HomeMy WebLinkAbout405.034 - Deficient (Loaded) Fire Sprinkler HeadsEffective Date: November 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 1/31/2025 Section 405.034
Next Revision (1) Date: 1/31/2028 Page 1 of 3
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Prevention Manual
SECTION 405.034 DEFICIENT (LOADED) FIRE SPRINKLER HEADS
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or
Department) requirements related to deficient (loaded) fire sprinkler heads and
approved cleaning techniques.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all fire to all fire sprinkler systems within the City of Fresno (COF)
and contract service areas and includes both required and voluntary systems.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Based upon the need for uniformity in application across the Department’s diverse
service delivery area, and after careful deliberation, the Department has determined
that deficient (loaded) fire sprinkler heads may be replaced or cleaned as noted below:
1. When fire sprinkler heads are determined to be deficient (i.e., loaded)
as noted in the currently adopted version of the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) 25, 2013 California Edition, Standard for Inspection
Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, the
fire sprinkler heads may be replaced or cleaned in accordance with the
explanatory material found in the currently adopted version of NFPA 25.
As noted in the annex materials in the currently adopted version of NFPA
25:
“In lieu of replacing sprinklers that are loaded with a coating of dust, it is
permitted to clean sprinklers with compressed air or by a vacuum,
provided that the equipment does not touch the sprinkler.”
Other unacceptable loading requiring fire sprinkler head replacement
includes any of the other items noted in the currently adopted version of
NFPA 25, and includes material that accumulates on, or is attached to,
Effective Date: November 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 1/31/2025 Section 405.034
Next Revision (1) Date: 1/31/2028 Page 2 of 3
a fire sprinkler head or sensing element that affects the operation or
spray distribution of the fire sprinkler head.
Alternately, where a loaded fire sprinkler head has a metallic sensing
element, and the system has been drained, it is permissible for a qualified
person to use other means to clean the fire sprinkler head, including the use
of a tool or implement which will not damage the sensing element. These
tools may include feather dusters or other tools of similar construction.
It is the obligation of the qualified person to use due care when performing
this operation and to use a tool meeting the intent of this policy.
2. Loaded, bulb type fire sprinkler heads must only be cleaned by a qualified
person, using compressed air or by vacuum, and the equipment must not
touch the fire sprinkler head. If the fire sprinkler head is unable to be cleaned
by this method, then the fire sprinkler head must be replaced (with a permit).
3. Alternately, where a loaded fire sprinkler head has a metallic sensing
element, and the system has been drained, it is permissible for a qualified
person to use other means to clean the fire sprinkler head, including the use
of a tool or implement which will not damage the sensing element. These
tools may include feather dusters or other tools of similar construction.
4. Fire sprinkler heads that are damaged for failure to adhere to these
requirements must be replaced after first obtaining a permit from the
Department.
PROCESS
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INFORMATION
As noted in the California Fire Code (CFC), the fire code official has the authority to
formulate policies they deem necessary based upon local conditions related to all fire
automatic fire sprinkler systems and equipment.
These requirements ensure that fire sprinkler heads that remain serviceable are not
replaced needlessly, reducing the burden on system owners.
DEFINITIONS
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Effective Date: November 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 1/31/2025 Section 405.034
Next Revision (1) Date: 1/31/2028 Page 3 of 3
CROSS-REFERENCES
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 25 Standard for the Installation of
Sprinkler Systems, Currently adopted edition
California Fire Code, Currently adopted edition