According to NFPA 25, antifreeze solution is to be tested at least annually, before the onset of freezing weather. This is to ensure the antifreeze solution is at a concentration that is safe and effective.
Why test your antifreeze sample with Dyne Fire Protection Labs?
- free antifreeze sampling kit
- free shipping within the contiguous United States (limited free 1-way shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Canada, inquire for details)
- test reports in 5-business days
- 24 hour turn-around available
- comprehensive reports
- tank tags
- online access to results and forms
- immediate communication with our chemists or support staff
Antifreeze is typically placed into wet piping sprinkler systems to prevent freezing.
Dyne can help you meet the antifreeze testing requirements as outlined in NFPA 25 Section 5.3.4. Annually, toward the beginning of the heating season prior to the onset of freezing conditions, the antifreeze solution shall be tested using the following procedure:
5.3.4 (1)(b)(i) If the most remote portion of the system is not near the top or bottom of the system, an additional sample shall be taken at the most remote portion. 5.3.4(1)(b)(ii) If the connection to the water supply piping is not near the top or the bottom of the system, an additional sample shall be taken at the connection to the water supply.
Furthermore from 5.3.4
A: If the antifreeze is a type that is no longer permitted or the type of antifreeze cannot be reliably determined, the system shall be drained and refilled with a listed solution in accordance with 5.3.4.4.1 or an acceptable solution in accordance with 5.3.4.4.3.
B: If the antifreeze is not replaced in accordance with 5.3.4(1)(a), test samples shall be taken at the top and the bottom of each system.
When the antifreeze type is not known, Dyne can help verify the type including whether or not it is listed. Note that contamination, extreme dilution, and mixing of antifreeze types can make accurate determination difficult in some cases.
Antifreeze samples that fail are typically caused by one of the following issues:
- antifreeze solution contains an antifreeze liquid that isn’t allowed by NFPA 25
- solution is mixed too rich
- solution is mixed too lean
- solution is a combination of possible antifreeze liquids
- listed antifreeze does not match product composition
To prevent potential risks, an antifreeze solution that fails should cause the system to be flushed and replaced.
Limit your liability and be sure that your antifreeze solution systems will not freeze by sending them to an independent laboratory for complete testing.
For more information on antifreeze testing see the links below:
