sprinklernotes
Painted Escutcheons and the Requirements for Replacement.
You asked the following question: “Two correctional officers recently obtained additional training in fire safety. One officer has noted that eleven escutcheons in a prisoner activity area are painted. The sprinklers are a pendent type and extend below the ceiling. There is no evidence that the sprinklers themselves have paint, only the chrome escutcheons have signs of paint. The officer seems to recall that during his training, he was told that the escutcheons cannot be painted and that it is a violation of the fire code. I was curious if you understand this is to be correct per code reference, or if the officer was mistaken?” In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 25, 2017 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is that the escutcheons do not need to be replaced. The type of escutcheons that you described above would have to be assumed to be either “skirt” (cosmetic) or recessed (listed) type escutcheons. Although, the types mentioned are very different and treated as such when found missing, there is no requirement to have either one replaced if painted. The reason is that the paint located on the escutcheons would have no effect on the activation of the sprinkler itself. That said, if the sprinklers in question would have been concealed type sprinklers, then the paint on the coverplate of the sprinklers could cause a delay in or possibly prohibit sprinkler activation. This does at times cause confusion during training for those not familiar with sprinkler systems, since escutcheons and coverplates are typically lumped together during discussions. Paint that has been put on a concealed coverplate can actually affect the release time of the plate from the cup. Coverplate release is required to allow direct heat to the sprinkler element and allow the deflector to be exposed and/or drop to it’s appropriate activating position. Therefore, coverplates for concealed sprinklers are the only ones that require to be replaced when painted.
