What does NFPA 25 Chapter 8 require for fire pump testing?

NFPA 25 Chapter 8 requires weekly no-flow (churn) tests to verify automatic starting and operating pressures, monthly inspections including controller and alarm verification, and annual flow tests at churn, 100% and 150% of rated capacity. The annual flow test results must be compared against the original pump acceptance test curve. A net pressure reduction of more than 5% from the original curve at any test point indicates pump deterioration that requires investigation and corrective action.

How often should fire pumps be tested?

Fire pumps must be tested weekly with a no-flow (churn) test, monthly with a comprehensive inspection including controller and alarm checks, and annually with a full flow test. Diesel engine-driven pumps require additional monthly checks of fuel, batteries, cooling, exhaust and engine starting time. After any repair, modification or system impairment, a return-to-service test must be performed. The AHJ may require more frequent testing for hospitals, high-rise buildings and other critical occupancies.

What is the difference between a no-flow test and a flow test for fire pumps?

A no-flow (churn) test runs the fire pump with no water flowing through the system. It verifies automatic starting, suction pressure, discharge pressure at churn condition and overall pump operation. A flow test actually moves water through the pump at measured rates, typically at churn, 100% and 150% of rated capacity, to verify the pump delivers its rated performance. No-flow tests are performed weekly, while full flow tests are performed annually.

What should I do if the fire pump fails to start during a weekly test?

A failure to start is a critical deficiency requiring immediate action. Check the controller for alarms, verify power supply, confirm the pressure switch is functioning and check the transfer switch if applicable. For diesel pumps, check battery voltage, fuel supply and engine condition. If the pump cannot be restored to automatic operation promptly, notify the building owner and implement an impairment procedure in accordance with NFPA 25 Chapter 15, including fire watch and notification to the AHJ and insurance carrier.

Is this NFPA 25 fire pump inspection checklist free?

Yes. Download and use this NFPA 25 fire pump inspection checklist at no cost. Open the file in your browser and use Print then Save as PDF for a paper copy. No MapTrack account is required. If you want digital fire pump inspections on mobile with photo capture, automatic weekly test scheduling, controller alarm tracking and compliance dashboards per building, MapTrack can do that. Book a demo to see how it works.

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Free NFPA 25 Chapter 8 fire pump inspection checklist (PDF-ready). Covers weekly no-flow tests, annual flow tests, controller checks and driver inspections. Download free.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

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What is a nfpa fire pump inspection checklist?

An NFPA 25 fire pump inspection checklist is a structured document used to verify that fire pump assemblies comply with the inspection, testing and maintenance requirements of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, Chapter 8. It covers electric motor-driven pumps, diesel engine-driven pumps, controllers, transfer switches, suction and discharge piping, pressure gauges, relief valves, test headers, jockey pumps and all associated components. Each item is recorded as Pass, Fail or N/A with space for readings, deficiency notes and corrective actions.

Fire pumps are the heart of water-based fire protection systems, providing the pressure boost required to deliver water through sprinkler systems, standpipe systems and other fixed fire suppression systems. When a fire pump fails to start or cannot deliver its rated flow and pressure, the entire fire protection system it serves is compromised. NFPA 25 Chapter 8 establishes mandatory inspection frequencies and testing procedures to ensure fire pumps remain reliable throughout their service life. Regular documented inspections detect issues such as pump deterioration, controller malfunctions, diesel engine failures, suction obstructions and pressure gauge inaccuracies before they prevent the pump from operating during a fire emergency.

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Benefits of using this nfpa fire pump inspection checklist

Fire code compliance: documented weekly, monthly and annual inspections demonstrate compliance with NFPA 25 Chapter 8 and satisfy AHJ requirements.
System reliability: regular testing confirms the fire pump starts automatically, achieves rated pressure and flow, and transfers power correctly under all conditions.
Insurance requirements: commercial property insurers routinely require NFPA 25-compliant fire pump testing as a condition of coverage, and test records are reviewed during loss control surveys.
Early failure detection: weekly no-flow tests and annual flow tests reveal pump degradation, impeller wear, packing leaks, controller faults and diesel engine problems before they cause a complete failure.
Performance trending: recording suction pressure, discharge pressure, flow rate and driver readings over time allows trending analysis that predicts maintenance needs before failures occur.
Regulatory readiness: complete test records with gauge readings, run times and deficiency corrections provide immediate documentation for fire marshal inspections and AHJ compliance audits.

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What to include in a nfpa fire pump inspection checklist

This nfpa fire pump inspection checklist covers 8 key areas:

Pump identification: pump make, model, serial number, rated capacity (GPM), rated pressure (PSI), driver type (electric motor or diesel engine), installation date, building served and system served (sprinkler, standpipe or combined).
Weekly no-flow (churn) test: pump starts automatically on pressure drop, suction pressure reading, discharge pressure reading, pump packing or seal condition, unusual noise or vibration, run time and return to standby.
Controller and transfer switch: controller in auto position, pilot lights functional, pressure switch settings correct, transfer switch operates (for electric pumps with emergency power), alarm signals transmit to fire alarm panel.
Diesel engine checks: fuel tank level, battery condition and charge, engine oil level and condition, coolant level and condition, block heater operating, exhaust system condition, engine starts within 10 seconds and runs smoothly.
Suction and discharge piping: suction valve locked open, discharge valve locked open, pressure gauges readable and within calibration, relief valve condition, test header valves closed and capped, no visible leaks.
Annual flow test data: flow rate at churn (zero flow), 100% rated capacity and 150% rated capacity with corresponding suction and discharge pressures, compared against pump curve and previous year results.
Jockey pump: jockey pump starts and stops at correct pressures, maintains system pressure without cycling excessively, no leaks or unusual noise.
Overall result: Pass/Fail with deficiency register, corrective actions, next test date and signatures of the inspector and building owner or representative.

How to use this nfpa fire pump inspection checklist

Record the pump identification, building details, test type (weekly, monthly, annual), date, inspector name and credentials at the top of the form.: Identify the pump by make, model, serial number, rated capacity (GPM) and rated pressure (PSI). Note the driver type (electric motor or diesel engine) and the fire protection system served. Record whether this is a weekly no-flow test, monthly inspection, annual flow test or other test type. Document your inspector credentials and any AHJ-specific requirements for fire pump testing.
For weekly no-flow tests: simulate an automatic start, record suction and discharge pressures, observe pump operation and return to standby.: Allow the pump to start automatically by opening the test valve or lowering system pressure below the controller set point. Record the suction pressure and discharge pressure at churn (no-flow) condition. Observe the pump for unusual noise, vibration, overheating and packing or mechanical seal leakage. Allow the pump to run for the minimum time specified by the manufacturer (typically 10 to 30 minutes for diesel-driven pumps). Verify the pump returns to standby when pressure is restored.
Inspect the controller, transfer switch, alarm signals and diesel engine (if applicable) for correct operation and condition.: Confirm the fire pump controller is in the automatic position with all pilot lights functional. Verify the pressure switch set points match the design specification. Test the transfer switch operation for electric pumps with emergency power. Check that pump running, phase reversal and controller trouble alarms transmit to the fire alarm panel. For diesel engines, check fuel level, battery voltage and charge rate, engine oil, coolant, block heater and exhaust system condition.
For annual flow tests: conduct a full performance test at churn, 100% and 150% of rated capacity, recording all pressures and comparing against the pump curve.: Set up calibrated test gauges on the suction and discharge sides of the pump. Flow water through the test header or approved flow path. Record suction pressure, discharge pressure and flow rate at churn (zero flow), 100% of rated capacity and 150% of rated capacity. Plot the results against the original pump acceptance test curve. A net pressure reduction of more than 5% from the original curve at any test point indicates pump deterioration requiring investigation.
Record all deficiencies, classify by severity, assign corrective actions with due dates, determine the overall result and sign the completed form.: Document every deficiency with a description, the specific NFPA 25 section reference and severity classification. Critical deficiencies (pump fails to start, significant pressure loss, controller malfunction) require immediate corrective action and potential system impairment notification. Sign and date the form, attach flow test data sheets if applicable, and submit to the building owner or property manager for corrective action tracking and record retention per NFPA 25 requirements.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

NFPA 25 Chapter 8 prescribes weekly, monthly and annual testing frequencies for fire pump assemblies. Weekly no-flow (churn) tests verify automatic starting, suction and discharge pressures, pump operation and return to standby. Monthly inspections include all weekly items plus controller checks, alarm signal verification and diesel engine condition checks. Annual flow tests require a full performance test at churn, 100% and 150% of rated capacity with results compared against the original pump acceptance test curve.

Diesel engine-driven pumps require additional monthly checks including fuel system, battery, cooling system, exhaust and engine starting time (must start within 10 seconds). Controllers and transfer switches must be tested monthly. After any pump repair, modification, system impairment or fire event, a return-to-service test must be performed before the pump is placed back in automatic standby. The AHJ may require more frequent testing for critical facilities such as hospitals, high-rise buildings and data centres.

Frequently asked questions

What does NFPA 25 Chapter 8 require for fire pump testing?: NFPA 25 Chapter 8 requires weekly no-flow (churn) tests to verify automatic starting and operating pressures, monthly inspections including controller and alarm verification, and annual flow tests at churn, 100% and 150% of rated capacity. The annual flow test results must be compared against the original pump acceptance test curve. A net pressure reduction of more than 5% from the original curve at any test point indicates pump deterioration that requires investigation and corrective action.
How often should fire pumps be tested?: Fire pumps must be tested weekly with a no-flow (churn) test, monthly with a comprehensive inspection including controller and alarm checks, and annually with a full flow test. Diesel engine-driven pumps require additional monthly checks of fuel, batteries, cooling, exhaust and engine starting time. After any repair, modification or system impairment, a return-to-service test must be performed. The AHJ may require more frequent testing for hospitals, high-rise buildings and other critical occupancies.
What is the difference between a no-flow test and a flow test for fire pumps?: A no-flow (churn) test runs the fire pump with no water flowing through the system. It verifies automatic starting, suction pressure, discharge pressure at churn condition and overall pump operation. A flow test actually moves water through the pump at measured rates, typically at churn, 100% and 150% of rated capacity, to verify the pump delivers its rated performance. No-flow tests are performed weekly, while full flow tests are performed annually.
What should I do if the fire pump fails to start during a weekly test?: A failure to start is a critical deficiency requiring immediate action. Check the controller for alarms, verify power supply, confirm the pressure switch is functioning and check the transfer switch if applicable. For diesel pumps, check battery voltage, fuel supply and engine condition. If the pump cannot be restored to automatic operation promptly, notify the building owner and implement an impairment procedure in accordance with NFPA 25 Chapter 15, including fire watch and notification to the AHJ and insurance carrier.
Is this NFPA 25 fire pump inspection checklist free?: Yes. Download and use this NFPA 25 fire pump inspection checklist at no cost. Open the file in your browser and use Print then Save as PDF for a paper copy. No MapTrack account is required. If you want digital fire pump inspections on mobile with photo capture, automatic weekly test scheduling, controller alarm tracking and compliance dashboards per building, MapTrack can do that. Book a demo to see how it works.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

NFPA 25 (Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems) Chapter 8
NFPA 20 (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection)
International Fire Code (IFC) Section 901.6 (Inspection, testing and maintenance)

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