ITM cycle tables

The recurring cycles that manufacture a fire-protection shop's week, each with its citation. These are the same encoded tables SprinklerBook's calendar runs on.

Sprinkler systems (NFPA 25, 2023 edition)

TaskCycleCitation
Gauge inspectionMonthlyNFPA 25 §5.2.4.1
Water flow alarm device testQuarterlyNFPA 25 §5.3.3.1
Main drain testAnnualNFPA 25 §13.2.5.1
Floor-level visual inspection of sprinklers and pipeAnnualNFPA 25 §5.2
Internal piping (obstruction) inspectionEvery 5 yearsNFPA 25 §14.2.1
Gauge replacement or calibration testEvery 5 yearsNFPA 25 §5.3.2
Air and water pressure gauge inspectionWeeklyNFPA 25 §5.2.4.2
Priming water level testQuarterlyNFPA 25 §13.4.4.2.1
Main drain testAnnualNFPA 25 §13.2.5.1
Dry pipe valve trip test (partial flow)AnnualNFPA 25 §13.4.4.2.2
Full flow trip testEvery 3 yearsNFPA 25 §13.4.4.2.2.2
Internal piping (obstruction) inspectionEvery 5 yearsNFPA 25 §14.2.1

Fire alarm (NFPA 72, 2022 edition)

TaskCycleCitation
Supervisory signal device testQuarterlyNFPA 72 Table 14.4.3.2
Control equipment visual inspectionSemiannualNFPA 72 Table 14.3.1
Initiating device function testAnnualNFPA 72 Table 14.4.3.2
Battery load-voltage testAnnualNFPA 72 Table 14.4.3.2

Portable extinguishers (NFPA 10, 2022 edition)

TaskCycleCitation
Visual inspectionMonthlyNFPA 10 §7.2.2
Annual external maintenance examinationAnnualNFPA 10 §7.3.1

Common questions

How often does a wet sprinkler system need a main drain test?
Annually, per NFPA 25 §13.2.5.1 as encoded in the 2023 edition. Local AHJ adoption can differ; the licensee's judgment governs.
How often are dry system gauges inspected?
Weekly, per NFPA 25 §5.2.4.2, unless pressure supervision alters the cycle in your adopted edition.

Verified against the cited editions as adopted, 2026-07-15; AHJ amendments vary. This page is a working reference, not code text and not advice; the licensee's judgment governs. See methodology.