How important is the five-year sprinkler systems test in Queens? Very! Please be advised that the Queens Fire Prevention Ordinance requires that fire sprinkler systems and combination fire sprinkler/standpipe systems have a functionality test performed on each Fire Department Connection (FDC) by a licensed contractor every five years. The Queens Fire Marshal’s Office has begun notifying building owners of this requirement.
A building owner can choose to have the functionality test done independently or, if you’re performing alteration work in Queens, the County will allow the five-year sprinkler test in Queens to take place at the same time as a final hydrostatic test. However, the functionality test must be registered and all associated fees must be paid at the same time.
Another important factor; the NFPA 25 sprinkler test in Queens is required whether or not the building owner has received a letter from the County. Please take note that each fire department connection (FDC) must be tested and paid for separately; however, buildings with multiple FDCs can list each FDC being tested on one application.
If you’re testing a system that is not recognized in the Fire Marshal’s Office database, the Fire Marshal’s Office will allow you to register the system, provided that the system was installed before 1984 with proof of the system can be provided with any of the following documentation:
- A Water Service bill
- Building Department records
- Insurance company proof
Once the five-year sprinkler test in Queens passes, a 5 (five) year sprinkler permit will be issued to the owner. Sure, a five-year sprinkler testing in Queens is primarily performed to comply with NFPA regulations, insurance requirements, and to keep you out of trouble with the fire department (ahem, violations). But it also lets you know if your system is working properly.
If you’re having trouble following all of this, just call us and we’ll walk you through the entire process!
The types of tests that can be performed depending on the type of system you have. Different tests are performed to check your system’s functionality, as well as all the specific components of your system.
For example:
- 2” Main Drain Test
- Water Flow Alarm Device Test
- Fire Pump Test
- Dry Pipe Valve Trip Test
- Hydrostatic 5 Year Functionality Test
The main drain test is required by NFPA25 to be performed annually to ensure the proper water supply is available at the system riser, detect changes in the water supply that may affect the sprinkler system’s performance, and confirm the drain valves are operational.
The water flow test is required by NFPA25 to be performed quarterly to ensure water flow detecting devices are operational, alarms are operational, and a signal is sent to and received by the central station (if connected).
The fire pump flow test is required by NFPA25 to be performed annually and measures the performance of the fire pump’s flow and pressure. The test is conducted by flowing water through hose streams connected to the test header. The test results are compared to the factory specifications and the test results from previous years. If there is a significant reduction in the pump’s performance, further examination is needed to make the necessary repairs.
The best way to ensure you are ready for a five-year sprinkler test in Queens as well as all of the other Fire Department regulations is to contact a reputable fire safety company such as Allstate Sprinklers before you do anything else!
Please contact us immediately so that the appropriate paperwork and contracts can be established and the FDNY’s new requirements can be satisfied.
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