The problem
Fire sprinklers last for decades—but that longevity can create a problem when it’s time to restock your spare head cabinet. If your system’s sprinklers are discontinued, it’s usually impossible to repurchase the same model. But you still need spare heads onsite to meet NFPA requirements and quickly replace any sprinklers that activate or get damaged.
Without having appropriate spares, you risk being cited for non-compliance, delaying timely repairs, and even facing a building shutdown if the system is out of service. It’s important to fully stock a sprinkler cabinet as soon as possible!
Why this matters
NFPA 13 requires every facility to keep a minimum stock of spare sprinklers that match those installed in the system:
NFPA 13 (2025 edition)
16.2.7.5 The stock of spare sprinklers shall include all types, orientations, and ratings installed and shall be as follows:
(1) For protected facilities having under 300 sprinklers — no fewer than six sprinklers
(2) For protected facilities having 300 to 1000 sprinklers — no fewer than 12 sprinklers
(3) For protected facilities having over 1000 sprinklers — no fewer than 24 sprinklers
Having these extra sprinklers handy ensures a quick replacement if any installed models are damaged or activate, maintaining the building’s fire protection.
NFPA 25 also mandates annual inspections to ensure that the cabinet has the correct sprinklers and their compatible wrenches (2023 edition: 5.2.1.4). Missing or mismatched spares can trigger getting tagged with a system deficiency, delay replacements, and compromise the building’s fire protection.
The fix
When obsolete sprinklers can’t be replaced exactly, you need new models with matching performance characteristics. NFPA 25 requires replacement sprinklers to match the style, orifice size/K-factor, temperature rating, coating (if any), deflector type, and design requirements of the originals (5.4.1.3*).
Buy a newer model that matches these key specs, along with its compatible wrench, and you can stock the sprinkler cabinet to get compliant and prepared!
Buyer’s guide
To replace obsolete sprinklers:
- Identify the installed model via the sprinkler identification number (SIN) listed on the deflector (for sprinklers made after 2000) or various markings on the deflector and frame (for post-2000 sprinklers).
- Look up the sprinkler’s key specs and performance characteristics on its manufacturer’s data sheet.
- Choose a modern sprinkler with the same K-factor, response type, coverage type, temperature, coating, orientation, and other performance characteristics.
- Stock the matching wrench in your spare cabinet.
If you’re unsure whether a newer model is a good match, contact a local fire protection pro or get in touch with QRFS! We can identify your old model and recommend a compliant replacement.
If you’d like to shop for replacement sprinklers:
- Check out our complete line of fire sprinkler heads from Reliable, Senju, Tyco, Victaulic, and Viking
- Try out the QRFS QuickFinder
Product recommendations
FAQs
What if my exact sprinkler model is no longer made?
You can replace it with a newer model that has the same style, K-factor, temperature rating, and deflector type. QRFS can help identify suitable replacements—just contact us!
How do I find my sprinkler’s SIN?
Look for a 4- to 7-digit alphanumeric code stamped on the deflector. It starts with letters indicating the manufacturer: “VK” for Viking, “TY” for Tyco, “V” for Victaulic, “R” or “RA” for Reliable, and “SS” for Senju. If the sprinkler does not have one of these codes, it typically means the sprinkler was made before 2001, in which case …
What if my sprinklers are pre-2001 and have no SIN?
Examine the markings on the deflector and frame and conduct online research to identify the model. Once you know what it is, find the obsolete sprinkler’s data sheet to learn about its specs and performance characteristics, which a replacement sprinkler must match. Or, you can send photos of all the markings to QRFS for help with identification and finding a replacement!
Do I need a specific wrench for replacement sprinklers?
Yes. Each sprinkler model has a compatible wrench that’s required for safe installation—and must be on the premises in the spare sprinkler cabinet. Make sure to buy a compatible wrench with new replacement sprinklers—and maybe an extra, just in case the wrench goes missing!
