A revised Chapter 11 now covers foam

fire suppression systems

Finally, the 2023 edition of NFPA 25 has a significantly expanded chapter
that broadens the standard’s scope. Chapter 11 now covers foam fire
suppression systems in addition to foam-water systems. These systems
are typically used in aircraft hangars, petrochemical plants, tank farms,
fuel-loading facilities, and power plants, and their installation rules are
in NFPA 11: Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion
Foam  (2021 edition).

This change reflects the fact that NFPA completely withdrew its previous

standard, NFPA 16: Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler
and Foam-Water Spray Systems, in 2020, combining those installation
rules into NFPA 11. Thus, the installation and ITM rules for
foam and foam-water systems are now consolidated into only two
standards.

The revised chapter includes many topics, including general system

requirements and an ITM schedule (11.1), inspection procedures (11.2),
testing procedures (11.3), and maintenance procedures (11.4). There are
far too many details to cover here. But it’s important to know that
servicing a foam system is now covered in detail within NFPA 25.

NFPA 25 changes, but some ITM

remains the same
The 2023 edition adds some directives, clarifies others, and has an
entirely new chapter covering foam systems. Note that this piece doesn’t
cover all of the NFPA 25 changes; it’s important to closely review specific
sections governing a particular system, device, or ITM task. But our
rundown includes what we think are some of the most interesting or
impactful revisions.

Another important caveat that both building owners and ITM contractors
should keep in mind: just because NFPA has issued an updated standard
doesn’t mean it is legally enforceable in your jurisdiction. Various
editions and versions of model codes adopted in different jurisdictions
explicitly reference previous editions of NFPA 25 to conduct inspections,
testing, and maintenance.

Nevertheless, if an updated 2023 rule is more favorable to a specific

situation, building owners and fire protection professionals always have
the option to make a case for complying with it to the authority having
jurisdiction. NFPA’s standards give AHJs significant discretion in
enforcing standards, and a newer section based on the latest data
represents sound, safe fire protection.

If you need replacement parts to comply with NFPA 25, including fire

sprinklers, escutcheons, cover plates, and other accessories, or testing
and monitoring equipment, check out QRFS’s online inventory.