SPRINKLER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (SIN) CHARACTER REGISTRATION

The goal of the Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN) system is to ensure proper use of the sprinklers:

• Specifiers, design engineers, and layout technicians can check the use of a sprinkler against its capabilities.
• Fitters and inspectors can verify that the proper product has been installed and conforms to its design basis.
• Owners and fitters can use it to determine a proper replacement sprinkler should be necessary.

The requirement for a SIN designation on sprinklers originated in the 1999 edition of NFPA 13, Installation of Automatic Sprinklers, with subsequent reference and adoption by UL Solutions, FM Approvals, and other agencies. Use of a SIN is required on all sprinklers installed on sprinkler systems required to comply with NFPA 13 on January 1, 2001. So sprinklers manufactured and installed prior to this date will not have SIN markings.

A SIN is comprised of one or two letters followed by three or four numbers.

The letters in the SIN represent the manufacturer of the sprinkler. The three or four numbers that follow the are the model numbers and are set by the manufacturer themselves. Every change in orifice size, response classification, distribution characteristic, and maximum working pressure must be identified by a separate SIN. This system has not been established to create uniformity of model numbers among the manufacturers. Some manufacturers use each digit to represent a characteristic of the sprinkler, while others use it strictly as a cataloging number. For example, Model AB120 could be one manufacturer’s standard response K-5.6 (K-80 metric) upright spray sprinkler, while Model BC120 could be another manufacturer’s K-14 (K-200 metric) pendent ESFR.’

Click here for more information on the Sprinkler Identification Number