NFPA 25, Section 5.3.3, antifreeze systems must be tested annually before the onset of freezing weather. See Requirements
NFPA Requirements for Listed Antifreeze
A quick guide to NFPA standards.NFPA codes and standards often influence adopted building codes, and NFPA members can come from almost any fire protection- and safety-related industry. Building designers, installation, testing and maintenance (ITMs) contractors, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) all follow NFPA standards when designing, installing, testing and inspecting fire sprinkler systems.
Which NFPA Standards Govern Fire Sprinklers and Antifreeze?
The key standards are NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, and 25:
- NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
- NFPA 13R: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies
- NFPA 13D: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes
- NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
What are Primary Differences Between NFPA 13, NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D?
- NFPA 13 requires sprinklers throughout, with the goal of both life safety and property protection.
- NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D focus first on life safety, not full property protection, and have more limited sprinkler coverage requirements.
Does freezemaster™ antifreeze Comply with NFPA Standards?
Yes. freezemaster™ antifreeze is UL listed, in full compliance with NFPA 25 and meets the requirements defined in NFPA 13, NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D. The volume limitations for use, per NFPA 13 requirements are:
- Up to 500 gallons in Light Hazard applications
- Up to 500 gallons in Ordinary Hazard Groups 1&2 applications when using dry system hydraulic design criteria
- Up to 40 gallons for Storage applications
NFPA 25, Section 5.3.3* Antifreeze Systems
Annually, before the onset of freezing weather, the antifreeze solution shall be tested using the following procedure (2017 edition):- Using the antifreeze information sign required by 4.1.10, installation records, maintenance records, information from the owner, chemical tests, or other reliable sources of information, the type of antifreeze in the system shall be determined and (a) or (b) implemented if necessary: (a) If the antifreeze is found to be a type that is no longer permitted, the system shall be drained completely and the antifreeze replaced with an acceptable solution. (b) If the type of antifreeze cannot be reliably determined, the system shall be drained completely and the antifreeze replaced with an acceptable solution in accordance with 5.3.3.4.
- If the antifreeze is not replaced in accordance with 5.3.3(1)(a) and 5.3.3(1)(b), test samples shall be taken at the top of each system and at the bottom of each system as follows: (a) If the most remote portion of the system is not near the top or the bottom of the system, an additional sample shall be taken at the most remote portion. (b) If the connection to the water supply piping is not near the top or the bottom of the system, an additional sample shall be taken at the connection to the water supply.
- The specific gravity of each solution shall be checked using a hydrometer with a suitable scale or a refractometer having a scale calibrated for the antifreeze solution.
- If any of the samples exhibits a concentration in excess of what is permitted by 5.3.3.4, the system shall be emptied and refilled with a new acceptable solution.
- If a concentration greater than what is currently permitted by 5.3.3.4 was necessary to keep the fluid from freezing, alternative methods for preventing the pipe from freezing shall be employed.
