What is the minimum number of spare sprinklers required for a facility with 690 installed sprinkler heads?

In determining the minimum number of spare sprinklers required for a facility, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines typically stipulate that a certain percentage of the installed sprinkler heads must be kept on hand as spare parts. According to NFPA 13, the general requirement is to have a minimum of 6 spare sprinklers, or a percentage of the total number installed, whichever is greater.

For a facility with 690 installed sprinkler heads, if we calculate 1% of that number, we find that it is 6.9. As per the guidelines, this rounds up to 7, and the requirement is usually set at a minimum of 12 heads to ensure adequate coverage for replacements. If we were to consider other factors like varying sizes or types of sprinklers, this further reinforces the need to keep a broader inventory.

Therefore, the choice of 12 spare sprinklers is grounded in both maintaining compliance with safety standards and ensuring that the facility is prepared for prompt repairs without extensive delays, ensuring the safety of the environment it protects.