Fire Sprinkler System Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
Domain 2 - Fire Sprinkler System Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
This domain tests NFPA 25 practice: what is inspected, tested, or maintained, how often, by whom, and what record proves it. Illinois expects qualified, licensed personnel and documented results, not informal walk-throughs.
Core rules
- Distinguish inspection (visual), testing (operating or flow), and maintenance (repair or replacement).
- Verify valves are open, supervised, locked, and labeled; a closed control valve is a critical deficiency.
- Gauge readings: weekly on dry-pipe systems, monthly on wet systems. Record pressures and compare trends.
- Test waterflow alarms quarterly; perform main drain/flow tests annually; trip-test dry-pipe valves annually; conduct internal pipe inspections on the NFPA 25 interval.
- Keep spare sprinklers, the correct wrench, and records; replace painted, damaged, corroded, or wrong-temperature heads.
- Use impairment procedures when protection is out of service and notify the authority and fire department as required.
Worked example
A wet-pipe riser main drain test reads 65 psi static and 52 psi flowing, versus 65/60 last year. The drain line is clear and the valve is fully open. The larger pressure drop suggests a supply restriction or a changed water supply, so the inspector should investigate and document it rather than sign the annual inspection as normal.
Traps
Calling a visual check a “test”; skipping weekly dry-system gauge readings; failing to verify valve position; not comparing current readings to baseline; and replacing a sprinkler with an unlisted or different-temperature head.