Testing and Commissioning Plan for Sprinkler Firefighting System

1. Introduction The purpose of this Testing and Commissioning Plan is to outline

the procedures and requirements for testing and commissioning a sprinkler
firefighting system in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) standards. The plan covers the various stages of testing, from pre-
commissioning checks to final acceptance tests, ensuring the system is installed
correctly and functions as intended.
2. Pre-commissioning Checks Before commissioning the sprinkler firefighting
system, the following pre-commissioning checks should be performed:

a. Review of Design Documentation: Ensure that the design of the system complies with
the applicable NFPA standards and local fire codes.

b. Visual Inspection: Conduct a visual inspection of the installed system components,

including sprinkler heads, pipes, valves, pumps, and control panels. Verify that they are
correctly installed, labeled, and free from any damage or obstruction.

c. Documentation Review: Review the manufacturer's documentation for all system

components, including installation instructions, operation manuals, and maintenance
requirements.

d. Hydraulics Calculation Review: Verify that the hydraulic calculations for the system are
accurate and comply with NFPA standards. Confirm that the water supply, pipe sizes,
and pressure requirements are appropriate for the intended design.

3. Testing Procedures The following testing procedures should be conducted to

ensure the proper functioning of the sprinkler firefighting system:

a. Flow Testing: Perform flow tests on each individual sprinkler zone to verify the flow
rates and ensure they meet the design requirements. Measure the water flow using
calibrated flow meters.

b. Alarm and Supervisory Testing: Test the alarm and supervisory functions of the
system by simulating various alarm and fault conditions. Ensure that the alarms are
triggered correctly, and the appropriate signals are transmitted to the control panel or
monitoring station.

c. Water Supply Testing: Conduct tests to evaluate the water supply source, such as the
city water mains or fire pumps. Measure the available water pressure, flow rate, and
duration to confirm that they meet the system's requirements.
d. Pump Performance Testing: Test the performance of the fire pumps by conducting
flow tests at various flow rates. Measure the pump pressures, suction pressures, and
discharge pressures to ensure they comply with the manufacturer's specifications.

e. Sprinkler Operation Testing: Test the operation of individual sprinkler heads by

activating them manually or using a simulated heat source. Verify that the sprinklers
activate as intended and discharge water appropriately.

f. Control Panel and Alarm Testing: Test the functionality of the control panel, including
alarm notifications, system control, and status indications. Ensure that all alarm signals
are correctly displayed and recorded.

4. Documentation and Reporting Proper documentation and reporting are essential

throughout the testing and commissioning process. The following documents
should be prepared:

a. Test Reports: Document the results of each test conducted, including flow test data,
pump performance data, and alarm test results. Include any deviations from the
expected performance and any corrective actions taken.

b. Record Drawings: Update the as-built drawings to reflect the installed system,
including the location of all components, pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads.

c. Operation and Maintenance Manuals: Compile all manufacturer's operation and

maintenance manuals for the system components into a comprehensive manual for
future reference.

d. Certificate of Compliance: Prepare a certificate of compliance stating that the sprinkler

firefighting system has been tested and commissioned in accordance with the NFPA
standards and local fire codes.

5. Final Acceptance Once all the testing and commissioning activities have been
completed successfully, the system can be considered ready for final acceptance.
This involves obtaining approval from the relevant authorities having jurisdiction
(AHJ), such as the local fire department or building inspector.

During the final acceptance process, provide the AHJ with the test reports, record
drawings, operation and maintenance manuals, and the certificate of compliance.
Address any comments or concerns raised by the AHJ and make the necessary
modifications or adjustments, if required.
Upon receiving the AHJ's approval, the sprinkler firefighting system can be put into
service and actively monitored and maintained according to the NFPA requirements