Maryland Adopts the 2023 edition of NFPA 25

July 2, 2025

Maryland Adopts the 2023 edition of NFPA 25

A glimpse at updates from 2017 to 2023

By Vincent Powers

If you are working in fire protection, you have probably dealt with NFPA 25—The Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. But here is something not everyone realizes: just because your state has not adopted the latest edition does not mean those changes are not important right now.

With many jurisdictions adopting newer codes and the 2026 edition of NFPA 25 finishing, now is the time to get ahead of the curve.

As of June 23, 2025, Maryland has officially adopted the 2024 edition of NFPA 1.

As states update their codes, these adoptions trigger the use of updated referenced standards across both states. Jurisdictions adopting the 2024 editions of the IBC, IFC, NFPA 1, or NFPA 101 will also begin enforcing the latest versions of several critical fire protection standards, including but not limited to:

NFPA 13-2022

NFPA 20-2022

NFPA 14-2024

NFPA 72-2022

NFPA 25-2023

What is the Big Deal About NFPA 25?

NFPA 25 sets the minimum requirements for how we inspect, test, and maintain fire sprinkler and other water-based systems. If something goes wrong with a fire protection system, NFPA 25 is usually the first document cited.

But the standard does not stay frozen in time.

While it may take years—or even a decade—before the newest edition is adopted in your area, the change process is continuous, and the impacts are real. Understanding what’s changing gives you an edge, whether you are a contractor, AHJ, building owner, or facility manager.

You Can Help Shape the Standard (Yes, You!)

Here is something surprising: anyone can participate in the NFPA standards development process.

You don’t need a membership. You do not need to be in the industry. All you need is an account on the NFPA website, and you can submit public input during the revision process. (2029 edition will begin in 2026).

There are four key stages in the development cycle, and your voice can influence what makes it into the final document.

How to Spot Code Changes in NFPA Documents

When you are reading through the standard, here is how to spot what is new or different:

  • Δ (Shaded Delta) = Deletions or major changes
  • N (Bold Italic N in Gray Box) = New material
  • • (Bullet) = Deleted section placeholder
  • Shaded text = Wording has been changed

These symbols are your guide. You will find them in the margins and footnotes of NFPA publications.

Key Changes in the 2020 Edition of NFPA 25

With the 2020 edition now adopted in many states, here are some notable updates:

Definitions You Should Know

  • Automated Inspection and Testing (Section 3.3.3) – Officially defined for the first time.
  • Lowest Permissible Suction Pressure (3.3.26) – Aligns with NFPA 20, clarifies expectations at the fire pump suction flange.
  • Electrically Operated Sprinklers – New tech, now defined.

 Owner Responsibilities

  • Recalled equipment replacement is now in Section 4.1.5.1, no longer just in the Annex.

 ITM Requirements

  • Dry sprinkler testing at 15 years.
  • Dry hydrant inspection added (not to be confused with dry barrel)- covers draft points like ponds and cisterns.
  • Fire pump controller inspections only when de-energized.
  • Variable speed fire pump testing requirements
  • Fire pump test results are now classified:
    • Not meeting system demand = impairment
    • Reduced performance = noncritical deficiency

Alarm and Notification Updates

  • NFPA 72 and NFPA 13 alarm time alignment added to Chapter 13.
    • 90 second contact closure (electric alarms)
    • 5 minutes (water motor gong)

Big Moves in the 2023 Edition

The 2023 edition brought several significant changes and a few overdue clarifications:

Performance Testing

  • 25% increase in water delivery time for dry systems (down from 50%) at inspector’s test valves triggers an obstruction investigation.
  • Nitrogen systems must be maintained at 98% purity — tested semi annually or annually if monitored.
  • Fast response sprinklers now have a 25-year test requirement (except CMSA and ESFR).
  • 20-year dry barrel sprinkler testing

System Enhancements

  • Full rewrite of Chapter 11 (Foam-Water Systems)
  • Pressure reducing valves must be tagged with test results.
  • Sprinklers are replaced with paint when detrimental to performance — just like corrosion or loading.

New Inspection Items

  • Head guards must be inspected if installed — first time this has been required.
  • All waterflow alarm testing consolidated into Chapter 13.
  • Alarm line valves must now be supervised — aligning with NFPA 13 (2022).

Final Thoughts

Whether you are an inspector, contractor, facility manager, or fire marshal, staying current on changes to NFPA documents is mission critical. Even if your jurisdiction is behind a few editions, tomorrow’s expectations are built today.

And remember you are not just following the code — you can help write it.

If you’re not already engaged in the NFPA development process, now is the time. The fire protection industry is evolving, and the people shaping it should include voices from the field.

For a full breakdown of the changes reach out to the NFSA.

Have questions about NFPA 25 or other standards updates or want help navigating the standard? Drop a comment or connect with me directly.