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Fire Sprinkler Index

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When sprinkler heads must be tested or replaced

Updated · General information, not legal advice

Sprinklers don't last forever. NFPA 25 requires some to be replaced on sight and representative samples of others to be sent to a lab for testing based on age and type.

Replace immediately

During the annual inspection, sprinklers must be replaced if they show any of these conditions:

  • Leakage, corrosion, or physical damage.
  • Loading (dust, lint, grease) that can't be cleaned per the manufacturer.
  • Paint or coating not applied by the manufacturer.
  • Loss of fluid in a glass bulb, or improper orientation.
  • Recalled models.

Sample testing by age

A representative sample (generally at least four sprinklers or 1 percent of the sprinklers in a sample area, whichever is greater) is sent to a recognized lab. If a sample fails, all sprinklers represented by that sample must be replaced. Many owners choose to replace old sprinklers rather than test them.

Sprinkler typeTest interval
Standard responseAt 50 years, then every 10 years
Fast responseAt 20 years, then every 10 years
Dry sprinklersEvery 10 years
Extra-high temperature or harsh environmentsEvery 5 years

Spare sprinklers

Keep a spare-sprinkler cabinet with heads of each type and temperature rating installed, plus the wrench for each type. It is checked as part of the annual inspection.

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Sources

  1. NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems (NFPA)

NFPA standards are available to read free online from NFPA. Requirements depend on the edition your jurisdiction adopts; confirm with your authority having jurisdiction.

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