Fire sprinklers
Licensing, certification and permit software update
In late February of 2025, we informed the fire protection industry of our new License Management System (LMS), which will streamline our licensing, certification and permitting processes.
This exciting upgrade to our existing industry licensing and certification program involves a host of new processes, including renewal of licenses and certifications. Step-by-step instructions were mailed to contractors, journeymen, and managing employees on how to use the new LMS, including accessing your account for the first time, recovering your username or password, and the process to renew your certifications. Use this information and the instructions/videos within the software to access your existing LMS account and complete the application to renew your license or certification for the 2025-2026 period.
You will receive emails from noreply@mnfiremarshal.imagetrendlicense.com regarding your submissions. Verify that the emails are not automatically moved to your spam folder.
Apply for a fire sprinkler construction permit
Log into your user account and click the menu button in the upper left corner to proceed to "Applications." Select “View All Company Applications” and complete the “Fire Protection Systems: Plan Review and Permit Application.”
Complete the application form, including the contract valuation, and submit the application. SFM staff will review the application and calculate the permit fee. You will receive an email notification once the application has been accepted, your permit fee has been calculated and you are able to pay for the permit fee. Please reenter the application and complete the payment electronically; you will be redirected to a secure US Bank webpage to complete the payment transaction.
*If the Company Applications banner displays “No Records,” the fire sprinkler contractor may not be eligible to work in Minnesota. Please contact fm.eapps.dps@state.mn.us. to verify the license status.
All construction documents associated with plan reviews must be supplied to our office in hard-copy format. The electronic permit process does not include the electronic review of construction documents.
After completing the permit application and receiving payment, a “Notice to Proceed” will be sent to the user's email address. This gives legal authorization to begin work before the construction permit is issued.
The construction permit will be issued after the plan review is complete.
We will send you a notice that you can begin work after we receive your plans, permit application and permit fees. This authorization is issued by email and will serve as confirmation that the plans have been accepted for review. A copy of the authorization letter should be kept on the job site.
What is the permit for and why do I need it?
This authorization allows fire protection contractors to initiate work pending the review of the plans, hydraulic calculations and permit fees. This authorization is contingent upon correcting any deficiencies noted in the plan review process or as a result of any inspections conducted.
Helpful information
Exam and certification information
How do fire sprinklers work?
The sprinkler triggers
The typical sprinkler consists of a plug held in place by a trigger mechanism. The most common type of trigger is a glass ampule filled with a glycerin-based liquid that expands when heated.
The liquid expands
This liquid is designed to expand and break the tube at a certain temperature. The most common are designed to break at 155 degrees. In the average sized room, a 5mm diameter ampule will usually break in about one to one and a half minutes from contact with a heat source. Ampules as thin as 1mm are manufactured for a faster response time.
The plug is forced out
The plug is forced out by the pressurized water behind it and deflected away by a beveled edge. The water sprays over the deflector plate which is designed to distribute it in an even pattern. Water will continue to flow until the main valve is shut off.
How does a sprinkler put out a fire?
Hot air heats up the sprinkler
Even a small smoldering fire acts like a heat engine as it steadily increases the air temperature directly above it. The hot air fans out across the ceiling, heating up the nearest sprinkler.
Sprinkler trips and water is released
As soon as the trigger mechanism is heated to the required temperature, it trips and the water is released. The immediate cooling of the heat source usually prevents other sprinklers from activating. Often, one or two sprinklers are enough to control a fire.
Training
Sprinkler saves
We are working with the Minnesota Chapter of the National Fire Sprinkler Association to collect information on sprinkler success stories or "sprinkler saves." Many of these incidents have some interesting facts that cannot be completely captured on standard fire reports.
If your fire department responds on a sprinkler activation that might be of interest to others, we encourage you to fill out this form and email it back to the email addresses shown on the form.
Questions?
Email us your fire sprinkler questions.
Visit the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition Website for details about installing home fire sprinkler systems, how they work, why they provide affordable protection and answers to common myths and misconceptions about their operation.