Attachment_4_Fire_Alarm_Backflow_Testing_Tables_Special_Areas.pdf

Fire Alarm Testing Table:

Inspection and testing schedules for wet and dry pipe fire sprinkler systems, including key interface elements with fire alarm systems. This table is aligned with NFPA 25 (2023) and NFPA 72 (2022) standards.

🔧 Fire Sprinkler Systems: Inspection & Testing Schedule

Component / Function Wet Pipe System Dry Pipe System Reference Frequency

Control Valves (Inspection) Verify open, sealed Same as wet pipe

NFPA 25:

13.3.2.1

Monthly

Waterflow Alarm Device (Test)

Flow water via test valve Part of trip test NFPA 25: 13.2.6 Annually

Valve Supervisory Switches (Test)

Check signal to fire alarm Same as wet pipe

NFPA 72:

14.4.2.2.4

Semi-Annually

Pressure Gauges (Inspection) Inspect for readability/damage Inspect same as wet pipe NFPA 25: 13.2.4 Monthly

Main Drain Test (Water Supply Verification)

Verify static/residual pressure Only when system is wet (optional)

NFPA 25: 13.2.5 Annually

Hydrostatic Pressure Test (new installation)

200 psi / 2 hours (or as needed)

Same as wet pipe NFPA 13: 25.2.1 After install/repair

Partial Trip Test (Dry Valve) Not applicable Simulate trip w/o water delivery

NFPA 25:

13.4.4.2.3.1

Annually

Full Flow Trip Test Not applicable Fully trip valve (flood system)

NFPA 25:

13.4.4.2.3.2

Every 3 Years

Low Air Pressure Alarm Test Not applicable Activate low pressure switch

NFPA 25:

13.2.7.2

Annually

Quick Opening Device (QOD) Test

Not applicable Test QOD function (if installed)

NFPA 25:

13.4.4.2.5

Annually

Internal Pipe Inspection Inspect for corrosion, obstructions

Same as wet pipe NFPA 25: 14.2.1 Every 5 Years

Alarm Transmission Test (to

FACP)

Confirm waterflow alarm reaches panel

Same as wet pipe NFPA 72: 14.4.5 Annually

Legend and Notes:

• NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems

• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

• AHJ: Authority Having Jurisdiction may require more frequent testing or reporting.

• FACP: Fire Alarm Control Panel

• QOD: Quick Opening Device, used to speed up valve operation in dry systems

Backflow Testing Table:

Inspection and testing schedule for Backflow Prevention Devices and their associated tamper alarm systems, based on NFPA 25 (2023) and NFPA 72 (2022), with consideration of plumbing and fire protection codes such as ASSE 1015 and local AHJ requirements.

🔧 Backflow Prevention Devices & Tamper Alarm Systems – Inspection & Testing Schedule

Component / Function Requirement / Action Reference Frequency

Backflow Preventer (Inspection) Visual inspection for leaks, damage, and valve status

NFPA 25: 13.6.2.1 Monthly

Backflow Preventer (Full Functional Test)

Verify device prevents reverse flow using test kit

NFPA 25: 13.6.2.2 Annually (min.)

Tamper Switch – Supervision (Inspection)

Ensure valve is sealed, supervised, and readable NFPA 25: 13.3.2.1 Monthly

Tamper Switch – Signal Test Turn valve partially closed to activate alarm signal

NFPA 72:

14.4.2.2.4(4)

Semi-Annually

Alarm Transmission to FACP Confirm signal from tamper switch reaches fire panel

NFPA 72: 14.4.5 Annually

Backflow Internal Inspection Open and inspect internal components for fouling

Best practice / Local

AHJ

Every 5 Years (or as required)

Record Keeping Document inspections, tests, deficiencies, corrections

NFPA 25: 4.3

Ongoing / Annually Reviewed

📝 Definitions & Notes:

• Backflow Preventers: Typically double check valve assemblies (DCVA) or reduced pressure zone devices (RPZs) used to prevent cross-contamination in fire sprinkler systems.

• Tamper Switches: Supervisory switches on OS&Y or butterfly valves that detect unauthorized closing of water supply valves.

• Test Kit: Licensed personnel must use calibrated gauges to verify pressure differential and check valve sealing during functional testing.

• Alarm Monitoring: Tamper signals must be routed to the fire alarm control panel (FACP) for supervisory notification.

🧯 Applicable Codes and Standards

• NFPA 25 – Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Systems

• NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

• ASSE 1015, 1047, 1048 – Performance standards for backflow preventers

• Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) / International Plumbing Code (IPC) – May impose additional local testing

• Local AHJ – Always confirm local amendments to national standards

Testing Table:

housing, curatorial, maintenance, auto shop, and Law Enforcement/Ranger areas (How the inspection and testing requirements might differ by area):

Fire Protection & Backflow Prevention Checklist for Specific NPS Areas:

Component / Function

Housing Curatorial Maintenance Auto Shop PD/Ranger

Backflow Preventer – Visual

Inspect for leaks and damage in potable water lines

Inspect for fire and water line cross-connection risks

Same as housing, focus on equipment and tools

Ensure backflow protection on fire suppression and irrigation

Ensure backflow protection on fire systems and drinking water

Backflow Preventer – Functional Test

Annually test RPZ or DCVA for water line protection

Test annually, ensure no contamination risks

Annually test backflow to prevent contamination

Test annually to ensure equipment safety

Annually test, especially for fire suppression systems

Internal Backflow Inspection

Inspect for corrosion and build-up every 5 years

Inspect especially for cross-contamination from curatorial items

Check for build-up from machinery or chemicals

Inspect due to potential exposure to automotive fluids

Inspect during regular inspections for contamination risks

Tamper Switch – Visual

Inspect monthly for seal status and proper positioning

Ensure valve is secure; protect from unauthorized tampering

Same as housing

Inspect for seal and positioning, especially near machinery

Inspect regularly for proper sealing, ensure alerting function

Tamper Switch – Signal Test

Test semi-annually by manually activating alarm signal

Test semi-annually, ensuring supervisory alerts for curatorial safety

Test semi-annually, especially for backflow prevention systems

Test semi-annually, confirm alarm reaches the monitoring system

Semi-annual test to ensure signal transmission to local

FACP

Alarm Transmission Test (Tamper)

Annually confirm signal reaches fire alarm panel

Annually confirm signal reaches curatorial monitoring

Annually confirm signal transmission to FACP

Test alarm system to ensure proper transmission

Annually test alarm transmission from tamper switches to

FACP

Recordkeeping

Ongoing records for inspection, testing, and corrective actions

Keep detailed records for compliance and curatorial safety

Log all tests and repairs

Maintain log of testing, especially for hazardous systems

Maintain detailed logs for compliance with federal standards

Specific Considerations:

1. Housing: Ensure backflow devices are tested to protect drinking water lines, especially where fire sprinkler systems are connected. Tamper switches must be checked regularly in areas where unauthorized access could lead to system interference.

2. Curatorial: Special attention is needed to prevent contamination risks in museums, archives, and collections storage.

Backflow preventers and tamper switches must be functioning properly to avoid contamination of historical items or sensitive materials.

3. Maintenance: Systems must protect against contamination due to exposure to cleaning chemicals, equipment, and tools. The focus should also be on backflow devices that protect water lines for equipment or facilities maintenance.

4. Auto Shop: Backflow devices must prevent contamination from automotive fluids, including oils, gasoline, and antifreeze. Tamper switches should be monitored to ensure no unauthorized access to the system.

5. PD/Ranger: For law enforcement and park ranger areas, ensure fire suppression systems are active and backflow devices are tested regularly to prevent water contamination, especially in public safety areas where drinking water and fire safety are both critical.