Supervisory Devices Checklist
Use these testing methods for certain supervisory devices
NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm Code, outlines methods to test the following
supervisory devices:
Q1
Control valve switches
 Operate the valve
 Verify a signal under one of the following
conditions:
o Within the first two revolutions of
the hand wheel
o Within one-fifth of the travel
distance
o According to manufacturer
specifications
High- and low-air pressure switches
 Operate the switch
 Verify a signal when the required pressure
increases or decreases a maximum of 10
lbs per square inch
Room temperature switches
 Operate the switch
 Verify a signal to indicate a decrease in
room temperature to 40° F
 Verify a signal to indicate a restoration in
room temperature to above 40° F
Water level switches
 Operate the switch
 Verify a signal under one of the following
conditions:
o The water level raises or lowers 3
inches from the required level
within a pressure tank
o The water level raises or lowers 12
inches from the required level
within a nonpressure tank
 Verify a signal to indicate the restoration of
the required water level
Q2
Q3
Q4
Water temperature switches
 Operate the switch
 Verify a signal to indicate a decrease in
water temperature to 40° F
 Verify a signal to indicate a restoration in
water temperature to above 40° F
Waterflow devices
Flow water through an inspector’s test connection
 Verify a signal under one of the following
conditions:
o A flow of water equal to that from a
single sprinkler of the smallest
orifice size for wet pipe systems
o An alarm test bypass connection for
dry pipe, preaction, or deluge
systems
Additional comments:______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Source: Based on information from Table 7-2.2 in NFPA 72 (1999 edition).