NICET IBPSC cheat sheet

Applicable model codes: NFPA 1 (Fire Code), NFPA 13/13R/13D (sprinklers), NFPA 14 (standpipes), NFPA 20 (fire pumps), NFPA 25 (ITM of water-based systems), NFPA 72 (detection/alarm), NFPA 10 (extinguishers), NFPA 2001/12/17/17A (special suppression), NFPA 92 (smoke control), NFPA 110 (emergency power).

NFPA 25 is the ITM baseline; the edition adopted by the AHJ governs, not necessarily the newest edition, and the system's design/installation standard governs repair criteria.

Frequency rule of thumb in NFPA 25: weekly/monthly for pumps and some valves, quarterly for gauges/alarm devices, semiannual for some switches, annual for most components, 5-year for internal pipe inspection and gauge replacement, 20-year for sprinkler replacement/testing.

Impediment vs. deficiency: an impediment prevents the system from performing as designed and requires correction and notification; a deficiency is a condition that could impair performance and is scheduled for correction.

Plan submittal package typically includes hydraulic calculations, shop drawings, manufacturer data sheets, and material/component listings; acceptance testing requires the contractor's test documentation and AHJ witness.

Record retention per NFPA 25 is typically 1 year on site for most inspection records, with records made available to the AHJ upon request; keep design/acceptance documents for the life of the system.

Pre-plan ITM scope by system inventory: count devices, heads, valves, pumps, and extinguishers to estimate labor and schedule frequencies against NFPA 25 Table 5.1.1.

Coordination documents: work order, ITM scope, AHJ permit, impairment permit, and hot work permit; each system impairment should be logged with start/end time and affected areas.

NFPA 25 ch. 7-8 governs water supply and fire pump ITM; NFPA 20 governs installation and acceptance. Weekly no-flow churn run for electric pumps; diesel pumps run weekly for at least 30 minutes.

Annual flow test: pump must deliver at least 100% of rated flow at 100% rated pressure, and 150% of rated flow at not less than 65% of rated pressure (NFPA 20 acceptance criteria).

Churn (no-flow) pressure should not exceed 140% of rated pressure; if it does, the pump or driver may need adjustment or the relief valve checked.

Weekly churn test records suction pressure, discharge pressure, and (for diesel) oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery voltage, and run time.

Diesel driver monthly/weekly checks: fuel level, oil level, coolant level, battery electrolyte and charger, and engine starting battery voltage; annual load test at 100% for at least 30 minutes (or per NFPA 25).

Suction supply: verify static and residual pressure, check for vortexing or air entrainment, and confirm the water supply curve meets the system demand plus hose stream allowance.

Flow meter test (where installed) may substitute for hose stream flow tests; verify meter calibration and compare to pump curve at multiple points.

Fire pump controller: verify automatic and manual start, weekly automatic start test, and annual test of the alternate power source under load.

NFPA 25 Table 5.1.1 frequencies: weekly for dry-pipe/ preaction gauges and alarm valves; monthly for control valves and gauges; quarterly for alarm devices and waterflow switches; annual for main drain test and most components.

Main drain test: record static and residual pressure; a significant drop from baseline indicates an obstruction or supply problem. Compare to the original acceptance test values.

Control valves must be verified open (locked or supervised); a closed valve is an impairment requiring immediate correction and notification.

Sprinkler head inspection: check for corrosion, paint, damage, loading, and correct orientation; replace heads showing signs of leakage or damage. Replace dry pendent heads every 10 years and quick-response heads at 20 years or per manufacturer.

Spare head stock: minimum 6 spare heads for systems up to 300 heads, 12 for 300-1000, and 24 for over 1000 heads (NFPA 13/25).

Gauge replacement every 5 years; internal pipe inspection every 5 years (or as required by the AHJ); dry-pipe systems require internal inspection and trip testing more frequently.

Dry-pipe and preaction systems: trip test annually (dry pipe) and verify priming water level, air pressure, and low-point drains; check air compressor operation and air pressure maintenance.

Hydraulic design verification: confirm the system demand (including hose allowance) does not exceed the available water supply; re-evaluate after any modification.

NFPA 25 ch. 6 governs standpipe and hose system ITM; NFPA 14 governs installation and design.

Class I: 2.5-inch outlets for fire department use; Class II: 1.5-inch hose stations for occupant use; Class III: both.

Hydrostatic test at acceptance: 200 psi for 2 hours (or 50 psi above maximum pressure if higher); periodic 5-year hydrostatic testing per NFPA 25 for some systems.

Flow test: verify the hydraulically most remote outlet provides the required pressure and flow (typically 100 psi residual at the topmost outlet for Class I systems, per NFPA 14 design).

Hose valve and hose station inspection: check for leaks, correct caps, proper hose condition, nozzle presence, and accessibility; hose should be inspected annually and replaced per manufacturer.

Control valves and pressure-reducing valves: verify open position and correct downstream pressure; PRVs require annual testing and 5-year full flow testing.

Drains and low-point drains: verify operation and no standing water in dry standpipes; check for freezing protection in cold climates.

Fire department connection (FDC): check for caps, clappers, and unobstructed access; verify signage and that the FDC is not obstructed by vehicles or landscaping.

NFPA 72 governs ITM; inspection, testing, and maintenance frequencies are in Table 14.4.3.2.

Smoke detectors: annual functional test (or per manufacturer); sensitivity testing within 1 year of installation and every 2 years thereafter (or per NFPA 72).

Heat detectors: annual test; verify alarm setpoint and response.

Manual pull stations: annual test; verify alarm transmission and reset.

Notification appliances: annual test of audibility and visibility; verify candela ratings and dB levels meet design criteria (typically 15 dBA above ambient or 75 dBA minimum).

Batteries: annual load test; verify voltage, charging current, and capacity; replace per manufacturer's recommended interval (often 3-5 years).

Supervising station and transmission: verify signal transmission to central station and correct signal handling; test both primary and backup communication paths.

Record of completion (NFPA 72 Form) and as-built documentation should be retained and updated after any modification.

NFPA 10: portable extinguishers require monthly visual inspection and annual maintenance; hydrostatic testing at 5 or 12 years depending on extinguisher type (e.g., 5 years for CO2 and water, 12 years for dry chemical stored-pressure).

Extinguisher selection: Class A (ordinary combustibles), B (flammable liquids), C (electrical), D (combustible metals), K (cooking oils); verify correct type and size for hazard.

Clean agent systems (NFPA 2001): annual inspection and test; verify agent quantity, container pressure, and discharge nozzle condition; weigh containers or check pressure gauges.

CO2 systems (NFPA 12): annual inspection; verify agent quantity by weight or liquid level, check discharge piping and nozzles, and test alarms and interlocks.

Wet chemical kitchen systems (NFPA 17A): semiannual inspection and test; verify agent quantity, fusible links, and manual pull station operation.

Dry chemical systems (NFPA 17): semiannual inspection; verify agent quantity, expellant gas pressure, and piping condition.

Water mist systems (NFPA 750): annual inspection; verify pressure, nozzle condition, and pump operation.

Records: keep inspection tags, certificates, and maintenance reports; tag extinguishers with the month/year of last service.

NFPA 92 governs smoke control systems; acceptance testing includes verifying design pressure differences, airflow, and fan operation.

Annual testing of smoke control systems: verify fan operation, damper position, and pressure differentials; test under both normal and emergency power.

Stairwell pressurization: verify pressure differential (typically 0.05-0.10 in. w.c. or per design) and door opening force (max 30 lbf per ADA/NFPA 101).

Emergency power (NFPA 110): Level 1 systems require monthly exercise under load (at least 30 minutes) and annual load test; verify fuel, battery, and cooling system.

Generator testing: verify automatic start, transfer switch operation, and load acceptance; test at least monthly and annually under full load.

Battery systems: verify voltage, specific gravity, and charging; perform annual capacity test.

Documentation: maintain logs of all tests, including date, time, duration, and results; make available to the AHJ.

Coordination: notify the AHJ and building occupants before testing smoke control or emergency power systems; verify that testing does not create a false alarm or unsafe condition.

NFPA 25 requires written reports of inspection and testing; retain records for at least 1 year on site and make available to the AHJ upon request.

Deficiency reports should identify the system, component, condition, and recommended corrective action; classify as impediment or deficiency.

Impairment procedures: notify the AHJ, building owner, and occupants; implement a fire watch or interim measures if the system is out of service.

Coordination with the AHJ: obtain permits for installation, modification, and impairment; schedule acceptance tests with the AHJ present.

Record of completion (NFPA 72) and as-built drawings should be updated after any change and retained for the life of the system.

ITM reports should be signed by the qualified technician and include the date, system identification, and test results.

Electronic record keeping is acceptable if retrievable and secure; verify the AHJ accepts electronic records.

Post-incident: document any fire event, system activation, or failure and provide a report to the AHJ and insurer as required.