Fire sprinkler inspection requirements

Inspection, testing and maintenance

Minnesota Department of Health guidance says all sprinkler control valves should be visually inspected monthly to confirm they are accessible, open, sealed or locked, and free of leaks.

Minnesota Department of Health guidance says gauges on wet pipe sprinkler systems need a monthly visual check to confirm normal water pressure; dry, preaction and deluge gauges are checked weekly.

Minnesota Department of Health guidance says mechanical waterflow alarms such as water motor gongs are tested quarterly, while vane and pressure switch types are tested semiannually.

Minnesota Department of Health guidance lists annual sprinkler work that includes checking all sprinklers, hangers, pipe and fittings and testing the main drain.

Minnesota Department of Health guidance on NFPA 25 says sprinklers in service for 50 years must be replaced or have samples sent to a recognized testing laboratory.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.159 requires a main drain flow test on each automatic sprinkler system every year and opening the inspector's test valve at least every two years.

Sources: The owner is responsible for sprinkler upkeep; Annual main drain flow test