So, what's the problem?
Cover Plates are designed to react to a specific temperature. Common paint is not. Paint on your cover may result in delayed activation, compromising the safety of your building and the people inside of it.
It is NEVER okay to have paint on your fire sprinkler cover plate.
From the 2023 edition of NFPA 25:
5.4.1.7* Sprinklers shall not be altered in any respect or have any type of ornamentation, paint, or coatings applied after shipment from the place of manufacture.
Let's find a solution
You've gotten this far - so you know you have a problem. Let's fix it.
Remove your cover plate
Before you do any of the following, you will need to remove your current cover plate. To do so safely, watch the video below:
Identify your cover plate
Step 1. Identify the manufacturer
The manufacturer should be stamped or marked somewhere on the cover. Below are examples from each manufacturer.
Viking
Tyco
Reliable/RASCO
Victualic
Senju
Step 2. Identify the temperature
There are a number of ways to identify the temperature of your cover. Below are examples from each manufacturer where you can figure this out.
Viking *Orange label = 135F, White = 165F*
Tyco
Reliable
Victaulic
Senju
Step 3. Use the search bar below.
NOTE: Your search has opened in a new tab. You should see all available finishes in the results.
Step 4. Choose your preferred finish.
While white is far and away the most common cover plate finish, there are a variety of finishes available. Each manufacturer provides several additional finishes including chrome, black, brown, and more!
Browse available finishes in the results or navigate to a product page and select from the "Product Options" dropdown.
Having trouble IDing your cover?
Step 1. Figure out your sprinkler head's Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN)
Your SIN will be in one of two places: etched into the deflector or stamped onto the cup. See examples below.
Etched or stamped on deflector
On the cup of the sprinkler
Step 2. Identify your sprinkler's temperature
The temperature will likely be located somewhere near the SIN. However, in some cases, it may not be etched or stamped into the sprinkler at all. If this is the case, then you have two options:
1. If your sprinkler has a glass bulb, use the color of the fluid inside.
Orange - 135F
Red - 155F
Yellow - 175F
Green - 200F
Blue - 286F
Purple - 360F
2. If your sprinkler has a fusible link, use the paint marking on the frame.
Unmarked: 135F - 170F
White: 175F - 225F
Blue: 250F - 300F
Red: 325F - 375F
Make a note of your sprinkler's temperature. See Step 4 for why this is important.
Step 3. Search your SIN in the bar below
NOTE: Your search has opened in a new tab. You should see all available finishes in the results.
Step 4. Know the proper cover temperature for your sprinkler head.
Cover plate temperatures are generally 20+ degrees less than the compatible sprinkler itself. This ensures that the cover plate drops prior to sprinkler activation.
For example, the RA3415 is available in 165F and 212F. The compatible G5 cover plate is available in 135F and 165F. If you have the RA3415 in 165F, you actually need the 135F cover, not the 165F that is also available. This is where people (rightfully) get confused.
As a final check, ensure that the cover plate you're ordering is at least 20F less than the sprinkler.*
*In some rare cases, the difference between the cover plate and head temperature may be smaller than 20F, however, it will nearly always** be at least a few degrees lower.
**Certain Victaulic fire sprinkler heads rated at 135F temperatures are listed for use with compatible 135F cover plates.
Congrats! You have found your compatible cover plate!
The last step is to select the quantity you need, add your product(s) to the Cart, and Checkout!
If you are still stuck, click the Contact Us text at the top of this page and view our support options.