NFPA #25 Obstruction Test

[sanbap]

Hello, I am a volunteer facilities coordinator for our Church located in Maryland. We have recently got a quote from our Sprinkler maintenance contractor about the need for an obstruction inspection as per NFPA #25 to be done every 5 years. Our sprinkler system is a wet system.

Is this required by law? If so, is it worth getting a quote from some other contractor to do the inspection to meet the regulations?

Money just adds up and it seems that there are several other inspections that are required 10 years to 5 years periods, other than the regular yearly contracts for which we are paying.

Thanks,
Volunteer at Work

 

[LCREP]

It is a requirement of NFPA 25 and if adopted by your local town/city/ county it may in fact be law. Check with your local code officials to be sure. Also get a few quotes to make sure you are getting a fair price. Make sure what ever quote you do get it indicates the inspection will comply with NFPA 25.

This is what the 2008 edition of NFPA 25 says about your internal inspections.

14.2.1 An inspection of piping and branch line conditions
shall be conducted every 5 years by opening a flushing connection at the end of one main and by removing a sprinkler toward the end of one branch line for the purpose of inspecting for the presence of foreign organic and inorganic material.

14.2.3.2 Internal inspections shall be accomplished by examining the interior of the following four points:
(1) System valve
(2) Riser
(3) Cross main
(4) Branch line

If you want to view the entire NFPA 25 code, here is a link on how to view them for free.

http://inspector911.com/free-nfpa-codes-and-standards/411

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Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[sanbap]

LCREP, thanks for taking the time to reply to my question.

 

[NJ1]

First of all let me explain.
They are two different task to be performed:
a)5th year internal inspection
b)Obstruction Investigation

First you should ask the contractor why do you have to perform an obstruction investigation. If their answer is because it has to be done every 5 years they are not clear on what the NFPA 25 requirements are. An obstruction investigation is required if copnditions exist that could cause obstructed piping.
Interanl inspection to piping and valves is required every 5 years period. No exeptions to any check valves, alarm valves, etc.

 

[NJ1]

If the Jurisdiction you live in has adopted NFPA 25 then it is a requirement.