How often do dry systems need to be hydrostatic tested?

Dry systems, often used in fire protection where the presence of water could lead to freezing, require hydrostatic testing to ensure their integrity and functionality. The purpose of hydrostatic testing is to check for leaks and verify that the system can withstand the pressure that it will encounter during operation.

According to fire protection standards, dry sprinkler systems should undergo hydrostatic testing every 5 years. This timeline is established to ensure that the systems remain reliable over an extended period, allowing for the identification of any potential issues that could affect their performance in an emergency situation. Regular testing helps maintain the system's readiness and compliance with safety regulations, ultimately contributing to fire safety efforts.

Other frequencies for testing, such as annually, every 3 years, or every 10 years, do not align with the established standards for dry systems. These intervals are either too frequent or too infrequent, which could either impose unnecessary burdens on maintenance resources or risk the reliability of the fire protection system.