Quick Update On The Revised

NFPA Standard No. 25
for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems

2002 Edition

There are too many changes to the newest edition of the NFPA Standard No. 25 to cover them all here, so we will focus only on the major changes in Chapters 4, 5, 12, and 13.

Not covered here also are the changes to standpipe systems and fire pumps.

Fireline encourages all building owners and safety managers to get a copy of NFPA 25 and review it in depth to make sure you are complying with the new requirements. Copies can be ordered on-line at nfpa.org.

Responsibilities Strengthened: Chapter 4

The previous edition of NFPA 25, Chapter 4, stated clearly that compliance with all parts of the standard are the responsibility of the building owner. The new edition in paragraph 4.1.4 widens the responsibility. The standard now states that "The owner or occupant shall promptly correct or repair deficiencies, damaged parts, or impairments found while performing the inspection, test, and maintenance requirements of this standard." Annex A (formerly Appendix A) states that recalled products should be replaced or remedied.

Paragraph 4.1.4.1 adds that, "Corrections and repairs shall be performed by qualified maintenance personnel or a qualified contractor."

New Testing Requirements for Dry Sprinkler Heads: Chapter 5

One major change in this new edition of NFPA 25 is the requirement to test or replace dry sprinkler heads. Paragraph 5.3.1.1.1.5 states that "Dry sprinklers that have been in service for 10 years shall be tested or replaced. If maintained and serviced, they shall be retested at 10-year intervals."

Paragraph 5.3.1.1.2 goes on to state, "Where sprinklers are subject to harsh environments, including corrosive atmospheres and corrosive water supplies, on a 5-year basis, sprinklers shall either be replaced or representative sprinkler samples shall be tested."

New Requirements for Valves: Chapter 12

In Chapter 12, NFPA covers valves used with various water based systems. Although there are only a few changes to Chapter 12 they are important.

Paragraph 12.2.6 changes the frequency of main drain testing to make it an annual or quarterly requirement. All systems require annual testing, but paragraph 12.2.6.1 mandates quarterly testing if the system has a water supply that flows through a backflow preventer or a pressure reducing valve.

Two other changes in Chapter 12 are worth noting. Paragraph 12.5.5 details the procedures for conducting hose valve inspections. Paragraph 12.7 requires verification that the clapper is in place and operates properly during the quarterly inspection of a fire department connection.

New Requirements for Investigating Pipe Obstructions: Chapter 13

This section covers the minimum requirements for conducting investigations of fire system piping for possible sources of pipe blockage. Section 13.2 details the compliant procedures to open sprinkler piping for investigation. The procedure requires the removal of sprinkler heads every 5 years to facilitate the investigation. It also discusses microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), how to conduct a full obstruction investigation, and provides specific procedures for flushing a system.