Sprinkler Head Evaluation (NFPA 25) | Accredited Laboratory Testing

Standardized lab testing to confirm sprinkler head activation.

Fire sprinkler heads installed on ceiling piping for NFPA 25 evaluation testing

“Sprinkler Heads Testing”

Periodic Sprinkler head response time evaluation is required to maintain compliance with NFPA 25 for water based fire protection systems. When inspectors or fire protection companies need to verify that sprinkler heads will activate and operate as intended during a fire event, laboratory testing is required.

QAI provides sprinkler head evaluation services in Canada, supporting fire protection companies, inspection firms, and authorities having jurisdiction. Removed sprinkler heads are tested in a controlled laboratory environment using standardized oven heat testing methods referenced by NFPA 25, delivering clear evaluation reports that support compliance and documentation requirements.

Why Sprinkler Head Evaluation Is Required

NFPA 25 requires periodic selection and evaluation of sprinkler heads from installed systems to confirm proper performance. Sprinkler heads cannot be tested in the field. Sensitivity and functionality must be assessed under standardized laboratory conditions.

Evaluation is typically requested due to:

Periodic NFPA 25 requirements
Age of installed sprinkler heads
Exposure to corrosion, contamination, or harsh environments

QAI Sprinkler Head Evaluation Services

QAI performs laboratory evaluation of automatic sprinkler heads submitted by fire protection and inspection companies. Testing includes:

Oven heat testing to evaluate sprinkler head activation
Measurement of activation time under controlled conditions
Verification of proper operation and flow after activation
Evaluation performed in accordance with ULC S199 Section 33.2, as referenced by NFPA 25
Laboratory evaluation reports suitable for inspection records and compliance documentation

Ceiling mounted fire sprinkler heads used for NFPA 25 inspection and evaluation

NFPA 25 lab evaluation for removed sprinkler heads.

Technician inspecting fire sprinkler system components during evaluation process

Oven heat testing per ULC S199 33.2.

Fire sprinkler heads prepared for laboratory evaluation and performance testing

Activation time measured, operation and flow confirmed.

Laboratory technician conducting testing on fire protection system components

Written evaluation report for records and compliance files.

Testing Standards

Sprinkler head evaluations are conducted using:

ULC S199 Automatic Sprinklers for Fire Protective Service, Section 33.2: Oven heat test method for sprinkler head sensitivity and functionality as referenced by NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water Based Fire Protection Systems

Wide Scope of Accreditation at your Services

QAI holds ISO IEC 17025 accreditations for laboratory testing activities. Our sprinkler head evaluation services are performed in controlled laboratory environments with documented procedures, traceability, and quality oversight