Contracting, Plans, Inspections, and Business Practices
What the exam tests
Domain 5 covers the business side of fire sprinkler contracting: plan submittals, permits, inspections, testing, contract documents, change orders, insurance, and closeout. The exam expects you to know the contractor's responsibilities from bid through final acceptance, not just pipe sizing.
Core rules
- Before installation, submit working plans, hydraulic calculations, and product data to the AHJ for review and obtain the permit. Plans must show sprinkler locations, pipe sizes, valves, FDC, hangers, and calculation nodes.
- Inspections typically include rough-in, hydrostatic test, alarm/flow test, and final. NFPA 13 hydrostatic testing is generally 200 psi for two hours, or 50 psi above working pressure where the system pressure exceeds 150 psi.
- Contract documents should define scope, exclusions, schedule, payment, change-order procedure, insurance, and warranty. Keep written records of RFIs, approvals, and field changes.
- At closeout, provide as-built drawings, test records, spare sprinkler cabinet, and maintenance instructions. The contractor must also comply with NC licensing and permit requirements.
Worked example
A system has a maximum working pressure of 150 psi. The hydrostatic test should be 200 psi for two hours. If the working pressure were 175 psi, the test would be 225 psi, which is 50 psi above working pressure, not 200 psi. The contractor must document the test pressure, duration, and result, and the AHJ must inspect before concealment.
Traps
Installing before plan approval; skipping the rough-in inspection; using the wrong hydrostatic test pressure; failing to provide as-builts or test records; and performing extra work without a written change order.