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Maintenance and Testing of Fire Protection Systems
The Compliance Engine
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has instituted a new process for service providers who inspect and test fire protection systems. Effective 04/15/2020 all compliant and non-compliant fire protection system test reports are required to be electronically submitted to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department online via The Compliance Engine at www.thecomplianceengine.com. Visit the Compliance Engine page for more information.
The ITM of the following systems must be submitted utilizing the following form/standard and the frequencies listed in the table below.
| Report Type | 6-Month | Annual | 5-Year | Form/Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Smoke Control System | NFPA 92 | |||
| Automatic Closing Fire Assemblies | NFPA 80 | |||
| Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems | CSFM-AES 2 | |||
| Dry Chemical System | CSFM-AES 21 | |||
| Emergency Power Standy System | NFPA 110 | |||
| Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System | Manufacturer Specifications | |||
| Fire Alarm System | NFPA 72 | |||
| Fire Escape | NFPA 80 | |||
| Fire Pump | CSFM-AES 5 | |||
| Kitchen Hood Suppression System | CSFM-AES 20 | |||
| Private Fire Service Main | CSFM-AES 4 | |||
| Special Suppression System/Clean Agent/CO2 | CSFM-AES 22 | |||
| Spray Booth | CSFM-AES 7 | |||
| Standpipe | CSFM-AES 3 | |||
| Water Storage Tank | * | CSFM - AES 6 |
*5-year report may be submitted as an attachment to the annual report on AES 6
Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems
Periodic inspection, testing and maintenance is required for sprinkler and standpipe systems per Title 19, Chapter 5 and the current adopted version of California Edition of NFPA 25. A licensed contractor (C16 license) must perform the service test annually and every five years.
A license is not required to perform visual inspections.
Fire Alarm Systems
A fire alarm system must be tested periodically in accordance with the California Fire Code and the current adopted edition of NFPA 72 as amended by the State of California.
- The alarm system must be tested annually.
- Supervisory valve switches (including those which are part of a sprinkler or standpipe system), and the water flow (i.e. main drain test) and Inspector's Test which are part of a sprinkler system, must be tested as specified in the current adopted NFPA references as amended by the State of California.
- The person performing the test must either be a licensed alarm contractor (C7 or C10) or must have received specialized training for the system for which he/she is responsible.
Systems Out of Service
- When a fire protection system is out of service, a fire watch may be required. In addition, the Fire Communications Center should be notified at 858-974-9891 as well as Fire Prevention Bureau at 619-533-4400.
- See the policy on Disrupted Service-Fire Protection Systems (PDF) for further details.