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Understanding standards Part 2: Fire Suppression Pump Testing: Weekly vs Monthly

JUL 2, 2025 | 3 minute read minutes read

Two common fire suppression standards require very different pump testing schedules.

The Standards

🔹 BS 9251 (Sprinkler Systems) = Weekly testing

🔹 BS 8548 (Water Mist Systems) = Monthly testing The difference: Sprinkler systems test 4x more frequently than mist systems.

What Happens During Testing Both systems run automatic pump tests without needing an operator present. If the pump detects a problem, it sends an alert to maintenance teams.

Each test checks:

✓ Can the pump start properly?

✓ Are all components working?

✓ Any developing faults to report?

The Timeline Impact Weekly testing: Problems detected within 7 days maximum Monthly testing: Problems could go unnoticed for up to 30 days. Since fire pumps sit unused between tests and emergencies, these testing intervals determine how quickly faults are discovered.

What This Means More frequent testing provides:

• Faster fault detection

• Shorter maintenance response windows

• Different compliance schedules

Less frequent testing means:

• Longer periods between system verification

• Extended potential fault detection delays

• Different maintenance planning approaches

Both approaches meet their respective standards, but create different operational profiles for building managers and maintenance teams.

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