Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance

Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) of fire sprinkler systems are essential processes that ensure systems remain functional, reliable, and compliant with fire protection standards. The purpose of ITM is to detect impairments, confirm operational readiness, and extend the life of system components. Historically, ITM was performed on-site and manually by qualified personnel following NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. NFPA 25 defines the specific scope, methods, and frequency of required tasks—ranging from weekly valve inspections to annual flow tests—ensuring consistent system reliability. In recent years, technological advances have led to the development of NFPA 915, Standard for Remote Inspections and Tests. This standard establishes a framework for conducting ITM activities remotely, digitally, or automatically using sensors, cameras, and data transmission systems. NFPA 915 enhances efficiency, documentation accuracy, and safety while allowing qualified inspectors to verify system performance without being physically present, marking a significant evolution in fire protection maintenance practices.