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UL Field Sample Testing of Automatic Sprinklers

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, NFPA 25, requires building owners to have their installed sprinklers periodically tested by a recognized testing laboratory. Many communities have adopted NFPA 25 as a referenced standard in their building codes, which are enforced by local inspection authorities. In addition, most insurance companies require the buildings they insure to have sprinkler systems that comply with this nationally recognized standard.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) tests sprinklers sampled from field installations as a service to inspection authorities, the sprinkler industry, the insurance industry and property owners. UL's report on the results of this testing assists these parties in assessing the effectiveness of sprinkler systems, or the need for replacement of sprinklers currently in service.

When UL tests sprinklers for you, we furnish a detailed report of test results which will assist you in deciding whether or not they need to be replaced. This service can help you maintain sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 25.

Expertise in sprinkler evaluations

When you choose UL to evaluate automatic sprinklers, experienced staff will test representative sprinklers sampled from the installation site. The sprinklers will be subjected to a sensitivity oven heat test, conducted according to the UL Standard for Automatic Sprinklers for Fire Protection Service (UL 199). During this test, the response time of each sprinkler is measured. Please be aware that UL will not return these sprinklers to you, since they're operated in the test and will be unsuitable for further use.

An informative report

After testing the sprinklers, UL will provide you with a detailed and easy-to-read report that includes the following information for each sprinkler tested:

  • identification of the type of room environment and the location of the sprinkler in the building;
  • condition of the sprinkler and
  • description of the sprinkler's operation.

To submit sprinklers to UL for testing

To have sprinklers tested by UL, select representative sprinkler samples, using the requirements described in the current edition of NFPA 25. When you send sprinklers to UL to be tested, make sure to tag and identify each sprinkler with the following information:

  • name and address of building occupant;
  • type of room environment (office, factory, ware- house, etc.);
  • location of the sprinkler within the building and
  • your name and address.

Tags which include shipping instructions are available to you without charge. To receive these tags, call a UL representative at the phone number listed in this brochure, or fill out the attached reply card and mail or fax it to UL.

In accordance with NFPA 25, you may submit sprinklers to UL that have been factory painted or coated. However, UL will not test sprinklers that are damaged, or sprinklers that are painted in the field or cleaned of paint or similar coatings. Also, UL will not test sprinklers that were manufactured before 1920. As required by NFPA 25, these sprinklers should be replaced. In addition, UL will not conduct tests as an "expert witness" for ongoing or anticipated litigation.

To view the UL Brochure, "Sprinkler Testing; Field Sample Testing of Automatic Sprinklers", click here.

To view the Shipping Tag Request Form, please click here.

Contact us

To request shipping tags for sprinkler submittals, contact a UL representative at the phone, fax number or e-mail address listed below. If you have any questions about UL's Field Sample Testing Program for automatic sprinklers, please contact:

Coordinator - Field Sprinkler Testing
Fire Protection Division
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
333 Pfingsten Rd.
Northbrook, IL 60062-2096
Phone: +1-847-272-8800, ext. 42488
Fax: +1-847-509-6391
E-mail: Field.Sprinkler.NBK@us.ul.com

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