A Simple Upgrade for NFPA 13 Compliance and Longer-Lasting Fire Sprinkler Systems
At Fairfield Fire Protection, our mission is to keep your fire sprinkler systems operating at peak performance while ensuring full compliance with NFPA 13 standards. One of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make is installing an automatic air vent — a small device that delivers big benefits for safety, efficiency, and system longevity.
Why Air Vents Matter
Fire sprinkler systems can accumulate trapped air pockets over time, which may lead to:
- Increased corrosion inside pipes
- Delayed sprinkler activation times
- Higher maintenance and repair costs
Automatic air vents solve these issues by removing trapped air automatically, helping your system perform as intended and reducing long-term damage.
Code Requirements
In the 2016 edition, NFPA 13 introduced section 7.1.5 Air Venting, which states:
"A single air vent with a connection conforming to 8.16.6 shall be provided on each wet pipe system utilizing metallic pipe."
Section 8.16.6 clarifies that the vent should be placed near a system’s highest point and can be installed using:
- A manual valve (minimum ½ in. / 15 mm)
- An automatic air vent
- Another approved method
Our Recommendation
We recommend UL Listed & FM Approved models such as the Potter PAAR-B and Potter PAV. These units require little to no maintenance and are installed at the highest point of your sprinkler system, farthest from the riser. As your system fills with water, the vent releases corrosive oxygen, allowing the pipes to be completely filled with water for optimal performance.
Dissolved Oxygen: Not the Real Problem
Some worry about oxygen dissolved in water, but here’s the reality:
- Water contains about 10 parts per million oxygen (0.001%)
- Trapped air contains about 210,000 parts per million oxygen (21%)
Clearly, removing trapped air is far more important for preventing corrosion and maintaining system integrity.
Benefits of Installing Automatic Air Vents
- Reduces internal pipe corrosion
- Meets NFPA 13 requirements
- Improves system reliability and response time
- Requires low installation and maintenance costs
Need to schedule your NFPA 25 testing?
Fairfield Fire Protection can inspect your current system, recommend the right air vent solution, and ensure professional installation.
📞 Call us today at 740-400-2585 to schedule your inspection or learn more about upgrading your fire sprinkler system with an automatic air vent.
📧 Email: service@FairfieldFireProtection.com
