Access Required for Concealed Space Sprinklers?

10/25/2021

Is an access panel or access door required for sprinklers that are installed in a concealed space?

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

12 Comments

Dan Wilder

10/25/2021 07:37:40 am

NFPA 13-19'-9.3.9.3 Sprinkler Access - Access shall be provided to all sprinklers for inspection, testing, and maintenance.
Similar to 16.1.1 for access to system valves & gauges, 16.9.3.1.1/16.9.3.4 for valves, 16.10.5.2.1 for Auxiliary Drains, etc.

Then goes to what "access" means....is an 18x18 or 24x24 panel used by the HVAC trades to get to an AHU compliance with those sections regardless of how far one would have to travel above the ceiling? Good practice would prefer additional points it but depending on height above the ceiling to the piping, ability to transverse across the ceiling, and if the access point is large enough to perform work through all come into play.

NFPA 25 is specific that inspections are to occur from the "floor level" for sprinklers. The internal inspection of piping could require access above the ceiling depending on the location if it falls into the four points identified within NFPA 25, but falls short of requiring provisions for access to these locations.

10/27/2021 09:41:26 am

NFPA 13 2019- 9.3.9.3 is a subsection of 9.3.9 Duct Protection- this requirement for access panel is for Duct sprinklers.
there is no requirement in NFPA 13 for access to sprinklers in concealed spaces.

Alex

10/25/2021 07:58:56 am

Hi Anonymous,

Inspection and maintenance for sprinklers is discussed in both NFPA 13 and 25.

NFPA 13 (2016) 8.15.13.3 states that "access shall be provided to all sprinklers for inspection, testing and maintenance."

NFPA 25 (2020) 4.1.3 states that the “property owner… shall provide ready accessibility to components of water-based fire protection system that require inspection, testing, and maintenance.” Based on NFPA 25, sprinklers shall be inspected from the floor annually. Although, 5.2.1.1.3 states that sprinklers installed within concealed spaces shall not require inspection.

With that said, I do not believe you need to install access panels for concealed space sprinklers. I would love to watch you tell an architect that you want to install panels though! Architects love access panels…

Thanks,
Alex

Dave

10/25/2021 10:18:44 am

Since 8.15.13.3 (2016) is a subsection of 8.15.13, that is only for duct sprinklers. There is no requirement in NFPA 13 or 25 for access panels for concealed spaces. Although I have seen owners wish to have them provided, and I have seen military specs requiring them.

Alex

10/25/2021 01:21:04 pm

Hi Dave,

Tough oversight on my part. Thank you for pointing that out!

Alex

Jack G

10/25/2021 08:21:30 am

Back in the day, 51 years ago, architects would show access panels in hard ceilings next to where designers would place the sprinkler heads for , specifically for access, repair.
The frames would, should be turned in the direction of the branch lines.
It should be no different now.
“Aesthetics”—- architects should toss that word out of their vocabulary and replace it with “ Safety “. !

Todd Wyatt

10/25/2021 09:34:19 am

The Specifications (e.g. 083113 Access Doors and Frames) instruct the Contractor to "Verify access door locations and sizes provide required maintenance access to installed building services components." and "Install access doors and panels permitting access to service valves, traps, dampers, cleanouts, and other mechanical, electrical and conveyor control items concealed in walls and partitions, and concealed above gypsum board and plaster ceilings."

Jesse

10/25/2021 10:26:07 am

There is a lot of debate within the AHJs in my area about this.

13 states access shall be provided for inspection, testing, and maintenance. 25 states sprinklers shall be visualized from the floor.

So we typically discuss what the AHJ wants ahead of time. Most of them don't bother to look at concealed space sprinklers after the original install visual is done, although access is provided.

Dave

10/25/2021 11:33:44 am

NFPA #13:
"Access shall be provided for inspection, testing, and maintenance"

The phrase as appears in 8.9.7 falls under 8.9, which is Commercial-Type Cooking Equipment and Ventilation.

The phrase as appears in 9.3.9.3 falls under 9.3.9 which is Duct Protection.

Must always look at the root paragraph. I am not aware of this phrase referring to sprinklers in all concealed spaces.

DON BERRY

10/11/2022 01:30:33 pm

If a concealed space requires sprinklers (like a wood truss attic),is not inspected, how do you know if the fire protection for the attic meets code? NFPA 13 requires all heads to be inspected.

Brennan

7/17/2023 05:40:37 pm

You would get an inspection signed off by the ahj before they installed sheet rock on the underside of the trusses.

Jonathan

5/21/2024 12:40:39 pm

Is there a minimum size access panel for the Inspectors Test valve located within a wall/chase? I'm having difficulty finding any concrete answers.

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.
All text, images, and media Copyright © 2016-2025 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

Access Required for Concealed Space Sprinklers?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES