Compliance News: Fire Sprinkler System Main Drain Test

By Robert Trotter, CBO, CFM


The Joint Commission’s 2010 Hospital Accreditation Standards for the Environment of Care describes requirements for the main drain tests on sprinkler and standpipe systems. EC.02.03.05 Element of Performance 9 states, “For automatic sprinkler systems: Every 12 months, the hospital tests main drains at system low point or at all system risers. The completion date of the tests is documented.” For additional information refer to the 1998 edition of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. Although The Joint Commission requires an annual test, NFPA 25 requires this test to be conducted quarterly. Section 9-2.6 states, “A main drain test shall be conducted quarterly at each water-based fire protection system riser to determine whether there has been a change in the condition of the water supply piping and control valves.”

Note: The test for standpipe systems should be done at the low point drain for each standpipe or the main drain test connection where the supply main enters the building.