US · Expiry & renewal tracking
Never miss the annual sprinkler main drain flow test
For automatic sprinkler systems installed to meet an OSHA standard, the employer must have a main drain flow test performed on each system annually and open the inspector's test valve at least every two years (29 CFR 1910.159(c)(2)). Systems installed after January 1, 1981 also need recorded acceptance tests.
OSHA's rule for automatic sprinkler systems, 29 CFR 1910.159, applies to all automatic sprinkler systems installed to meet a particular OSHA standard. Sprinkler systems installed in workplaces but not required by OSHA are exempt from the section (29 CFR 1910.159(a)(1) and (b)).
The employer must properly maintain each system. The employer must make sure that a main drain flow test is performed on each system annually, and the inspector's test valve must be opened at least every two years to make sure the system operates properly (29 CFR 1910.159(c)(2)).
For sprinkler systems installed for employee protection after January 1, 1981, the employer must also conduct proper acceptance tests and record the dates of those tests (29 CFR 1910.159(c)(3)).
At a glance
| Rule | 29 CFR 1910.159(c)(2), OSHA |
|---|---|
| Scope | Automatic sprinkler systems installed to meet an OSHA standard |
| Main drain flow test | Annually, on each system |
| Inspector's test valve | Opened at least every two years |
| Acceptance tests | Systems installed after January 1, 1981: dates of the tests recorded |
| Who | The employer |
For systems used to meet OSHA requirements and installed before the standard took effect, compliance with the NFPA or NBFU standard in effect when the system was installed is accepted as compliance with this section (29 CFR 1910.159(a)(2)).
Who is responsible?
The employer. Section 1910.159 puts the maintenance duty, the annual main drain flow test and the acceptance tests on the employer (29 CFR 1910.159(c)(2) and (c)(3)).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each sprinkler system (for example by building or riser) and record the date its next main drain flow test is due.
- Add the inspector's test valve check as a separate item, because it runs on a two-year cycle, not every year.
- Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the due date and on the due date itself.
- Assign a responsible person (for example your facility manager) so the right person gets the reminder.
- If a date passes, managers get overdue reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
- Ask your fire protection contractor to upload the test report through a secure upload link, valid for 14 days; no account is needed.
Frequently asked questions
- How often is the sprinkler main drain flow test required?
- Annually, on each system (29 CFR 1910.159(c)(2)).
- How often must the inspector's test valve be opened?
- At least every two years (29 CFR 1910.159(c)(2)).
- Does this apply to every sprinkler system?
- No. It applies to automatic sprinkler systems installed to meet a particular OSHA standard. Systems installed in workplaces but not required by OSHA are exempt from section 1910.159 (29 CFR 1910.159(a)(1) and (b)).
- Do I have to record acceptance tests?
- Yes, for systems installed for employee protection after January 1, 1981: the employer must conduct proper acceptance tests and record their dates (29 CFR 1910.159(c)(3)).
Sources
Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for sprinkler main drain flow test (OSHA) (US)
A ready template for sprinkler main drain flow test (OSHA) (US) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each sprinkler main drain flow test (OSHA) (US) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each sprinkler main drain flow test (OSHA) (US) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.