Delaware Administrative Code
Title 1 - Authorities, Boards and Commissions
700 - Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission
703 - Installation, Operation, Maintenance, Testing and Sales of Signaling Systems, Fire Protection Systems and Fire Extinguishers
Chapter 1 - Operation, Maintenance, and Testing of Fire Protection Systems
Section 703-1-1.0 - General

1.1.1 Purpose. To establish the minimum requirements for the operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of all new and existing fire protection systems, devices, units, and fire safety equipment in all occupancies as herein provided. Such systems shall comply with the provisions of the National Fire Protection Association's National Fire Codes and Standards, as adopted and/or amended by these Regulations.

1.1.2 Scope. This Regulation addresses the types and frequencies of inspections, testing, and maintenance that must be completed for all new and existing fire protection systems, devices, units, and fire safety equipment in all occupancies as herein provided.

1.1.3 Application. The application of this Regulation pertains to the companies and the individuals who engage in the activities detailed in this Chapter, with respect to the specific type of fire protection system or equipment.

1.1.4 With respect to one- and two-family dwellings, it is the intent of this Regulation to require that fire protection systems be installed, operated, inspected, tested, and maintained pursuant to the applicable provisions of the National Fire Protection Association's National Fire Codes and Standards, as adopted and/or modified by these Regulations. This Chapter does not require the submission of technical documents for review and approval, and does not require a final inspection nor acceptance test by the Office of the State Fire Marshal for fire protection systems in one- and two-family dwellings.

1.2.1 Before any fire alarm, detection, or fire suppression system is installed, enlarged, or extended, plans and specifications shall be submitted as prescribed in Regulation 701, Chapter 4.

1.3.1 Before final approval and acceptance of fire suppression, alarm, detection, or any other fire protection device or system, including emergency generators and fire ventilating systems, in any building or structure, the installation shall be subjected to the tests prescribed herein and a certified copy of the test results filed with the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

1.3.2 It shall be unlawful to occupy any building, structure, or any portion thereof until all required fire protection systems have been subjected to an acceptance test witnessed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

1.3.3 All required tests shall be conducted by a qualified contractor or owner's representative and at the expense and risk of the owner. These tests shall be conducted in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association's National Fire Codes and Standards and standards as adopted and/or modified by these Regulations.

1.3.4 The State Fire Marshal shall be notified not less than five (5) working days prior to said test being made. At the option of the State Fire Marshal, he may witness said test.

1.4.1 All fire department connections and fire pump test connections shall be properly marked with a sign indicating their purpose and shall be maintained in a manner and location satisfactory to the State Fire Marshal.

1.5.1 All threads provided for fire department connections, to sprinkler systems, standpipes, yard hydrants or any other fire hose connections shall be uniform to those used by the fire department in whose district they are located.