USED FIRE SPRINKLERS?

[NJ1]

GUYS LET PICK EACH OTHERS BRAINS FOR A SECOND.
Is there any book, standard, code, etc., that does not allows you to reinstall used sprinkler heads.
Example:
You have a new installation of 100 sprinkler heads. The job is completed even hydro tested but 6 months later when final inspection is due your technician realize that the wrong heads where installed from the beginning. You go ahead and removed the sprinkler heads and install the right ones, but wrong ones are sent back to the shop. Is there anything that will impede a contractor to used the wrong heads somewhere else? Even a year later?
I thought I saw something somewhere but I am not sure. Maybe manufacturer's specs?
The reason I asked is because I have seen it done before but it sounds more ethical than code related.
Anybody has a comment?

 

[PEDARRIN2]

NFPA 13 6.2.1 states that only new sprinklers are to be installed.

I didn't find a definition of "new" - but I would assume it to mean sprinklers that have not been installed elsewhere.

I would say that if the sprinklers were exposed to system pressure - whether water or air - they could not be "new" and could not be removed and reused elsewhere.

 

[NJ1]

That is right. I was also under the impression that once you screw a sprinkler head to any fitting it becomes used. Also if you hydrostatic test the system it must be consider used as well.

 

[mzg123]

I agree with you, but I have seen in renovation drawings that adressed' relocate the sprinkler head. Is relocation of the sprinkler head without separating from the fitting allowed?

 

[NJ1]

mzg123 now you took this conversation to a whole new level. I would assume that it is acceptable just because no separation from fitting has being made however think of this.
No definition has being found to determine what is new. Yeah do you mean new out of the box? I believe just like any other consumer product once you open the box is no longer new.
As I said before it is more ethical for one reason. If on your proposal you indicate new installation including new products then is a false claim.
On the other hand relocating the sprinkler unless otherwise specified should be acceptable. Just my opinion.
I want to discuss just for contract learning purposes.

 

[PEDARRIN2]

This might be splitting hairs, but maybe "installed" is different from "relocated".

A lot of times when sprinklers are relocated it is only piping that changes - unless there is a change in the requirements for the sprinklers.

The sprinklers are not removed from the piping (no tool touches the sprinkler) - so the integrity of the sprinkler is maintained.

 

[chicopee]

How would one know if sprinkler heads that were cleaned up of gunk buildup were used once? I am sure that there are contractors that would reuse sprinkler heads, may be not a whole bunch but lets say that two or three that would need to be replaced.

 

[AZsprink]

How about a scenario like in a new wooden shell building with bushed uprights, when the ceilings are put in for the new tenant the upright is removed from the fitting and then reinstalled in the new tee?

 

[NJ1]

That is a great questions. My concern is the scenario i describe at the beginning of the thread. Removing the heads and using them months/years later. That does not sound right to me. I seen companies doing that however it does not mean is right.

 

[fireguy519345]

I would be afraid to install used heads just to save $10.00 or $20.00 per head on a job. I specifically exclude the use of any used parts from any warrenty on our work.

 

[NJ1]

Absolutely. It does not pay for you to be cheap like that. I worked at a company that put all sprinklers (coated, non coated) in boxes but the heads where loose. Scratching all that coating from the heads. I said "common man".
Totally not acceptable.