Per 5.3.1.1.1.3, NFPA 25, 2014 Edition, states that sprinklers manufactured using fast-response elements that have been in service for 20 years shall be replaced or representative samples shall be tested and then retested at 10-year intervals."
What is the common practice for doing a 20-year sprinkler test sample on a multistory office building built 20 years ago that has undergone numerous tenant renovations, where sprinklers have been replaced and added throughout the years? My thoughts would be that maybe the common areas would have original sprinklers, but what would be the best way to approach this? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
10 Comments
Pete H
11/22/2024 07:26:20 am
I think your approach is correct. Check the common areas or wherever else. Find where they still have a sprinkler (or a few) that's been "existing to remain" for the entire 20 years.
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Dan Wilder
11/22/2024 07:33:30 am
Well since you'll need 1% or 4 sprinklers per sample area, I would start with Mechanical Rooms (if QR was used). Next, I would look to core and shell sprinklers (elevator lobbies, floor public restrooms, if you're lucky a sprinkler in the stairwell is easy pickings, floor janitor's closets or housekeeping areas). Finally, I would look at the long-term tenants or areas not typically updated for sprinklers like the loading dock corridors, parking garages, BOH office areas.
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Charles Eldridge
11/22/2024 10:23:13 am
Thank you for your input, I had this question come up last week. My response to the issue was the same as yours.
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Glenn Berger
11/22/2024 08:21:36 am
Dan has mentioned a very good approach. Myself, I would just randomly pick sprinklers throughout the facility and get them tested.
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David Kendrick
11/22/2024 08:34:05 am
Check the dates on the heads before removing for testing.
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Randy Kimbro
11/22/2024 10:20:04 am
That was changed last year to testing at 25 years.
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Patrick Drumm
11/27/2024 05:25:01 pm
It looks like he specifically referenced the 2014 Edition. I can only assume that this is due to the state in which is working, has only adopted up to that edition.
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Chris
11/25/2024 10:49:32 am
Honestly, it seems like such hassle to do testing, why not just recommend replacement and be done with it? It is cheaper in the long run. But I appreciate learning people opinions as this as I have wondered.
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Zack McWeeney
11/25/2024 11:14:41 am
If you look in Annex A of NFPA 25, code A.5.3.1.1.2, it gives you a few options, especially when it comes to multi-floor or flex buildings. You can treat different areas as their own Sample Section, i.e Office = 1 section, Warehouse another, 1st floor = 4 sprinklers tested, 2nd floor = 4 sprinklers tested. That way you don't have to replace the entire building if 1 sprinkler fails, just 1 area.
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James Art, FPE in Ca.
11/27/2024 01:27:25 pm
Don't forget that "using fast-response elements" also applies to ESFR and extended coverage sprinklers.
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