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?

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11 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.

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Access Required for Concealed Space Sprinklers?

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