The problem
A pro can’t work on your fire sprinklers without the right wrench—and that can be a serious issue. Fire sprinkler heads require specific wrenches made by the manufacturer to avoid damaging them during installation or removal. But what if your matching wrench is missing, your sprinklers are outdated, and the wrench and sprinkler are no longer available?
You’ve got a problem. If you don’t have the correct wrench in your spare sprinkler cabinet, a pro may not have the necessary tool to replace sprinklers, and an inspector will flag you for an NFPA 25 violation. No wrench = no compliance = costly downtime or penalties.
Why this matters
Manufacturers produce fire sprinkler wrenches that are specifically designed to fit their sprinklers, preventing slippage and damage to heads—especially their delicate, heat-sensitive elements. And some sprinklers, including concealed and recessed models, can only be accessed with specially designed sockets.
That’s why NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 require keeping compatible wrenches on-site:
From the 2023 edition of NFPA 25
5.4.1.6.5* One sprinkler wrench as specified by the sprinkler manufacturer shall be provided in the cabinet for each type of sprinkler installed to be used for the removal and installation of sprinklers in the system.
If a sprinkler activates or gets damaged, it must be replaced ASAP to restore fire protection. Without the correct wrench, you may be stuck with a system that can’t be fixed quickly—and that’s a liability.
The fix
If you can’t find the proper wrench, it’s usually because the sprinkler model has been discontinued, along with its corresponding wrench. In some cases, the manufacturer of the sprinkler and wrench may no longer exist. Here’s what to do:
1. Identify your sprinkler: If it was made after 2000, find the Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN) and use the QRFS QuickFinder to match it to a compatible wrench. If your sprinkler is older, look at any markings on the frame or deflector to ID it—QRFS can help.
2. If the sprinkler and wrench are discontinued: Unless you can find older models for sale, you’ll need to buy new, currently available sprinkler models—and the matching wrenches for them—to keep in your spare sprinkler cabinet. NFPA 25 (5.4.1.3) states that replacement sprinklers must match these characteristics of the old models:
- Style
- Orifice size and K-factor
- Temperature rating
- Coating, if any
- Deflector type (e.g., upright, pendent, sidewall)
- Design requirements
3. Buy your new replacement spare sprinklers and the new wrenches that match them to put in the spare sprinkler cabinet. Then, you’ll be compliant and ready to replace sprinklers in the system if needed.
4. Removing old sprinklers? You can use a universal wrench for safe removal only—not for installation.
Product recommendations
Shop sprinklers and wrenches at QRFS
Check out our selection of:
- Fire sprinklers from Viking, Reliable, Victaulic, Tyco, and Senju
- Sprinkler wrenches for every currently manufactured sprinkler, plus some older models
Use the QRFS QuickFinder to search for a wrench by SIN. If your sprinkler doesn’t have a SIN or you need help identifying it and getting replacement heads or wrenches, contact us!
FAQs
Can I use a universal wrench to install a fire sprinkler?
No. Universal wrenches can damage the head and are only safe (and code-compliant) for removing sprinklers—not installing them.
How do I know which wrench fits my sprinkler?
Find the SIN (Sprinkler Identification Number) on the deflector and use QRFS’s QuickFinder tool to match it to the proper wrench. Otherwise, determine the model for sprinklers without a SIN and look for old datasheets that detail the matching wrench. QRFS can help.
What if my sprinkler and wrench are discontinued?
You must replace the old sprinkler with a currently sold model that matches all NFPA-required characteristics—and buy its matching wrench.
How many sprinkler wrenches do I need in the spare sprinkler cabinet?
It depends. A small system with all of the same sprinkler models, or multiple models that use the same wrench, may need only one wrench. A larger system with numerous sprinkler types may need multiple wrenches compatible with “each type of sprinkler installed.”