HomeMy WebLinkAbout405.028 - Five Year Test ProceduresEffective Date: March 2005 Darla J. Scott, Supervising Fire Inspector
Current Revision Date: 9/23/25 Section 405.028
Next Revision (1) Date: 9/23/28 Page 1 of 3
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Prevention Manual
SECTION 405.028 FIVE YEAR TEST PROCEDURES
PURPOSE
This policy has been established to provide direction to contractors and sprinkler
system owners regarding the testing and certification of fire sprinkler systems for the
required five year test.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to contractors and sprinkler system owners regarding the testing
and certification of fire sprinkler systems for the required five (5) year test.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
As noted in the California Fire Code (CFC), the fire code official has the authority to
formulate policies they deem necessary based upon local conditions related to fire
sprinkler systems, including their installation, testing and maintenance. Additionally,
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 25 (California edition) will be
referred to when necessary for additional background and application information.
REQUIREMENTS
Based upon the need for uniformity in application across the Fresno Fire Department’s
(FFD or Department) diverse service delivery area, and after careful deliberation, the
Department has determined the following:
1. It is the building owner’s responsibility to hire a California Contractors State
License Board C-16 licensed contractor to perform the required five year testing
of fire sprinkler systems.
2. The contractor is required to obtain a five year permit from the Department
before conducting the five year test.
3. The contractor is required to schedule an inspection with the Department to
witness portions of the five-year test, to include the full flow back flush of the
fire department connection (FDC), the obstruction inspection on every riser
(and every floor of a multi-story building), the fire pump test (if present), all
standpipe testing (if present), and dry pipe valve trip (if present).
Effective Date: March 2005 Darla J. Scott, Supervising Fire Inspector
Current Revision Date: 9/23/25 Section 405.028
Next Revision (1) Date: 9/23/28 Page 2 of 3
4. When the contractor is conducting the five year test, they should complete a
walk-through of the building before the inspector arrives on site. This allows
the contractor to clarify any issues with the inspector before they complete the
five year test report.
5. The contractor is required to be ready to conduct those portions of the five year
test witnessed by the Department when the inspector arrives on scene. If the
contractor is not ready when the inspector arrives on scene, a re-inspection fee
may be charged and must be paid before the contractor is allowed to re-
schedule the inspection.
6. The required five year permit is not complete until the Department has
witnessed all portions of the test listed in item No. 3. If the contractor is not
able to complete all testing during the scheduled inspection, they must
schedule additional inspections to ensure those portions of the test are
witnessed by the Department.
7. If no violations are found during the testing process, the contractor should
certify the fire sprinkler system and place a certification sticker on the fire
sprinkler riser.
8. If violations are found during the testing process, the contractor shall document
them on the five year test report and they shall not place a certification sticker
on the fire sprinkler riser.
9. After the testing has been completed, the contractor is required to accurately
complete the five year test report. The contractor is required to send the
property owner and the Department copies of the completed five year report.
10. The property owner has the right to hire another licensed contractor to complete
all deficiencies noted on the five year test report.
11. If the property owner chooses to hire a different contractor to make the repairs,
that contractor shall obtain all required permits before making noted repairs.
12. Once all deficiencies have been corrected, the licensed contractor that
completed the original five year test is required to place a certification sticker
on the fire sprinkler riser.
Should a dispute arise wherein the original five year test contractor does not agree
that the required corrections have been completed properly, the original five year test
contractor shall notify the Department in writing that the repairs are, in their opinion,
unsatisfactory. The document shall be on company letterhead and include the
following: company stamp affixed, a wet signature, and detailed reasons it is believed
that the repairs are unsatisfactory. This letter must be received within 180 days of the
date of the five year test.
Effective Date: March 2005 Darla J. Scott, Supervising Fire Inspector
Current Revision Date: 9/23/25 Section 405.028
Next Revision (1) Date: 9/23/28 Page 3 of 3
Upon receipt of the letter, Department staff will complete an inspection of the repairs
and issue a letter of determination to the original five year test contractor which shall
be the final determination.
Upon issuance, the original five year test contractor shall comply with the order of the
Fire Marshal, or designee. All correspondence should be retained by the Department
until the next five year test is completed.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
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INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
National Fire Protection Association
Standard 25 (California edition), Current edition
California Fire Code, Current edition