Replace Fire Sprinkler if Escutcheon is Painted?

11/15/2022

It's clear that a painted sprinkler is a sprinkler that must be replaced, but does the same hold true for semi-recessed escutcheons?

Specifically, take your typical 1/2" chrome recessed pendent sprinkler. The 2-piece escutcheon (inside disk and outer ring) is listed with the sprinkler.

Years after installation, sprinklers were masked off properly and ceiling was painted. However, in most cases, the outer ring was also painted.

n some cases, the outer rings and inner discs have paint on them. No paint is on the sprinklers.

Are the escutcheons required to be cleaned off or replaced?

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11 Comments

Dan Wilder

11/15/2022 06:22:25 am

NFPA 25 - 2023 referenced.

In the case of a 2-piece or even a 1-piece escutcheon (not concealed), I would deem it a "Non-Critical Deficiency" at worst, more likely a "Recommendation to Replace". The paint on the outer ring (or even the inner ring) has no effect on the ability of the sprinkler to operate or it's deflector for water distribution (not the same as loaded or for a concealed type sprinkler escutcheon/cover plate). IMO, this is on the same level as if the escutcheon was missing, which is not required to be replaced per 25 - 5.2.1.1.6.

The only time I can see this being an issue is if the escutcheon is missing AND the ceiling is rated, in that case the recessed escutcheon is a part of the rated assembly however, I would not put that knowledge requirement on any basic inspector performing a NFPA 25 inspection.

I'm sure there will be different interpretations on this based on some previous NFPA 25 classes I've attended; the class was never unanimous on even some of the more basic items.

Alex

11/15/2022 06:38:15 am

Hi,

I agree with Dan. I would recommend to replace but not it isn't necessary per code.

I would check the cut sheet to ensure there isn't a warning about painting. For example, on Viking's sprinkler escutcheons datasheet, there is a warning that painting the escutcheon may "render the sprinkler inoperative and will nullify the approval and any guarantee made by The Viking Corporation."

Thanks,
Alex

James Phifer

11/15/2022 08:12:55 am

AFSA actually answered that same question a few years ago. Their "Informal Interpretation" was that the escutcheon did not need to be replaced unless it was a concealed type of cover plate.
excerpt below:

Answer: "Our informal interpretation is that the escutcheons do not need to be replaced.
The type of escutcheons that you described above would have to be assumed to be either flush (cosmetic) or
recessed (listed) type escutcheons. Although, the types mentioned are very different and treated as such when
found missing, there is no requirement to have either one replaced if painted. The reason is that the paint located
on the escutcheons would have no effect on the activation of the sprinkler itself.
That said, if the sprinklers in question would have been concealed type sprinklers, then the paint on the cover
plate of the sprinklers could cause a delay in or possibly prohibit sprinkler activation. This does at times cause
confusion during training for those not familiar with sprinkler systems, since escutcheons and cover plates are
typically lumped together during discussions. Paint that has been put on a concealed cover plate can actually affect
the release time of the plate from the cup. Cover plate release is required to allow direct heat to the sprinkler
element and allow the deflector to be exposed and/or drop to it’s appropriate activating position. Therefore, cover
plates for concealed sprinklers painted by anyone other than the manufacturer are the only ones that require to
be replaced when painted

John

11/16/2022 01:48:28 pm

I agree on a stand alone escutcheon, but what about an escutcheon that is recessed with a cover plate. If the escutcheon has been painted, it cause the cover plate to stick if the plate was put in place to early (sorta like painting a window shut) causing it to stick to the escutcheon or better yet if the cover plate and escutcheon were painted, then there is a problem. That would be something that would need to be looked at. I have seen this and had the business contact a sprinkler company come out to evaluate the issue and decide wether they would need to cleaned or replaced.

James Phifer

11/16/2022 02:02:57 pm

cover plates can only be factory painted or it must be replaced.

Jesse

11/15/2022 08:25:22 am

This is a good question. Obviously the manufacturer requires painted escutcheons to be custom order items. However, unless its a cover plate for a concealed sprinkler, it won't affect sprinkler performance at all.

I would check the equipment data sheet to make sure there is no warning on it and if not, leave it as an advisory recommendation.

Glenn Berger

11/15/2022 09:50:46 am

The escutcheon is for show and not officially part of the sprinkler. No need to replace the escutcheon if it has been accidentally painted. Ensure that there is no paint on the sprinkler.

Craig

11/15/2022 09:52:43 am

If you read the data sheets for the sprinkler, in this case I am looking at Tyco TY-FRB under Care and Maintenance it says "Automatic sprinklers must never be painted, plated, coated, or other-wise altered after leaving the factory. Modified sprinklers must be replaced."

Considering that the escutcheon is part of the Fire Sprinkler Assembly and it escutcheon must be listed to be used with the Fire Sprinkler I see the sprinkler and escutcheon as one. That being said I think the escutcheon should be mainly clear of paint and or other non-factory finished or debris. If I come across escutcheon plate that is totally covered in latex paint I will ask that the facility obtains the listing for the product and depending on what that states I likely ask the facility to replace the escutcheon or get a letter from the manufacture stating that this is acceptable.

Franck

11/15/2022 10:45:41 am

As indicated by James, no need to replace the escutcheon plate. Only paint on the cover plate may be problematic, but mostly for reliability reasons (potential delay to operate).
As long as the thermal elements are not affected, there is no issue.
Note that this is the same for sprinklers, if you have some paint on the bracing, it is not the same problem as paint on the fusible link or thermal bulb… but it is easier (to avoid misinterpretation) to say that painted sprinkler need to be replaced (otherwise you would have endless discussion on how much paint you would accept or not).
And when it has to be replaced, cleaning the paint with acetone or any other solvant is absolutely not acceptable as an alternative.

Randy Kimbro

11/23/2022 08:28:00 am

As an AHJ, I would interpret it as follows:

- Concealed sprinklers can never have painted cover plates; factory paint only.
- Recessed and flush pendant sprinklers I see no problem if the escutcheon is painted as long as there is no paint on the sprinkler head itself.

AND ... escutcheons are not just cosmetic. They are also there to prevent flames from passing by the sprinkler head prior to sprinkler activation. Most pendant heads have a small gap between the sprinkler and the drywall. Without an escutcheon, flame may ignite material above the sprinkler head before water flows thereby allowing the fire to burn above the ceiling unimpeded.

Doug colter

11/24/2022 12:56:51 pm

Heat needs to accumulate at the ceiling for timely activation. If their are voids in the ceiling, such as missing escutcheons, it can allow hot air to rise past the head, delaying sufficient heat to timely activate the head. You may have to wait for radiant heat to set it off, where you could have a quicker response from the convection heat earlier in the fire incident. Love to have an hvac trained PE comment on my theory.

Replace Fire Sprinkler if Escutcheon is Painted?

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