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

Get the latest edition to help ensure the integrity of critical water-based fire protection systems, minimize hazards, and help protect lives and property. The updated and expanded NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, is the most current and complete document covering inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. NFPA 25 is incorporated by reference in many U.S. states and offers comprehensive requirements for helping to ensure that these fire protection systems are ready to respond in the event of an emergency.

The 2026 edition features several important updates. These include:

• New requirement for sprinklers that have been installed in dwelling units for over 50 years to be replaced with new fast-response sprinklers or meet a thermal sensitivity test
• Modifications to permissible antifreeze mixtures
• New ITM requirements in Chapter 13
• New guidelines on when sprinklers that have been exposed to a fire should be replaced

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Administration

1.1 Scope.
1.2 Purpose.
1.3 Application.
1.4 Units.

Chapter 2 Referenced Publications

2.1 General.
2.2 NFPA Publications.
2.3 Other Publications.
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.

Chapter 3 Definitions

3.1 General.
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
3.3 General Definitions.
3.4 Deluge Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems Definitions.
3.5 Valve Definitions.
3.6 Water-Based Fire Protection System Definitions.
3.7 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Task Frequencies.

Chapter 4 General Requirements

4.1 Responsibility of Property Owner or Designated Representative.
4.2 Manufacturer's Corrective Action.
4.3 Records.
4.4 Water Supply Status.
4.5 Inspection.
4.6 Testing.
4.7 Automated Inspection and Testing.
4.8 Remote Inspections and Tests.
4.9 Performance-Based Compliance Programs.
4.10 Maintenance.
4.11 Safety.

Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems

5.1 General.
5.2 Inspection.
5.3 Testing.
5.4 Maintenance.
5.5 Component Action Requirements.

Chapter 6 Standpipe and Hose Systems

6.1 General.
6.2 Inspection.
6.3 Testing.
6.4 Maintenance.
6.5 Component Action Requirements.

Chapter 7 Private Fire Service Mains

7.1 General.
7.2 Inspection and Corrective Action.
7.3 Testing.
7.4 Maintenance.
7.5 Component Action Requirements.

Chapter 8 Fire Pumps

8.1 General.
8.2 Inspection.
8.3 Testing.
8.4 Reports.
8.5 Maintenance.
8.6 Component Replacement Testing Requirements.

Chapter 9 Water Storage Tanks

9.1 General.
9.2 Inspection.
9.3 Testing.
9.4 Maintenance.
9.5 Automatic Tank Fill Valves.
9.6 Component Action Requirements.

Chapter 10 Water Spray Fixed Systems

10.1 General.
10.2 Inspection and Maintenance Procedures.
10.3 Testing.
10.4 Ultra-High-Speed Water Spray System (UHSWSS) Operational Tests.
10.5 Component Action Requirements.

Chapter 11 Foam Systems

11.1 General.
11.2 Inspection.
11.3 Testing.
11.4 Maintenance.

Chapter 12 Water Mist Systems

12.1 General.
12.2 Inspection.
12.3 Testing.
12.4 Maintenance.
12.5 Training.

Chapter 13 Common Components and Valves

13.1 General.
13.2 General Provisions.
13.3 Control Valves in Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
13.4 System Valves.
13.5 Pressure-Regulating Devices.
13.6 Hose Valves and Hose Connections.
13.7 Backflow Prevention Assemblies.
13.8 Fire Department Connections.
13.9 Automatic Detection Equipment.
13.10 Air Compressors and Nitrogen Generators.
13.11 Corrosion-Inhibiting Systems.
13.12 Automatic Air Vents.
13.13 Component Testing Requirements.

Chapter 14 Internal Piping Condition and Obstruction Investigation

14.1 General.
14.2 Assessment of Internal Condition of Piping.
14.3 Obstruction Investigation and Prevention.
14.4 Ice Obstruction.

Chapter 15 Impairments

15.1 General.
15.2 Impairment Coordinator.
15.3 Tag Impairment System.
15.4 Impaired Equipment.
15.5 Preplanned Impairment Programs.
15.6 Emergency Impairments.
15.7 Restoring Systems to Service.

Chapter 16 Special Requirements from Other NFPA Documents

16.1 General.
16.2 Small Residential Board and Care Occupancies.

Annex A Explanatory Material
Annex B Forms and Reports for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
Annex C Possible Causes of Pump Troubles
Annex D Obstruction Investigation
Annex E Hazard Evaluation Form
Annex F Connectivity and Data Collection
Annex G Color-Coded Tagging Program
Annex H Hazards of Legacy Antifreeze Solutions
Annex I Informational References

2026 ()

2023 (9781455929191)

2020 (9781455923908)

2017 (9781455913855)