CONNECT with the CityMaintenance 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. 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 101 7.2.8 | |||
| 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.
For fire protection engineers and companies designing new sprinkler systems, the City is now using water model software for determining fire hydrant flows. This new process reduces the time for getting the hydrant water flow information to the customer, saves water and is more efficient.
Maintenance Inspection Record Forms
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 for further details.