Concealed Sprinkler Data Collection Project
The American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) is actively gathering data on concealed fire sprinklers to enhance safety protocols. Concealed sprinklers, defined in NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and referenced in NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, are designed with a cover plate to aesthetically blend into the ceiling, making them less obtrusive. However, this design necessitates periodic inspection to ensure functionality and prevent premature activation. In 2022, the NFPA 25 committee proposed a five-year inspection interval to align with other maintenance activities requiring similar equipment, optimizing resource utilization.
This initiative underscores the commitment to continuous improvement in safety measures, acknowledging the balance between thorough inspection processes and practical considerations of cost and effort for facility owners and inspectors. The technical committee's decision, despite some opposition, indicates a consensus on the importance of these inspections while also recognizing the need for a pragmatic approach to their implementation.
ASHE requests your data so that we can help the committee develop a practical method for ensuring concealed fire sprinklers remain functional. Please download the Excel document linked below, follow the steps on the Instructions tab and record your data in the Form tab. Once you have completed your inspection and recorded relevant data, please upload your form to this Data Portal.
If you have any questions about the project, please contact Chad Beebe.