In a major change that impacts installers, the 2016 NFPA 13 adds a new requirement that a single air vent be installed for each wet sprinkler system to help reduce potential corrosion activity due to trapped air. See below:

7.1.5 Air Venting
A single air vent with a connection conforming to 8.16.6 shall be provided on each wet pipe system utilizing metallic pipe.

8.16.6 Air Venting
The vent required by 7.1.5 shall be located near a high point in the system to allow air to be removed from that portion of the system by one of the following methods:

• Manual valve, minimum 1/2″ size
• Automatic air vent
• Other approved means

An NFPA task group addressed the issue and concluded that venting the trapped air in a wet system could:

• Reduce corrosion activity
• Reduce alarm ring delay
• Reduce water flow alarm cyclic ringing

Potter Automatic Air Vent – The best solution to meet the code!

Potter’s Automatic Air Vents are UL Listed and FM approved for wet pipe fire sprinkler systems. It is designed to reduce the amount of air in a fire sprinkler system will little or no maintenance. It is the ideal choice for meeting NFPA 7.1.5. The product is also available as a PAAR-B with drip pan. Josh Tihen, Product Manager for the Corrosion Division at Potter said, “We think that this code requirement is great for the fire protection industry. It will ensure the longevity of pipe systems by reducing corrosion, saving building owners time and money.”  Tihen continued. “I think the Potter PAV is the best solution to meet the new requirement. It is easy to use and the fact that it is automatic saves time and money.”