Who tests dry chemical extinguisher systems?

• A. Contractor
• B. Building owner
• C. Manufacturer
• D. Authority Having Jurisdiction

Answer: (A)

Testing a dry chemical extinguishing system is the responsibility of the installer—the contractor who designed, installed, and commissioned the system. They perform the acceptance and functional tests required to verify proper agent charge, discharge, and activation sequences, and to confirm that all piping, nozzles, and release circuitry operate correctly in accordance with NFPA 17A and the manufacturer’s instructions. The authority having jurisdiction may require that such tests be witnessed or reviewed as part of code compliance, but the actual testing is done by the installing contractor. The building owner handles ongoing maintenance and inspections but does not typically conduct the field tests themselves, while the manufacturer may provide guidance or service, the live testing after installation is performed by the contractor.