6.3 Assembly Registration, DSPS Tags, Annual Testing & Tester Registration

Legal basis

Wis. Stat. s. 145.06 (3m) says no person may test cross-connection control devices when the test is required by the department unless registered as a cross-connection control tester. SPS 305.99 carries out that registration, SPS 382.20 (1) (c) requires assemblies to be registered, and SPS 382.22 (8) sets the testing schedule.

Step 1: Register the assembly (SPS 382.20 (1) (c))

Each of these assemblies must be registered with the department no later than 7 days after installation:

• Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP)
• Reduced pressure detector backflow prevention assembly (RPDA)
• Double check backflow prevention assembly (DC)
• Double check detector backflow prevention assembly (DCDA)
• Pressure vacuum breaker assembly (PVB)
• Spill-resistant vacuum breaker assembly (SVB)

Assemblies serving automatic fire sprinkler systems do not have to be registered. Assemblies serving health care facilities are part of department plan review (Table 382.20-1, line 5), and for those projects registration is included in the plan approval.

The registration fee under SPS 302.645 (1) is $30, or $20 if filed electronically.

Step 2: Tag the assembly (SPS 382.40 (3) (d) 4.)

Each registered assembly displays its department-assigned identification number on a weather-resistant tag securely attached to it. The tag must read at least:

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services; Identification/Object Number ____; Cross Connection Control Assembly; Do Not Remove This Tag

The number is written in permanent, waterproof marker or another indelible method. Sprinkler-system assemblies don't need a number. Piping downstream of the assemblies in Table 382.22-1 must also be labeled with bands or tags (section 5.3).

Step 3: Test it (SPS 382.22 (8))

The testing rules apply to all assemblies regardless of when they were installed. A performance test is required:

1. At the time of installation
2. Immediately after repairs or alterations
3. At least annually

Each test uses the field test standard for that assembly type:

CR 26-019 repealed and recreated Table 382.22-1 effective September 1, 2026.

Filing. Results go to the department and the water purveyor within 60 days of the test, in the department's format, with the filing fee in SPS 302.645 (2): $30, or $20 if filed electronically. Fire-suppression results are not submitted to DSPS. All results must be available on request to the department, its agent or the local government.

Initial testing at rough-in. SPS 382.21 (1) (d) requires the initial test of a new assembly to follow SPS 382.22 (8), so the installation test is part of the plumbing inspection process.

Step 4: The registered tester (SPS 305.99)

A plumbing license does not by itself authorize testing. A journeyman who wants to test RP assemblies needs the separate tester registration.

Worked scenario

A remodel adds an RP on a boiler makeup line with a chemical feeder and a DC on a low hazard process supply on March 3.

1. Register both with DSPS by March 10 (7 days). Paying online, the cost is $20 each.
2. Tag each with its DSPS number.
3. A registered tester performs the installation tests per ASSE 5013 and ASSE 5015.
4. File the results with DSPS and the water utility within 60 days, again $20 each online.
5. Retest at least annually, and immediately after any rebuild.

If the same building had an RP on its fire sprinkler riser, that RP would need no registration and no DSPS filing. It must still be listed for fire protection use, and NFPA testing requirements still apply.

Exam traps

• "Registered within 30 days": wrong. The deadline is 7 days.
• "Tested every 3 years": wrong. The minimum frequency is annual.
• "Results filed within 10 days": wrong. The deadline is 60 days.
• Confusing assembly registration (a DSPS record of the device) with tester registration (a credential under SPS 305.99).