If you run a business, warehouse, or other facility, you are probably aware of the fact that commercial buildings have strict fire safety standards. This is critical for protecting life and property because appropriate fire safety systems are there to minimize damage and protect occupants. That's why it's important to have spare sprinkler heads in case of an incident.

How Do Fire Sprinklers Work?

When a fire occurs, nearby sprinklers will activate. Fire sprinklers are activated through heat once they reach a certain temperature, the glass bulb or fusible element on the sprinkler head separates and releases water to suppress the fire. The glass bulb or fusible element is a critical component of the fire sprinkler, but as you might imagine, they can be easy to damage or compromise.

Damaged Sprinkler Heads

A sprinkler head does not need to have a broken glass bulb or damaged fusible element in order to be damaged or compromised. Since the glass bulb or fusible element needs to reach a specific level of heat to activate, anything that could hinder its ability to accept heat appropriately and evenly could render it ineffective during a fire. For example, years of dust and debris buildup could cause the sprinkler to fail. Sprinkler damage is often caused by paint. Painted sprinkler heads must be replaced. A clean and clear glass bulb or fusible element is essential to ensure that the sprinkler will operate properly. Having backup sprinkler heads means you can change out any damaged or compromised heads immediately.

Sprinkler Activation

If your business or facility does experience a fire or if something causes a sprinkler discharge without the presence of fire, having backup sprinkler heads available means you can have the system operational immediately. It will save a lot of time and effort since you won't need to order new sprinkler heads.

NFPA Guidelines

The last, but certainly not least, reason to keep backup sprinkler heads at your business or facility is that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards require it. NFPA standards require a minimum of six spare sprinkler heads of all types more for larger buildings. The reason for this requirement is to minimize downtime for your fire safety systems.

(This "Fire Safety Blogs" Published in June 2023  Edition)