| Step |
Description |
Expected Duration |
| 1 |
NOTICE: Refer to NFPA 25 for Inspection, Testing and Maintenance requirements. NOTICE: The owner is responsible for having the fire-protection system and devices inspected, tested, and maintained in proper operating condition in accordance with this guide, and applicable NFPA standards. In addition, the Authority Having Jurisdiction may have additional maintenance, testing, and inspection requirements that must be followed. |
1.0 minute |
| 2 |
A. Sprinklers must be inspected on a regular basis for corrosion, mechanical damage, obstructions, paint, etc. Frequency of inspec-tions may vary due to corrosive atmospheres, water supplies, and activity around the sprinkler unit. |
1.0 minute |
| 3 |
B. Sprinklers or cover plate assemblies that have been field painted, caulked, or mechanically damaged must be replaced im-mediately. Sprinklers showing signs of corrosion shall be tested and/or replaced immediately as required. Installation standards require sprinklers to be tested and, if necessary, replaced after a specified term of service. Refer to NFPA 25 and the Authority Having Jurisdiction for the specified period of time after which testing and/or replacement is required. Never attempt to repair or reassemble a sprinkler. Sprinklers and cover assemblies that have operated cannot be reassembled or re-used, but must be replaced. When replacement is necessary, use only new sprinklers and cover assemblies with identical performance char-acteristics. |
1.0 minute |
| 4 |
C. The sprinkler discharge pattern is critical for proper fire protection. Therefore, nothing should be hung from, attached to, or otherwise obstruct the discharge pattern. All obstructions must be immediately removed or, if necessary, additional sprinklers installed. |
1.0 minute |
| 5 |
D. When replacing existing sprinklers, the system must be removed from service. Refer to the appropriate system description and/or valve instructions. Prior to removing the system from service, notify all Authorities Having Jurisdiction. Consideration should be given to employment of a fire patrol in the affected area. |
1.0 minute |
| 6 |
Remove the system from service, drain all water, and relieve all pressure on the piping. |
30.0 minute |
| 7 |
For frame-style sprinklers, use the special sprinkler wrench to remove the old sprinkler by turning it counterclockwise to unthread it from the piping. |
15.0 minute |
| 8 |
For flush and concealed style sprinklers: Remove the ceiling ring or cover plate assembly before unthreading the sprinkler body from the piping. Ceiling rings and cover plates can be removed ei-ther by gently unthreading them or pulling them off the sprinkler body (depends on the sprinkler model used). After the ceiling ring or cover plate assembly has been removed from the sprinkler body, place the plastic protective cap (from the spare sprinkler cabinet) over the sprinkler to be removed and then fit the sprinkler wrench over the cap. Then use the wrench to unthread the sprinkler from the piping. Exception: Domed concealed sprinklers are removed without the plastic cap. |
15.0 minute |
| 9 |
Install the new sprinkler unit by following the instructions in section 4. INSTALLATION. Care must be taken to ensure that the replacement sprinkler is the proper model and style, with the correct K-Factor, temperature rating, and response character-istics. A fully stocked spare sprinkler cabinet should be provided for this purpose. For flush or concealed sprinklers: stock of spare ceiling rings or cover plates should also be available in the spare sprinkler cabinet. |
15.0 minute |
| 10 |
E. Place the system back in service and secure all valves. Check for and repair all leaks. Sprinkler systems that have been subjected to a fire must be returned to service as soon as possible. The entire system must be inspected for damage, and repaired or replaced as necessary. Sprinklers that have been exposed to corrosive products of combustion or high ambient temperatures, but have not operated, should be replaced. Refer to the Authority Having Jurisdiction for minimum replacement requirements. |
15.0 minute |