The rule
NFPA 25 is explicit: any sprinkler head that’s been painted (other than the factory finish) has to be replaced. Paint changes the activation temperature, bonds the fusible link, and disqualifies the listing. It’s a no-judgment call on the inspection report.
The fix
Pulled the painted head, installed a new listed head of the same temperature rating and K-factor, and documented the replacement in the inspection report. The painter on the original job didn’t know — most don’t. We flag this every time we see it.
The takeaway
If a contractor paints a building and the sprinklers get the same finish as the ceiling, they’re now non-compliant. Catching it on inspection is the cheapest possible outcome; finding it during a fire is the worst.
