Knox County Tennessee

Fire Protection, Alarm, and Detection System Acceptance Testing Inspection Program

A permit must be obtained for the installation of all fixed fire protection, alarm, and detection systems. Plans and designs must be submitted and application made to Knox County Code Administration prior to the system's installation. Knox County fire inspectors must witness and accept the installation and testing of all fixed fire protection, alarm, and detection systems prior to the facility being occupied. At the completion of the required testing a state licensed contractor must submit the appropriate certificate of completion.

The following testing is required:
Sprinkler System (as required by NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, and 24)

Wet System
  • Thrust block and tie-rod inspection
  • Underground main and lead in connections (flush test)
  • Hydrostatic acceptance test (for both underground and aboveground piping)
  • NFPA 13R and 13D flow test (Put the water in the bucket)
Dry System
  • Hydrostatic acceptance test (for both underground and aboveground piping)
  • 24 hour air test
  • Underground main and lead In connections (flush test)
  • Operation and delivery trip test

Stand Pipe System (as required by NFPA 14)

Fire Alarm and Detection System (as required by NFPA 72)
  • Installation operation acceptance test

Fixed Fire Protection System
(Tested in accordance with the requirements of the appropriate installation standard) 

Kitchen Hood Fire System- (as required by NFPA 96)

Clean Agent Fire System- (as required by NFPA 2001)

Paint Booth Dry or Wet Chemical System- (as required by NFPA 17 or 17A)

To apply for a permit or schedule a fire system test call Knox County Code Administration at 215-2325