NFPA 25 Frequencies

Listed in: Life Safety

NFPA 25, “Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems” includes facility requirements for maintaining the fire sprinkler system. Florida has adopted the 2020 edition, while CMS still uses the 2010 edition. The required inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) detailed in NFPA 25 has different frequencies, and one of the most useful pieces of information in the entire standard can be found in chapter 3.7 where these frequencies are defined.

3.7.1.1 through 3.7.1.8 provides the definitions for the following frequencies:

• 3.7.1.1 Daily Frequency. Occurring every day.
• 3.7.1.2 Weekly Frequency. Occurring once per calendar week.
• 3.7.1.3 Monthly Frequency. Occurring once per calendar month.
• 3.7.1.4 Quarterly Frequency. Occurring four times per year with a minimum of 2 months and a maximum of 4 months.
• 3.7.1.5 Semiannual Frequency. Occurring twice per year with a minimum of 4 months and a maximum of 8 months.
• 3.7.1.6 Annual Frequency. Occurring once per year with a minimum of 9 months and a maximum of 15 months.
• 3.7.1.7 Three Years Frequency. Occurring once every 36 months with a minimum of 30 months and a maximum of 40 months.
• 3.7.1.8 Five Years Frequency. Occurring once every 60 months with a minimum of 54 months and a maximum of 66 months.

Consider the scenario where a sprinkler vendor performed a five-year internal pipe inspection in December of 2019, and now the facility would be looking for them to perform another five-year inspection this month. If there is a delay, even a delay as long as six months, according to these definitions the facility is still in compliance with the five-year frequency.

Knowing these frequency definitions can help facilities work with their vendors, as well as navigate delays or unforeseen circumstances while still maintaining compliance.