Commercial Fire Sprinkler System Requirements 101 (Los Angeles Edition)

Fire sprinkler systems save lives, protect property, and safeguard buildings from damage. They’re a key part of any fire prevention program, and they’re also required by law. In Los Angeles, most business owners are required to install and maintain a fire sprinkler system in full compliance with the LA fire code. Unfortunately, understanding the commercial fire sprinkler requirements can be difficult.

What does the fire code require? How can business owners ensure they stay compliant under state and local law? We’ll break down exactly what you need to do to follow the LA fire sprinkler city codes and keep occupants safe in case of a fire. We’ll also get into the commercial fire sprinkler system installation cost.

What Are the Commercial Fire Sprinkler Requirements in LA?

The LA Fire Sprinkler City Codes require building owners to install and maintain automatic fire sprinkler systems in certain buildings:

• Automatic fire sprinkler systems must be installed in existing residential dwellings.
• New residential buildings must have automatic fire sprinkler systems installed, regardless of the building’s size.
• Commercial high rises must have automatic fire sprinkler systems installed.
• New commercial structures must have automatic fire sprinkler systems installed, provided the structure has a fire area greater than 5,000 square feet.

Do All Commercial Buildings Require Fire Sprinkler Systems?

The majority of commercial buildings must have fire sprinklers installed. However, there are some exceptions. Some smaller commercial buildings are exempt from the requirement. In some cases, historical buildings are also exempt from the rule. 

When in doubt, it’s a good idea to consult with the experts. Violating the fire code can result in hefty penalties, so it’s a good practice to exercise caution. 

What Kind of Fire Sprinkler System Is Right for You?

There are four main kinds of fire sprinkler systems: wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge. Most commercial facilities use the wet pipe system, but depending on your situation, a different type of fire sprinkler may work better for you. Not sure which type of fire sprinkler system you need? Don’t worry. Our highly trained technicians will inspect your facility and design a system to meet your needs so you can stay safe and compliant, without you having to overspend your budget.

Here are the four types of fire sprinkler systems:

Wet Pipe Sprinkler System

This is the most common sprinkler system in modern facilities. The pipes in this system have constant access to water, so that as soon as a fire starts, the pipes — already filled with water — can activate and spray the fire immediately.

The sprinkler heads in this system are covered with glass bulbs. In the event of a fire, the rising temperature shatters those glass bulbs so that water sprays out of the sprinkler heads. This ensures a quick response to fire. Only the sprinkler heads near the fire are activated, so it also minimizes water damage.

Deluge Sprinkler System

Deluge sprinkler systems are similar to pre-action sprinkler systems in that they rely on a trigger, like a smoke detector, to release water to the sprinkler heads. However, deluge sprinkler systems release water to every sprinkler in the system all at once. Instead of water spraying from just a few nearby sprinklers, water flows from the whole system.

How Often Do Fire Sprinkler Systems Need To Be Inspected to Stay Compliant?

Staying compliant with the Los Angeles fire code requires regular inspections. At a minimum, you should have your sprinklers inspected at least once a year, but it’s a good practice to check on component parts more frequently.

Ideally, you should have gauges inspected once a month and pipework inspected at least once annually. It’s also a good idea to perform a basic inspection of the system on a quarterly basis. These routine inspections align with standard commercial fire sprinkler requirements and are a key part of preventive maintenance. Staying compliant not only ensures the safety of your property and occupants but also helps keep overall costs lower by identifying emerging issues early—while they’re still easy and affordable to fix.

How Often Do Fire Sprinkler Heads Need Replacing?

Fire sprinkler heads are usually very sturdy. They are designed to last for anywhere between 20 and 50 years, depending on the environment. Harsh environments, or exposure ot corrosive agents or chemicals, can degrade sprinkler heads so that they need replacement earlier in the lifecycle.

Routine inspections and maintenance will alert you to any issues with your fire sprinkler heads, so that you can stay ahead of a system failure. Regularly inspecting your fire sprinklers can also protect people and property from fire — and help you remain compliant with the LA fire code.

Whats the commercial fire sprinkler system cost?

Your commercial fire sprinkler installation cost will depend on your location, the size of your facility, and the type of sprinkler you’re installing. You can call us at 1 (800) 918-8978 or contact us online to get a quote right away. 

Remember, the cost of failing to install fire sprinklers can be very high. Fire sprinklers keep your occupants safe and protect your property from fire damage. It’s also important to stay compliant with state and local laws. Failure to comply can lead to fines and other penalties.