All of these models may be affected, without regard to the year of manufacture or installation. Building managers, homeowners and property owners can verify whether their fire sprinkler system is affected by directly contacting their fire sprinkler service company or the sprinkler manufacturer for identification information. UL's investigation will also seek to determine the cause of the observed elevated operating pressures. UL recommends that these leaking sprinklers be replaced as soon as possible. Although the water pressure available in most buildings exceeds 7 psi, a few sprinkler samples tested by UL did not operate at 60 psi, which exceeds the water pressure that is available in some occupancies, including residences.
Further testing is warranted.
Building owners who desire to have their sprinklers tested should select representative samples of these sprinkler models from the installation and send them to UL for testing. Beyreis said UL is also investigating sprinklers of similar construction. Fire sprinklers have an excellent field record and have saved countless lives and reduced property damage. For these reasons, we recommend that systems incorporating these sprinklers be tested at least annually.