What is NFPA 25 and what does it cover?

NFPA 25 (Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems) is an international standard that defines the periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance activities required to keep water-based fire protection systems operational after installation. It is published and regularly revised by the US-based NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).

This page serves as an overarching framework, encompassing content that addresses individual subsystems (sprinklers, fire pumps, water tanks, etc.) separately. The aim is to present the logic that unifies all water-based systems under the same maintenance discipline.

• Automatic sprinkler systems
• Fire cabinet and standpipe lines
• Fire pumps and pumping stations
• Fire water tanks and water sources
• Specialized fire extinguishing systems (water mist, foam-water, etc.)
• Valves, alarm devices, and backflow preventers.

The ITM Concept: Distinguishing Between Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

NFPA 25 is based on the ITM (Inspection, Testing, Maintenance) approach. These three activities serve different purposes and should not be confused.

• Inspection: This is a visual check to verify that the system appears to be functioning correctly. For example, checking that the valve is in the open position, the gauge pressure is within the range, and there is no physical damage to the components.
• Testing: A functional process aimed at proving that the system is actually performing its function. Examples include main drain testing, triggering a flow alarm, and starting a fire pump.
• Maintenance: Repair and preventative measures taken to keep a system running or to fix identified defects. Examples include lubrication, seal replacement, and faulty component replacement.

Basic Inspection and Testing Periods (NFPA 25 Reference)

The following periods summarize typical values from commonly applied current editions of NFPA 25. The exact periods to be applied may vary depending on the type of system (wet/dry/pre-action/deluge), the edition adopted by the local authority, and site conditions. This table is a summary for informational purposes only; binding values should always be verified against the relevant edition of the standard.

• Gauges (pressure manometers): monthly inspection in wet pipe systems; weekly inspection in dry/pre-action/deluge systems. Manometers are tested or replaced every 5 years by comparing them with a calibrated gauge.
• Control valves (butterfly/OS and Y type): position and seal/lock check typically monthly; quarterly inspection if interlocked or electronically controlled.
• Flow alarm devices and fire department connection (FDC): three-monthly functional test/inspection.
• Main drain test: annually (to verify the condition of the system's water supply).
• Fire pump start-up test (no load/churn): weekly for diesel pumps; monthly for most electric pumps (weekly in high-risk configurations).
• Fire pump annual flow test: full performance test at churn, 100% rated flow rate, and 150% rated flow rate points.
• Sprinkler heads: annual visual inspection; internal inspection every 5 years; high-temperature and age-related sample testing/replacement for certain head types.

The Turkish Context: Relationship with BYKHY

NFPA 25 is a US standard and is not a directly binding regulation in Türkiye on its own. However, in Türkiye, maintaining and keeping water-based fire protection systems operational is legally mandatory under the Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings (BYKHY).

BYKHY (Council of Ministers Decision 2007/12937) was published in the Official Gazette dated 19.12.2007 and numbered 26735. The regulation defines the responsibility of the building owner and operator to ensure that water-based systems such as sprinkler systems, fire pumps, fire cabinets, and water tanks are kept in continuous working order and undergo periodic inspection/maintenance.

In practice, NFPA 25 is widely used as the international reference methodology providing detailed methods and schedules for how to perform the periodic inspections stipulated by the BYKHY (Turkish Standards Institution for the Protection of Natural Resources). The relationship is as follows: BYKHY mandates the inspections; NFPA 25 provides the technical framework for how and how often these inspections should be carried out.

• Obligation source: BYKHY (RG 19.12.2007/26735) — periodic inspection obligation.
• Technical method reference: NFPA 25 — ITM periods and test procedures.
• In addition, standards such as TS EN 12845 (automatic sprinkler) are taken into account in current engineering practices for system design.

Subsystems and Location of This Page

The subsystems grouped under NFPA 25 must be examined individually, with their own technical details. This overarching framework combines these subsystems into a single maintenance discipline; the details of each subsystem are discussed in the respective pages.

• Sprinkler system inspection — ITM details of the nozzle, pipe, valve and alarm components.
• Fire pump station — pump performance tests, diesel/electric drive and fuel/power conditions.
• Fire water tank — water level, coating condition, heating and welding continuity checks.

AES's Approach: Technical Evaluation and Information

AES Innovation addresses the condition of water-based fire protection systems with a technical assessment and reporting approach referenced in NFPA 25. Within this framework, technical reports prepared by qualified engineers detail the current state of the system, identified findings, and a recommended periodic inspection schedule.

This study aims to provide methodological support to businesses in fulfilling the periodic inspection obligation stipulated by BYKHY; the obligation to comply with the standard and legislation remains with the building owner/operator. AES's TÜRKAK accreditation scope is limited only to 6.1 Electrical Installations; the work under NFPA 25 is not an accredited inspection or certification.

• Technical assessment and information based on NFPA 25.
• Technical report signed by an authorized engineer (mechanical engineer).
• A proposal for a holistic periodic inspection schedule integrating subsystems.

Information Note

This page is for informational purposes only; it is not a binding declaration of conformity, certification, or accreditation. Periodic inspections of water-based fire protection systems must be carried out under the supervision of an authorized engineer (mechanical engineer) according to the system type and applicable legislation (specifically BYKHY, Official Gazette 19.12.2007/26735); NFPA 25 periodic inspections must be verified against the applicable edition. Decisions regarding the specific project should be based on the technical report of the authorized engineer.

Related Services

• Inspection of Sprinkler Systems
• Fire Pump Station Inspection
• Fire Water Tank Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NFPA 25 mandatory in Türkiye?

NFPA 25 is a US standard and not a directly binding regulation in Türkiye. However, periodic inspections of water-based systems are mandatory under the Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings (BYKHY, Official Gazette 19.12.2007/26735). NFPA 25 is used as an international reference methodology for how these inspections should be carried out.

How often is the sprinkler system tested?

According to NFPA 25, sprinkler heads are typically subject to annual visual inspection; internal inspection is performed every 5 years. Additionally, indicators are checked monthly in wet systems and weekly in dry/pre-action systems, and a main drain test is performed annually. The exact intervals vary depending on the system type and the edition used.

What is the relationship between BYKHY and NFPA 25?

BYKHY mandates periodic inspections; NFPA 25 provides a detailed technical framework for how and how often these inspections should be carried out. Therefore, the regulatory obligation in Türkiye stems from BYKHY, while the implementation method is largely derived from international standards such as NFPA 25.

How often is the fire pump operated?

According to NFPA 25, diesel-driven fire pumps are tested weekly under no-load (churn) conditions; most electric pumps undergo this test monthly (may be weekly in high-risk configurations). Additionally, a full flow performance test is conducted annually at shutdown, 100%, and 150% rated flow points.

Does AES conduct this assessment?

AES Innovation provides NFPA 25-referenced technical assessment and information for water-based systems; the results are presented in a technical report signed by an authorized engineer (mechanical engineer). AES does not issue certificates or provide documentation in this context; AES's accreditation area is only 6.1 Electrical Installation inspection.

What is the difference between inspection, testing, and maintenance?

Inspection is a visual check that verifies the system appears to be working. Testing is a functional procedure that proves the system is actually performing its function. Maintenance is preventive and corrective work done to keep the system running or to fix any identified defects.