Alabama fire inspection rules
Alabama's fire protection sprinkler contractor law (Code of Alabama Title 34, Chapter 33) is run by the State Fire Marshal, who can make rules on weekly fire pump testing and set the fees.
Who licenses fire protection companies in Alabama
Source: State Fire Marshal runs the sprinkler contractor law
Who may inspect and service
In Alabama it is unlawful to be in the business of installing, repairing, altering, adding to, maintaining or inspecting a fire sprinkler system except under the state sprinkler contractor law.
The law does not apply to sprinkler system owners who employ registered fire protection engineers and skilled workers to routinely work on and inspect the systems on the employer's own premises, for the owner's use only.
Skilled employees of a sprinkler system owner do not need a contractor permit to perform and certify the weekly fire pump tests on the owner's own systems.
Anyone who programs, maintains, tests, inspects, certifies or modifies fire alarm systems in Alabama must show a current NICET Fire Alarm System Technician Level II, or an equivalent certification accepted by the State Fire Marshal.
Sources: Sprinkler work requires compliance with the state law; Owner employees may do weekly fire pump tests; Fire alarm technicians need NICET Level II
License types
A Fire Protection Sprinkler Contractor I is in the business of layout, installation, repair, alteration, addition, maintenance or inspection of all fire sprinkler systems.
A Fire Protection Sprinkler Contractor II is limited to residential potable water sprinkler systems for detached single family homes and manufactured housing, built to NFPA 13D or ICC IPC Chapter 29 Section P2904.
The certificate holder is the individual named on the company's State Fire Marshal permit as the responsible owner, partner, officer or employee actively in charge of the work.
What the state requires
Every Alabama fire alarm system installed after August 1, 2009 must be maintained and inspected by a certified fire alarm contractor under the current NFPA 72, and the owner must keep the test records for the State Fire Marshal.
Every Alabama fire alarm system must have the responsible certified fire alarm contractor's name, address, phone number and permit number attached to the main fire alarm control.
Checking a company's license
The State Fire Marshal's sprinkler search finds permitted sprinkler contractors by contractor name or city, and the page also links a printable list of approved sprinkler permits.
The State Fire Marshal's licensed company search covers blaster, fire alarm, fireworks, public display and sprinkler permits.
Sources: State Fire Marshal sprinkler search; Permit types in the company search
Common questions
Who may inspect fire sprinklers in Alabama?
A sprinkler contractor working under Alabama's sprinkler contractor law, which the State Fire Marshal runs. Owners whose own skilled staff inspect the systems on their own premises are exempt.