dyne Fire Protection Labs, an NFPA Global Solutions™ company, we adhere to the latest requirements of NFPA 25. This standard forms the foundation of fire sprinkler maintenance, governing the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. The heart of sprinkler testing requirements is outlined in section 5.3.1.1, which requires sprinkler samples to be submitted to an approved testing laboratory for field service testing. This is a crucial step to verify sprinkler performance has not been impacted over time. In this first segment of our four-part sprinkler testing series, we will dive into the requirements of sprinkler field service testing and explain the field service testing process.
Required Testing Intervals After Initial Installation
5 Years – Sprinklers in Harsh Environments
The five-year testing interval applies to all sprinklers located in harsh environments. This interval also applies to solder-type sprinklers of extra high temperature ratings that are exposed at least semi-continuously to the maximum allowable ambient temperature conditions. NFPA™ does not provide a formal definition of what exactly a "harsh environment" is, but offers numerous examples of conditions that may be considered as such:
- Fumigation areas
- Tanneries
- Papermills
- Indoor Pools
- Any kind of corrosive environment with prevalent chemical vapors
Note: As of 2023, NFPA 25 specifies that if your sprinklers are listed as corrosion-resistant, the testing interval can be extended to ten years after the initial installation.
20 Year – Sprinklers in Conditioned Spaces
The twenty-year testing interval applies to sprinklers that are in conditioned spaces. A conditioned space can be described as an area where factors such as temperature and humidity are regulated to maintain a functional environment. The following sprinkler systems are commonly installed within these conditioned spaces and must undergo testing 20 years after their initial installation:
- ESFR (Early Suppression, Fast Response)
- CMSA (Control Mode Specific Application)
- Dry sprinklers
25 Year – Fast-Response Sprinklers
The twenty-five-year testing interval applies to fast-response sprinklers. These are typically found in residential dwelling areas. Dwelling areas can be referred to as any building or space designated for people to live in. These sprinklers are strategically placed in spaces such as hallways, kitchens, bedrooms, and any other key areas to detect heat and activate quickly to save lives. The installation of these sprinklers is designed to minimize fire risks and provide fast suppression in the case of an emergency.
50 Year – All Other Sprinklers
The fifty-year testing interval applies to all other standard response sprinklers. This extended interval reflects the durability of these systems, but it also emphasizes the importance of regular inspections to help confirm their continued effectiveness, as factors like corrosion or physical damage can still impact performance over time.
Note: In accordance with code requirements, sprinklers manufactured before the year 1920 are required to be entirely replaced.
When you're ready to test your sprinklers, it's important to note that after they pass testing, they are deemed suitable to remain in service, but not indefinitely. You are required to perform subsequent testing every five to ten years, depending on whether your location is considered a harsh environment or not. At that point, the type of sprinkler is irrelevant, and the focus now shifts to the environment of the sprinkler:
- Harsh environments: retest after 5 years
- All other environments: retest after 10 years
Note: Once sprinklers have been installed for 75 years, retesting is required every 5 years.
Understanding the Field Service Testing Process
According to NFPA 25, building owners must submit a sample of the installed sprinklers to an approved testing lab. Dyne Fire Protection Labs is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited independent testing laboratory that offers free sample kits and delivers test results within five business days or less, providing a simple and convenient way to maintain sprinkler compliance. To initiate the testing process, customers can follow these simple steps:
- Determine testing interval requirements for your sprinklers per NFPA 25.
- Contact Dyne Fire Protection Labs.
- Request a testing kit.
- Fill kit with samples and complete return form.
- Ship kit back using enclosed UPS label (provided in continental U.S. only).
Once Dyne receives the customer’s sample kit, the sprinklers are checked in for testing. As part of this process, sprinklers are photographed in the condition they are received. The sprinklers are then tested for sensitivity and functionality.
When it comes to functionality, Dyne primarily focuses on whether the waterway fully clears at 7 psi (0.5 bar) or the minimum listed operating pressure for dry sprinklers, as this is a required key indicator of the system's performance.
There is often confusion about how Dyne tests sprinkler sensitivity. Many assume the test is based on the temperature at which the sprinkler activates or even the determination of what temperature the sprinkler activates. However, that is not the case. Dyne plunges the sprinkler above its activation temperature and monitors its response time in line with code requirements. The Response Time Index (RTI) is what measures sensitivity, factoring in variables such as time to activate, oven velocity, oven temperature, ambient temperature, and the temperature rating of the sprinkler. The RTI of each sprinkler tested is calculated and included in the final report. To pass, the RTI must not exceed 350 (meters-seconds) for standard-response sprinklers, 65 (meters-seconds) for quick-response and residential sprinklers, and 50 (meters-seconds) for ESFR sprinklers.
After the approvers review and validate the test results, the Dyne team then sends the test report via email and mails laminated tags (one per sprinkler job) if requested.
Understanding the requirements and process that goes into sprinkler testing is critical for reducing risks and confirming the safety of your environment. If you found this information helpful, look out for part 2 of this series regarding sprinkler testing.
