Problem: Accidental sprinkler activations can be a 6-figure flood risk!
You walk into the gym. A basketball hits a fire sprinkler.
BOOM — 10 to 28 gallons of water per minute rain down!
That’s what happens when a fire sprinkler discharges accidentally—and it happens more often than you think!
Property managers, maintenance leads, and contractors may have to deal with:
- Sprinklers broken by forklifts, balls, or people
- Tampering in schools, gyms, and stores
- Sudden floods that cost $1k-$100k+ in damage
Whether you run a warehouse full of inventory or a building packed with people, accidental activations can destroy property, disrupt operations, and drain budgets FAST.
Why this matters: It’s a budget buster and sprinklers must be put back into service quickly
NFPA 13, the sprinkler system installation standard, requires system owners to protect some sprinklers proactively:
16.2.6 Sprinklers subject to mechanical injury shall be protected with listed guards.
NFPA 25, the maintenance standard, requires replacing damaged or activated sprinklers:
5.2.1.1.1 * Any sprinkler that shows signs of any of the following shall be replaced:
(3) Physical damage
5.4.1.1 Replacement Sprinklers.
Sprinklers with any of the following qualifications shall be replaced:
(4)* Sprinklers affected by a fire as determined by the AHJ.
That means two things:
- If a head gets hit and discharges accidentally, you’re replacing it (and everything below it). The building or a part of it will likely be shut down until you do.
- You could fail a fire protection inspection if you don’t install guards where required.
Avoid the violation. Avoid the flood. Avoid the cost!
The fix: Prevent discharges before they happen AND prepare to stop others fast
Step 1: Prevent fire sprinklers from going off accidentally
Install head guards in places a sprinkler is likely to get hit—gyms, stairwells, loading docks, retail stockrooms.
- Standard head guards work for light bumps
- Heavy-duty head guards protect against harder impacts like thrown balls or forklifts
IMPORTANT! Only listed guards can be used without approval from the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction). Check with your fire marshal before installing unlisted standard or heavy-duty guards.
Step 2: React FAST to accidental discharges
If a sprinkler activates accidentally, every second matters. Don’t waste time looking for (and maybe trying to unlock) a system control valve — use a sprinkler shutoff tool to stop the spray instantly!
BEST PRACTICE: Keep a sprinkler stopper in fire extinguisher cabinets, maintenance carts, maintenance rooms, or tool-belts!
Buyer’s guide: Choose the right protection
Accidental sprinkler discharge prevention:
- Use standard head guards for areas at risk of mild impacts
- Use heavy-duty guards in gyms, warehouses, or anywhere hard-impact risk is high!
- Check sprinkler compatibility—listed guards are model-specific, and unlisted guards require AHJ approval
Fast shutoff:
- Shutgun offers models for most sprinklers, including concealed and institutional.
- Quickstop is perfect for basic pendents, uprights, and sidewalls.
- Both the Shutgun and the Quickstop serve as temporary sprinklers, keeping your system on and building open while you get a replacement sprinkler!
TIP: If your building has multiple sprinkler types, consider a 5-Piece Shutgun Kit or 7-Piece Shutgun Kit.
TIP: Need help finding the right guard or shutoff tool for your specific sprinkler? Email our support team, and we’ll help you ID it!
Product Recommendations
Prevent Damage
Stop the Discharge
Ready to protect your building?
Shop now to prevent accidental activation and stop water damage fast!
FAQs
Q: What causes sprinklers to go off accidentally?
A: Accidental impact damage, intentional vandalism, and extreme heat (when no fire is around) are some examples. The first problem is common in gyms, warehouses, loading docks, and anywhere sprinklers are placed low enough in a high-traffic area for someone to bump them.
Q: How do I know which sprinkler shutoff tool to buy?
A: Start with the type of sprinkler heads in your building. If you have concealed or institutional sprinklers, or you’re worried about heads getting completely sheared off by machinery, you’ll need specific Shutgun models and attachments. Otherwise, you can pick a Shutgun or a Quickstop for the most common types.
A: Do I need AHJ approval to use heavy-duty head guards?
A: If any guards are not UL Listed or FM Approved to go with specific sprinklers, most jurisdictions require approval. Listed guards for a sprinkler can be used without additional approval.
