Metro Station ITM Routines: NFPA 130 and NFPA 25 Weekly/Monthly Tests

Metro (subway) stations operate fire-protection equipment under harsh conditions (vibration, dust, humidity, 24/7). NFPA 130 applies to fixed guideway systems, and NFPA 25 governs ITM. Reliability depends on strict daily and weekly discipline.

Daily Checks

• Control panel: normal/trouble lamps
• Sprinkler valve: OS&Y valve locked in the open position
• Portable extinguisher: in place, sealed
• Emergency light: lit, tested
• Pump room: leaks, oil level

Weekly Tests

• Diesel pump: 30-min no-flow test
• Jockey pump: running pressure check
• Fire alarm: random smoke test on 1 detector
• Smoke damper: manual operation in 1/8 of zones
• PA system: announcement test

Monthly Tests

• Standpipe: pressure-flow check
• Electric pump: no-flow test, minimum 10 min run; weekly for pumps serving buildings beyond fire department pumping capacity, limited service controllers, vertical turbine pumps or suction from ground-level tanks, otherwise (and with a redundant pump) monthly (NFPA 25-2026 8.3.1.2, 8.3.2.3)
• Hydrant: flow measurement on internal and external hydrants
• Stair lighting: luxmeter measurement
• Sprinkler vibration points: simulation of train-induced vibration effects

Annual Tests

• Sprinkler: visual inspection, deflector and orifice cleaning
• Tunnel jet fan: full operational test
• Alarm: all zones actual test
• Hydrostatic test: every 5 years on manual standpipe systems and semiautomatic dry standpipe systems (including FDC piping), at least 200 psi (13.8 bar) for 2 hours, or maximum pressure + 50 psi where maximum exceeds 150 psi; manual wet standpipes in combined sprinkler/standpipe systems exempt; FDC piping to the check valve 150 psi (10 bar) for 2 hours every 5 years (NFPA 25-2026 6.3.2.1, 13.8.5)
• Annual pump flow test: at no-flow (churn), rated flow and 150 percent of rated flow; electric pumps run at least 10 min, diesel pumps at least 30 min before shutdown (NFPA 25-2026 8.3.3.1, 8.3.3.10)

Field Experience

• Tube tunnel: weekly 3-TPH drill
• Major transfer station: monthly zone-valve test
• Airport link: 24/7 fire brigade
• Record-keeping: NFPA 25 form signed
• Most chronic issue: train vibration loosens sprinkler connections

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