NFPA 25 Chapter 5.3

5.3 Testing.

5.3.1 Sprinklers.

5.3.1.1

Where required by Section 5.3, sample sprinklers shall be submitted to an approved testing laboratory for field service testing.

5.3.1.1.1

Where sprinklers have been installed for 50 years, one of the following shall occur:

1.      The sprinklers shall be replaced.

2.      Representative samples of the sprinklers shall be tested and then retested every 10 years.

5.3.1.1.1.1

Where sprinklers manufactured using fast-response elements, except for ESFR and CMSA, have been installed for 25 years, one of the following shall occur:

1.      The sprinklers shall be replaced.

2.      Representative samples of the sprinklers shall be tested and then retested every 10 years.

5.3.1.1.1.2

Where ESFR and CMSA sprinklers using fast-response elements have been installed for 20 years, one of the following shall occur:

1.      The sprinklers shall be replaced.

2.      Representative samples of the sprinklers shall be tested and then retested every 10 years.

5.3.1.1.1.3

Where solder-type sprinklers with a temperature classification of extra high [325°F (163°C) or greater] are installed and exposed to semi-continuous to continuous maximum allowable ambient temperature conditions for 5 years, one of the following shall occur:

1.      The sprinklers shall be replaced.

2.      Representative samples of the sprinklers shall be tested and then retested every 5 years.

5.3.1.1.1.4

Where sprinklers have been manufactured in 1920 and later and have been installed for 75 years, one of the following shall occur:

1.      The sprinklers shall be replaced.

2.      Representative samples of the sprinklers shall be tested and then retested every 5 years.

5.3.1.1.1.5

Where dry sprinklers have been installed for 20 years, one of the following shall occur:

1.      The sprinklers shall be replaced.

2.      Representative samples of the sprinklers shall be tested and then retested every 10 years. (See 3.3.41.4, Dry Sprinkler.)

5.3.1.1.2

Where sprinklers exposed to harsh environments, including corrosive atmospheres, have been installed for 5 years, one of the following shall occur:

1.      The sprinklers shall be replaced.

2.      Representative samples of the sprinklers shall be tested and then retested every 5 years.

5.3.1.1.3

Listed corrosion-resistant sprinklers installed in harsh environments shall be permitted to be tested every 10 years and then retested every 5 years.

5.3.1.1.4

Where historical data indicate, longer intervals between testing shall be permitted.

5.3.1.2

A representative sample of sprinklers for testing in accordance with 5.3.1.1 shall consist of either a minimum of four sprinklers or 1 percent of the number of sprinklers per sample area, whichever is greater.

5.3.1.2.1

Each sprinkler type and manufacturer in the sample area shall be represented in the sample.

5.3.1.2.2

Sprinklers tested shall not include any sprinklers that were replaced at prior testing intervals.

5.3.1.3

Where one sprinkler within a representative sample fails to meet the test requirement, all sprinklers within the area represented by that sample shall be replaced.