NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, is a widely recognized standard developed and published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. This standard provides the minimum requirements for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems, including their components and accessories, in order to ensure their proper operation in the event of a fire.
The standard covers the following types of systems:
- Sprinkler systems
- Standpipe systems
- Water-based fire suppression systems
- Special hazard systems
- Fire pumps
- Private fire service mains
- Underground piping
It's important to note that compliance with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, is not mandatory; it is used as a basis for insurance, building and fire code enforcement, and is used as a reference for fire safety professionals.
The standard is divided into four parts:
- Part 1: General Requirements: This provides the general requirements for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems.
- Part 2: Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems: which provides the specific requirements for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems.
- Part 3: Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Fire Pumps: This provides the specific requirements for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire pumps.
- Part 4: Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Private Fire Service Mains: This provides the specific requirements for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of private fire service mains.
Learn More About NFPA 25
To learn more about your local codes and requirements for your facility, contact Koorsen Fire & Security or your local AHJ. Also, here are some frequently asked questions regarding NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems:
Q: What types of systems does NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems cover?
A: NFPA 25 covers the following types of systems: sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard systems, fire pumps, private fire service mains, and underground piping.
Q: How often are inspections required for water-based fire protection systems according to NFPA 25?
A: NFPA 25 requires annual inspections for all water-based fire protection systems and more frequent inspections for certain components or specific conditions, such as those found in corrosive environments.
Q: What are the requirements for testing fire pumps according to NFPA 25?
A: NFPA 25 requires that fire pumps be tested annually and also requires a full performance test be conducted every five years or after any major alteration or repair.
Q: Are there any specific requirements for the maintenance of private fire service mains?
A: Yes, NFPA 25 includes specific requirements for the maintenance of private fire service mains, such as maintaining clear access to valves, flushing the mains annually, and performing hydrostatic testing every ten years.
Q: Is compliance with NFPA 25 mandatory?
A: Compliance with NFPA 25 is not mandatory; it is used as a basis for insurance, building and fire code enforcement, and is used as a reference for fire safety professionals.
Q: How often is NFPA 25 updated?
A: NFPA 25 is updated every five years to reflect the latest research and best practices in fire safety.
