The Fire Code AuthorityFree tool
Fire Inspection Schedule Builder
Pick the fire protection systems in your building and get a printable 12-month calendar of inspections, tests and owner checks, based on the NFPA standards most jurisdictions adopt.
Updated November 2026 · Independent reference. Not affiliated with NFPA, OSHA, or any government agency.
Step 1 · Systems in your building
Step 2 · Options
4 systems · 4 months with contractor work
Your 12-month fire inspection calendar
January
- ContractorAnnual fire alarm inspection & testing
- ContractorAnnual sprinkler inspection & main drain test
- OwnerCheck gauges and control valves
- ContractorAnnual extinguisher maintenance
- OwnerMonthly extinguisher inspection & tag initials
- ContractorAnnual 90-minute emergency lighting test
- OwnerMonthly 30-second emergency lighting test
February
- OwnerCheck gauges and control valves
- OwnerMonthly extinguisher inspection & tag initials
- OwnerMonthly 30-second emergency lighting test
March
- OwnerCheck gauges and control valves
- OwnerMonthly extinguisher inspection & tag initials
- OwnerMonthly 30-second emergency lighting test
April
- ContractorQuarterly sprinkler inspection (waterflow alarms, valves, signage)
- OwnerCheck gauges and control valves
- OwnerMonthly extinguisher inspection & tag initials
- OwnerMonthly 30-second emergency lighting test
May
- OwnerCheck gauges and control valves
- OwnerMonthly extinguisher inspection & tag initials
- OwnerMonthly 30-second emergency lighting test
June
- OwnerCheck gauges and control valves
- OwnerMonthly extinguisher inspection & tag initials
- OwnerMonthly 30-second emergency lighting test
July
- ContractorSemiannual fire alarm items (per NFPA 72 tables)
- ContractorQuarterly sprinkler inspection (waterflow alarms, valves, signage)
- OwnerCheck gauges and control valves
- OwnerMonthly extinguisher inspection & tag initials
- OwnerMonthly 30-second emergency lighting test
August
- OwnerCheck gauges and control valves
- OwnerMonthly extinguisher inspection & tag initials
- OwnerMonthly 30-second emergency lighting test
September
- OwnerCheck gauges and control valves
- OwnerMonthly extinguisher inspection & tag initials
- OwnerMonthly 30-second emergency lighting test
October
- ContractorQuarterly sprinkler inspection (waterflow alarms, valves, signage)
- OwnerCheck gauges and control valves
- OwnerMonthly extinguisher inspection & tag initials
- OwnerMonthly 30-second emergency lighting test
November
- OwnerCheck gauges and control valves
- OwnerMonthly extinguisher inspection & tag initials
- OwnerMonthly 30-second emergency lighting test
December
- OwnerCheck gauges and control valves
- OwnerMonthly extinguisher inspection & tag initials
- OwnerMonthly 30-second emergency lighting test
Multi-year items to track
- Fire alarm system: Battery replacement and smoke detector sensitivity testing on the schedules in NFPA 72.
- Wet sprinkler system: 5-year internal pipe assessment; gauge replacement or calibration every 5 years.
- Portable fire extinguishers: 6-year internal maintenance (stored-pressure dry chemical); hydrostatic testing at 5 or 12 years by type.
- Emergency & exit lighting: Replace batteries and lamps as tests show.
How often do commercial fire systems need inspection?
It depends on the system. Under the NFPA standards most jurisdictions adopt, fire alarm systems are tested annually (NFPA 72), wet sprinkler systems get quarterly and annual inspections (NFPA 25), extinguishers get monthly owner checks and annual maintenance (NFPA 10), and kitchen hood suppression is serviced semiannually (NFPA 17A/96). Your local fire marshal (AHJ) can adopt different editions or local amendments.
Is this schedule a substitute for my fire marshal’s requirements?
No. It is a planning tool based on common NFPA frequencies. Always confirm with the code edition your Authority Having Jurisdiction has adopted and with your contractor.
Can I combine inspections into fewer visits?
Usually, yes. Scheduling annual alarm, sprinkler, extinguisher and emergency lighting work in the same month reduces visits and keeps reports together. Quarterly sprinkler inspections then fall every three months from that date.
Frequencies are general summaries of NFPA 10, 17A, 20, 25, 72, 96 and 101. Requirements vary by edition, occupancy and local amendment. Confirm with your Authority Having Jurisdiction and your licensed contractor.