Cellophane Bags for Sprinklers in Dusty Areas?

4/2/2026

NFPA 13 Section 16.2.4 concerning protective coverings for sprinklers only references spray booths and mixing rooms.

I have a building that produces particulates in the air (a chip and tortilla factory). The concern is that we replace these sprinklers, and they will quickly need to be replaced again in a couple of years (96 total).

I want to put on cellophane bags to protect them. The existing sprinklers are standard response. I plan to go to the AHJ for their approval, but I wanted to get the opinion of others who may have experienced something like this.

Thank you in advance.

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11 Comments

Dan Wilder

4/2/2026 07:36:17 am

We have used this method is this manner before as well however sourcing the cellophane bags at that thickness proved a little difficult (they are out there). Most are Polyethylene or other mix at that thickness.

We have also gone with white paper bags to better identify the level of residue.

No AHJ has had issue with the bags in my experiences, provided the ITM is maintained.

Wes

4/2/2026 09:06:26 am

If procurement/bag type is an issue - would posting a very clear sign (placard?) saying what type of bag is allowed and where to buy replacements (QR code?), somewhere in the vicinity, be helpful?

Curious if signage could go a long way here. Long thought the same about warehouse storage allowances.

Dan Wilder

4/2/2026 03:37:19 pm

My problem was ordering a specific bag, then once received it was incorrect.

We would do a "burn" test and see if the bag melted, dripped, or actually burned away.

Jesse

4/2/2026 08:18:24 am

I've seen / used this before for simiar facilities. Even though its not a spray room, the issue is the same as it relates to fugitive dust insulating the sprinkler.

Like Dan said, the trick is finding the RIGHT bag, which can be challenging.

Jack G

4/2/2026 08:32:34 am

See Meyer Fire 8/8/2024.
A sprinkler head that could be wiped down like a “ picker trunk “ sprinkler !
I ve used them in spray booths. Went with bags as costs rose.

Glenn Berger

4/2/2026 08:35:37 am

Dan's and Jesse's responses have the proper information.

David Kendrick

4/2/2026 09:03:20 am

What type of scrutiny are you under being a food processing facility?
Sometimes a solution triggers a different issue.
Sprinkler loading due to dust could be enhanced with the bag covering the head.
Is dust containment possible? Better control of the reason behind this inquiry.

Jose R Figueroa

4/2/2026 11:02:14 am

I have seen this problem many times. NFPA 13 (Installation of Sprinkler Systems, including the 2022 edition section 16.2.4 on Protective Coverings) and related standards permit only cellophane bags ≤ 0.003 in. However, you should ensure it is true cellophane, which many people mistake for plastic. Additionally, I recommend replacing such bags at least monthly or as needed depending on residue buildup. Remember that this area is prone to explosion, so you should look for solutions to reduce the amount of flour in the environment.

Dave L.

4/2/2026 12:05:44 pm

True - Hear me now and believe me later; I was finally able to find true cellophane bags from a food packaging supply company.

Jose Figueroa

4/2/2026 03:26:44 pm

I'm concerned. The company should reduce flour dust in the enclosed area. Keep sprinklers clear of bags. The main risk is dust explosions. They need strict housekeeping with frequent floor sweeping, sometimes hourly. Protect electrical panels from dust. References include FM Global Data Sheet 7-75 and NFPA 61 for fire and explosion prevention.

Dave L.

4/10/2026 01:04:18 pm

Been thinking about this some more - I actually did a sprinkler T.I. for a similar facility that was down the road from us. I was not aware of particle accumulation. But this question resulted in my discovering NFPA 660, Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particulate Solids.

"NFPA 660, Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particulate Solids, provides safety requirements for all combustible dusts and particulate solids to help prevent injuries and fatalities from associated hazards.

This standard consolidates the requirements of six previous standards—NFPA 652, Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust; NFPA 61, Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities; NFPA 484, Standard for Combustible Metals; NFPA 655, Standard for Prevention of Sulfur Fires and Explosions; NFPA 664, Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities; and NFPA 654, Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids."

I have to agree with Jose above in that it's a housekeeping / dust-collection / maintenance issue. Perhaps improved upon by favorable sprinkler placement.
Upon further reading (now what job am I going to charge this to?), I am now totally against the use of cellophane bags other than as specifically allowed in NFPA 13 and 33.
I appreciate this conversation; I'm going to run into this again sometime.

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Cellophane Bags for Sprinklers in Dusty Areas?

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