The water flow alarms of a standpipe system must be tested __________.

The requirement to test the water flow alarms of a standpipe system on a quarterly basis ensures that these critical systems remain functional and compliant with safety regulations. Regular testing helps identify any potential issues or malfunctions in the alarm systems, which are essential for alerting occupants and the fire department in the event of a fire.

Conducting these tests quarterly strikes a balance between ensuring reliability and minimizing the frequency of disruptions, making it an appropriate choice for maintaining the integrity of life safety systems. It supports the overall goal of enhancing occupant safety and operational readiness during emergencies.

Testing on a less frequent basis, such as annually, may not provide sufficient oversight to catch problems that could arise in the system over time. Conversely, more frequent testing could lead to unnecessary wear on the systems and higher operational costs without significantly improving safety outcomes. Thus, the quarterly testing requirement is designed to maintain a high standard of safety and compliance in fire protection systems.