Does Dust-Cover Gasket Affect Sprinkler Listing?

2/21/2020

I am looking at a sprinkler relocation-job were food is to be packaged. They are installing a drop ceiling above the packaging equipment.

I am having a hard time finding a concealed sprinkler head to spec out that has a metal temperature element and a rubber dust cover that is suitable for an ordinary hazard space. The VK538 jumped to mind but they do not offer a rubber gasket for the plate. I just found the TY5521 that says it comes with a rubber dust seal.

Do FDA-grade facilities require dust cover gaskets?

Does adding a dust cover ring to a escutcheon de-list the product?

Thanks in advance.

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5 Comments

2/21/2020 10:07:12 am

Have you looked at Reliable G-5 Heads? They have a metal temperature element and have gaskets.

Salvatore Izzo

2/21/2020 10:09:04 am

Check out the Bulletin 034 for the Reliable G5 standard response concealed sprinkler with gasket cover plate. It is cULus Listed for both standard response and quick response, It utilizes a solder link thermal element.

Dan Wilder

2/21/2020 10:15:00 am

Escutcheons are listed with the sprinkler so, in the case of the TY5521, the listing actually changes from QR to SR when used. You cannot just add the escutcheon to another sprinkler.

Food processing facilities have varying requirements but in all the ones I have done, we used link sprinklers throughout as you have noted (it gets picked up in the magnatron QC area, glass does not) so be careful with the Viking sprinkler, I think that has a glass bulb.

You may need to pull back to a standard coverage sprinkler to open up more options from all the MFG's.

Pete D

2/23/2020 08:20:51 am

I have designed for multiple USDA facilities. The requirement for ceilings above food processing is for corrosion resistance for washdown areas, which in the case of packaging likely applies. The sanitization requirements are in 9 CFR. You can use polyester or 316 SS semi-recessed sprinklers in these areas. All exposed pipe should be 304 or 316 SS, all rods SS cold rolled with threaded ends.

Todd Lambert link

2/25/2020 11:30:58 am

Take caution if compliance with FM Global approval is required. The Reliable G5-80F does have FM approval but our experience has been that FM has additional restrictions on it use including use only in light hazard occupancies, noncombustible construction, no flammable liquids, limited plastic commodities, noncombustible contents, etc. It is also only approved by FM as standard response. FM also requires the sealing gaskets to be physically inspected on an annual basis, by running a metal hook around the gasket perimeter to ensure that the gasket is not adhered to the ceiling.

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