sprinklernotes
Defining “New” for Valves, Devices, and Sprinklers
You asked the following questions: “We would like to know when a code
references installing new or unused valves and sprinklers on a system, what age
valves and sprinklers are acceptable. We have new or unused valves in our
inventory, but they were manufactured in 2001. What is too old, and what is
considered new?” In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 13, 2016
edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is the
equipment is no longer new once it has been installed and put into service.
To be considered new, the valve or devices must not have been installed
previously. Once installed, it’s considered existing, not new. There are no
specific references that can be pointed out in the NFPA standards, the building
or fire codes. Ultimately if the valves, devices, or sprinklers still have
their individual listings, then it is acceptable to be used. It would not be
against code to install an unused listed component that is 15+ yrs old, but
best practices would need to be considered, such as the environment the valves
or sprinklers have been stored in. For example, a box of fusible link
sprinklers stored in an unconditioned shop area would need to be investigated
for solder migration caused by the high temperatures to which these devices are
exposed during the hot summer months. Additionally, the condition of the
gaskets, clappers, and other components on valves or devices would need to be
taken in consideration. To provide another example, if you had a sprinkler in a
spare sprinkler box for 15 years (unused), would you feel comfortable
installing that sprinkler versus a newer equivalent? Also, consider the
additional time or work to ensure said component sets properly with such an
increased shelf life. With that being said, the International Fire Code in
section 104.7.1 allows the reuse and reconditioned valves and devices to be
installed but does not define whether in “new” or “existing” systems. NFPA 13
also allows the reuse and reconditioned valves and devices to be installed in
only existing systems per section 6.1.2.
In closing NFPA (including NFPA 25) does not define a time frame that a device
has to be installed from its manufactured date and doesn’t consider the age of
the device until it's installed.
