Sprinklers manufactured prior to 1920 shall be what?

Sprinklers manufactured prior to 1920 shall be what?

• A. Replaced
• B. Repaired
• C. Reconditioned
• D. Retested

Answer: (A)

Sprinklers from that era aren’t reliable to current fire protection standards because they were built to different designs, materials, and tolerances, with no uniform temperature ratings or operation guarantees. Codes require replacing these very old heads to ensure predictable performance, compatibility with modern piping and fixtures, and consistent coverage and response times. Repairing or reconditioning them can’t guarantee the same level of reliability as new heads, since hidden corrosion, worn components, and unknown service histories may exist. Retesting doesn’t fix fundamental design or compatibility issues, so replacement is the safer, code-compliant choice.

Sprinklers from that era aren’t reliable to current fire protection standards because they were built to different designs, materials, and tolerances, with no uniform temperature ratings or operation guarantees. Codes require replacing these very old heads to ensure predictable performance, compatibility with modern piping and fixtures, and consistent coverage and response times.

Repairing or reconditioning them can’t guarantee the same level of reliability as new heads, since hidden corrosion, worn components, and unknown service histories may exist. Retesting doesn’t fix fundamental design or compatibility issues, so replacement is the safer, code-compliant choice.