Is Missing Coverplate a Deficiency in NFPA 25?

1/12/2023

Is missing a coverplate for a concealed sprinkler a deficiency in NFPA 25 that would be required to be corrected?

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7 Comments

Dan Wilder

1/12/2023 07:34:10 am

In the 2023 Edition - Yes

5.2.1.1.5
Escutcheons and cover plates for recessed, flush, and concealed sprinklers shall be replaced with their listed escutcheon or cover plate if found missing during the inspection.

The outer ring on a 2-piece escutcheon (skirts as I have heard them called) or any concealed cover plate.

This excludes the beauty rings or oversized rings found in seismic areas or to cover holes that are made too large in the ceiling or for clearance. I've heard both ways for the 401 style skirt but I personally would put that as a beauty ring.

Todd E Wyatt

1/12/2023 08:20:15 am

Additional "escutcheon" references from 2023 NFPA 2025 :

5.2* Inspection.
5.2.1 Sprinklers.

5.2.1.1.5.1
Where the listed escutcheon or coverplate from a listed assembly is missing and is no longer commercially available, the sprinkler shall be replaced.

ENHANCED CONTENT
Sprinklers with missing escutcheons and coverplates must be replaced with their listed escutcheon or coverplate, or the entire sprinkler must be replaced. Many times a generic escutcheon or coverplate is installed. This is improper and is addressed by 5.2.1.1.5. Sprinklers do not need to be replaced unless the missing and unavailable coverplate is part of a listed assembly. The focus should be on the “listed assembly” as opposed to the listed coverplate.

5.2.1.1.6

Escutcheons for pendent sprinklers that are not recessed, flush, or concealed shall not be required to be replaced if found missing during the inspection.

ENHANCED CONTENT
Paragraphs 5.2.1.1.5 through 5.2.1.1.6 generate many questions during the inspection process. Many recessed, flush, and concealed sprinklers are listed as part of an assembly with their escutcheons or coverplates. When these pieces are missing, the sprinkler may not perform as designed and must be replaced. For more information, refer to the definition of deficiency in 3.3.8. Missing standard escutcheons (sometimes called beauty rings) do not affect the performance of the sprinkler system and, therefore, do not meet the definition of a deficiency. Exhibit 5.19 shows a sprinkler with an incomplete escutcheon assembly.

Here is the definition of "deficiency" :

3.3.8 * Deficiency.
For the purposes of inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, a condition that will or has the potential to adversely impact the performance of a system or portion thereof but does not rise to the level of an impairment.

Anthony

1/12/2023 08:28:16 am

That was added in the 2013 ed of NFPA 25 so I'd think that applies to most states.

There "should" be several cover plates (2 minimum) in the spare head cabinet that can be used.

G5 cover plates (a common model of concealed sprinkler from Reliable) depending on finish costs apx 43$~75$ list.

see source:
https://reliablesprinkler.com/pricebooks/Americas_USD/Americas_USD.pdf?x11550

Bill Greene

1/22/2023 06:27:27 pm

In my opinion, replacement of such devices is not required.

Dwight H Havens

1/12/2023 08:48:10 am

Missing escutcheons on recessed sprinklers may be an indication that the ceiling has sagged, causing the outer escutcheon to disengage from the inner escutcheon. If this happens, the distance of the deflector below the ceiling may no longer comply with installation requirements and could impact the water distribution pattern.

Similar concerns with concealed cover plates. When the cover plate no longer engages the sprinkler assembly the distance between the deflector and the ceiling may not be adequate for the water spray pattern to fully clear the ceiling.

Too often I have seen this problem resolved, but not corrected, using caulk to glue the escutcheon or conceal plate to the ceiling, vice adjusting the level of the piping or level of the ceiling grid.

Ryan Hinson

1/12/2023 09:19:48 am

If the metal outer escutcheon which is part of the listed assembly is gone, there may be a building code violation if the penetrating building feature is a fire-resistance-rated assembly through a membrane per IBC 2021 Section 714.4.2 Exception 5. Further digging may be necessary to determine whether the membrane being penetrated is rated which is beyond the minimum scope of NFPA 25...but can be included if the inspection contract stipulates. If recognized during an inspection, I would document and indicate as such.

Jesse

1/12/2023 09:46:09 am

It is now, yes in the most recent edition of 25.There were other editions of 25 previously that didn't expressly state it though.

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Is Missing Coverplate a Deficiency in NFPA 25?

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