PHOTO SHOWS → PROPERLY STOCKED SPARE HEADS KIT
→ Matching sprinkler heads • Proper wrench • Labeled cabinet • Ready for post-activation replacement
What You Are Looking At
• Red metal cabinet containing spare automatic sprinkler heads, a sprinkler-specific wrench, and occasionally protective sleeves or packaging
• Heads typically stored in protective orange caps or sleeves
• Heads should match the installed sprinklers by type, temperature rating, response, orifice size, and finish
Why This Is a Serious Concern
• Without required spares, damaged heads after a fire cannot be replaced promptly → system remains impaired
• Mismatched or incorrect heads (temperature, type, K-factor) violate NFPA 25 requirements
• NFPA 25 noncompliance results in failed fire inspections and can trigger enforcement by the AHJ; OSHA does not regulate sprinkler spare head requirements
Good Condition (Acceptable)
NFPA 25 Requirements (2023 Edition – Table 5.2.1.5)
• Required number of spare heads present:
– ≥ 6 heads if system has < 300 installed
– ≥ 12 heads if system has 300–1000 installed
– ≥ 24 heads if system has > 1000 installed
• Spares match the installed sprinklers by:
– Type (pendent, upright, sidewall, etc.)
– Temperature rating
– K-factor / orifice size
– Response type (standard/quick)
– Finish
• Sprinkler wrench for each type of head included (NFPA 25 5.2.1.5.1)
• Spare sprinklers kept in a cabinet located on the premises in an accessible location (NFPA 25 5.2.1.5.1)
Best Practice (Not code-required but recommended)
• Cabinet labeled “SPARE SPRINKLER HEADS”
• Heads inventoried annually (NFPA 25 requires inspection of the cabinet contents during annual inspection but does not mandate a “written log”)
• Pipe thread sealant tape available (NFPA does not require tape in the cabinet)
Fix Needed – HIGH PRIORITY (System Reliability Hazard)
NFPA 25 Deficiencies
• Fewer spare heads than required by Table 5.2.1.5
• Missing sprinkler wrench for each head type
• Spare heads do not match installed heads in type/temperature/response/K-factor/finish
• Spare head cabinet not present or not accessible on site
Best-Practice Deficiencies
• Cabinet unlabeled, damaged, or difficult to access
• Missing protective sleeves/caps
• No inventory tracking by facility (not required, but strongly advisable)
Corrective Actions & Proper Recommendation
1. Immediate – Code Compliance
• Stock the required number of spare heads per NFPA 25 Table 5.2.1.5
• Ensure all spares match the system exactly (type, temp, K-factor, response)
• Add the correct sprinkler wrench for each head type in the facility
2. Within 7 Days – Recommended Improvements
• Label cabinet “SPARE SPRINKLER HEADS”
• Organize heads with protective sleeves or caps
• Relocate cabinet near the riser or in another accessible location (best practice; NFPA only requires it to be “on the premises”)
3. Ongoing – Facility Practice
• Verify contents during required NFPA 25 annual inspections
• Replace used spares immediately after activation or testing
• Optional: maintain a simple spreadsheet/inventory list for accuracy
Report Wording Suggestions
“Good” –
“Spare sprinkler heads cabinet stocked in accordance with NFPA 25 Table 5.2.1.5. Matching heads and wrench present; cabinet accessible and organized.”
“Fix Needed – HIGH RISK” –
“Spare sprinkler heads kit incomplete or mismatched. Missing required number of heads and/or wrench. This delays system restoration. Recommend stocking correct quantity and type immediately per NFPA 25 Table 5.2.1.5.”
LCA Certified Inspector Motto
“Stock it. Match it. Label it. Rec it.”
Disclosure
This card identifies NFPA 25 (2023 Edition) requirements related to spare sprinklers and wrenches. OSHA does not regulate spare sprinkler head quantities. Always verify local fire codes and requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).