NYC Sprinkler Inspection Requirements Explained

Automatic sprinkler systems are one of the most effective life safety measures in New York City buildings. To ensure reliability, the NYC Fire Code mandates regular inspection, testing, and maintenance at specific intervals based on system type and occupancy. This article explains the NYC sprinkler inspection requirements outlined in FC 903.5 and FC 903.6, including which buildings are affected, the required inspection frequencies, and the qualifications needed to perform these tasks.

Code Reference

• FC §903.5 Maintenance - Sprinkler systems must be inspected, tested, serviced, and maintained in accordance with FC §901.6 and FDNY rules. Owners must ensure ongoing operability and address impairments promptly.

• FC §903.6 Dry Pipe Sprinkler System Valves - Requires a dry-pipe valve trip test at least once every five years and after alterations. The test must be performed with the control valve fully open and any quick-opening device in service, by a DOB-licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor (MFSPC), and in the presence of an FDNY representative.

• FC §901.6.2 Records; Posting - Owners must maintain inspection, testing, servicing, and maintenance records and post an approved inspection card near the main sprinkler water supply control valve. The card must reflect dates, the COF holder, and other required details. Records must be retained per Fire Code requirements.

• 3 RCNY §903-01 Residential Flow Testing - For buildings with residential occupancies, requires annual sprinkler flow testing. In limited cases, testing can occur every 30 months if monthly gauge checks verify design pressure at the inspector’s test connection. Documentation must be kept with system records and reflected on the posting card.

Note: NFPA 25 provides the detailed task methods and base frequencies that underpin NYC compliance.

NYC Sprinkler Inspection Requirements Table

The table below focuses on NYC sprinkler inspection requirements only. Apply NFPA 25 procedures and intervals as necessary.

System / Building Area	Task	Minimum Frequency	Qualified Personnel
All sprinkler systems	Maintain systems; perform inspections, testing, servicing, and maintenance in accordance with Fire Code and FDNY rules; address impairments	Once per month, per FC and FDNY rules; flow test every 30 months, FDNY witness every 5 years	COF S-12/S-13 for routine ITM; licensed contractor as needed
Records and posting (all systems)	Maintain ITM records; post approved inspection card at the main sprinkler water supply control valve with dates and COF details; retain records	Continuous posting; update at each inspection/test	COF holder completes posting; owner maintains records
Fire department connections	Periodically inspected, tested, serviced and maintained per Fire Code; retain records.	Quarterly inspection; Hydrostatic test every 5 years, FDNY witness
Residential occupancies (Group R)	Flow test residential sprinkler systems; optional 30-month interval allowed only with monthly gauge checks confirming design pressure at inspector’s test (other than converted dwellings)	Annually, or every 30 months with documented monthly gauge checks; FDNY witness every 5 years	COF holder and/or licensed fire suppression contractor; owner logs monthly gauge readings
Dry-pipe systems (any occupancy)	FDNY-witnessed trip test with control valve fully open and any quick-opening device in service; also required after alterations	At least once every 5 years and post-alteration	DOB-licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor (MFSPC); FDNY present
Pre-action & Deluge systems	NYC imposes general maintenance, records, and posting requirements; follow NFPA 25 for specific trip/full-flow details	Per FC maintenance and records	COF S-12/S-13 for routine ITM; licensed contractor as needed

Note: This NYC-specific summary is intended to be used alongside your maintenance program. Additional NFPA 25 requirements are applicable as necessary for task methods and base inspection/testing intervals.

BUILT Engineers Can Help

BUILT Engineers helps property owners and managers maintain full compliance with NYC sprinkler inspection requirements. We connect our clients with licensed and qualified personnel, including FDNY Certificate of Fitness holders and DOB-licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractors, to ensure all inspection, testing, and maintenance activities meet regulatory standards.

In addition to compliance support, BUILT Engineers provides fire protection engineering services for major sprinkler renovations, system modifications, and new system design. Our team reviews hydraulic calculations, prepares design drawings, and coordinates filing packages for DOB and FDNY approval.

Whether you’re maintaining an existing system or developing a new installation, BUILT Engineers can guide you through design, permitting, and coordination with licensed professionals to ensure safe, compliant, and reliable fire protection across your property portfolio.