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904.4 Installation inspection and testing.
Fire extinguishing systems shall be inspected and tested upon completion of the installation prior to the installation acceptance testing required by FC 904.1.2.
904.4.1 Inspection.
The fire extinguishing system shall be inspected for the following conditions:
1. Hazard specification for consistency with design hazard.
2. Type, location and spacing of automatic- and manual-initiating devices.
3. Size, placement and position of nozzles or discharge orifices.
4. Location and identification of audible and visible alarm devices.
5. Identification of devices with proper designations.
6. Operating instructions, to ensure that the system is correctly operated during the acceptance testing.
904.4.2 Alarm testing.
Notification appliances, connections to fire alarm systems, and connections to an approved central station shall be tested to verify proper operation, including the following conditions:
1. The audibility and visibility of notification appliances signaling agent discharge or system operation, where required, shall be verified.
2. Central station connections shall be tested to verify proper identification and retransmission of alarms.
904.5 Maintenance of fire extinguishing systems.
Fire extinguishing systems shall be periodically inspected, tested and otherwise maintained in accordance with FC 901, 904.1.1 and 904.4, the applicable NFPA standard, and the system listing. Additional maintenance shall be performed as set forth in FC 904.5.1 through 904.5.13*, FC Table 904.5.2, and the rules.
* Editor's note: correct reference should be FC 904.5.1 through 904.5.3.
904.5.1 Monthly inspection.
At least once a month, a visual inspection of the fire extinguishing system shall be conducted by a trained and knowledgeable person to confirm that the system appears to be in good working order, including the following conditions:
1. The fire extinguishing system is intact and undamaged, including the extinguishing agent container, system piping, nozzles and protective nozzle caps.
2. Any fusible links or other fire detection devices are clean.
3. Access to each manual activation device, if required, for the fire extinguishing system is not obstructed and any tamper indicator is intact.
4. Check the pressure gauge, control panel or control unit, as applicable, to determine whether the fire extinguishing system is operational and whether there are any supervisory or trouble signals.
5. If an automatic foam system or water mist system, check the water supply valve to confirm that it is in the locked, open position; if the system is manually operated, confirm that the water supply is in good working order.
6. The maintenance tag for the fire extinguishing system is in place and has not expired.
904.5.2. Semiannual inspection.
A licensed master fire suppression piping contractor holding a certificate of fitness properly trained and having knowledge of the installation, operation and maintenance of the specific fire extinguishing system, or a person holding a certificate of fitness under the direction and control of such license holder, shall inspect, test, service and otherwise maintain such system in accordance with this section and the manufacturer's specifications and servicing manuals at least on a semiannual basis. Such semiannual inspection, testing and servicing shall include all procedures necessary to determine that the system is in good working order, including the following actions:
1. Verification that the hazard has not changed.
2. Verification that the fire extinguishing system has not been altered.
3. Examination of all detection systems, alarms, manual stations, extinguishing agent containers, releasing devices, piping, hose assemblies, nozzles, and all ancillary equipment.
4. Verification that the extinguishing agent has not been discharged.
5. Verification that the agent distribution piping is not obstructed.
6. Verification that the extinguishing agent container and/or ancillary pressure containers have been, as applicable, inspected, retested and marked in conformance with the requirements of the United States Department of Transportation.
7. A test of the system's automatic and manual releasing devices, including any associated equipment. Fixed temperature-sensing elements shall be maintained to ensure proper operation of the system.
8. A test of the gas and electric power source shut-off (interlock) devices, if applicable.
9. Preparation and submission to the owner of a written report of any system defects.
10. Upon satisfactory completion of the semiannual inspection and correction of all defects, providing the owner with an inspection, testing and service compliance tag. Such tag shall indicate the date issued, the name and license number of the licensed master fire suppression piping contractor issuing the tag and the certificate of fitness holder conducting the inspection, and that the system was found to be in compliance with the requirements of this section.
System | Inspection | Testing | Other Maintenance |
System | Inspection | Testing | Other Maintenance |
Aerosol fire extinguishing systems | Monthly | Annually | |
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishing system | Monthly | Semiannually | Annually |
Clean agent fire extinguishing systems | Monthly | Semiannually | Annually |
Dry chemical fire extinguishing systems | Monthly | Semiannually | |
Expansion foam systems (low, medium and high) | Monthly | Annually | |
Foam water sprinkler and spray systems | See NFPA 25 | ||
Halon 1301 fire extinguishing systems | Monthly | Semiannually | |
Water mist fire extinguishing systems | See NFPA 25 | ||
Wet chemical fire extinguishing systems | Monthly | Semiannually | |
904.5.3 Five-year retest.
All fire extinguishing systems shall be retested once every five years from the date of acceptance of the system. The first retest of fire extinguishing systems lawfully existing on the effective date of this provision shall be conducted on or before the fifth anniversary of the date of acceptance after such effective date. Such test shall be conducted, and reported to the department, in the manner prescribed by rule, by a licensed master fire suppression contractor holding a certificate of fitness, properly trained and having knowledge of the installation, operation and maintenance of the specific fire extinguishing system, or a person holding a certificate of fitness under the direction and control of such license holder.
Exception: Commercial cooking and domestic cooking fire extinguishing systems.
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