NYC DOB’s Fire Pump Flow Test Requirements

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On April 17, 2025, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) issued a service notice that changed the requirements for conducting fire pump tests in NYC. Effective September 2, 2025, the long-standing Form FP86 process is retired in favor of new acceptance test forms, stricter notification requirements, and additional documentation. This new process has been effective for a year and contractors, owners and engineers are still working learning about this for the first time.

What Changed

The old single Form FP86 process has been replaced with two separate acceptance test forms depending on whether the fire pump will be tested independently or as a combined test with the standpipe system. Additionally, an AI1 form must be uploaded to the filing in the DOBNow filing system, signed by the Applicant of Record or Licensed Fire Suppression Contractor.

The New Required Forms

Under the new system the following forms are required in place of the old FP86 form:

  • Fire Pump Field Acceptance Test — Form A: Flow Test
  • Used when the fire pump will be tested independently (typically when the building does not have a standpipe system).
  • Filled out and signed by the LFSC and witnessed by DOB Inspector.
  • If the building has a standpipe the Department of Buildings requires justification as to why the fire pump and standpipe tests cannot be done simultaneously.
  • Fire Pump & Standpipe System Acceptance Test — Form B: Flow Test
  • Used when the fire pump will be tested simultaneously with the standpipe system
  • Filled out and signed by the LFSC and witnessed by DOB Inspector.
  • AI1 Form uploaded to DOBNow
    • Must describe the test’s means and methods, typically determined by the LFSC
    • Where testing is to be performed on the roof, care must be taken to prevent water from overflowing, infiltrating or structurally impairing the roof. Architectural and structural design consultants should review before performing this test.
    • Where testing cannot be performed on the roof, performing the test at street level is often the next option. The test performing contractor must take care to keep public areas maintained free from ice, snow, grease, debris, equipment, materials, projections, tools, or other items, substances, or conditions that may constitute a slipping, tripping, or other hazard. DOT permits are also typically required.
  • Signed and Sealed Site Plan
    • A site plan must accompany the AI1 form showing the location of the test and describing the test method (2) or (3) above.
    • All forms must be submitted a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to performing the test though DOT permits may take longer.

Sources

NYC DOB Service Notice, Fire Pump and Standpipe Flow Test Requirements (issued April 17, 2025): nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/firepumptest-sn.pdf