--- title: WSRB Sprinkler Rating | WSRB Blog description: WSRB gives sprinkler credit to a building based on many aspects of the sprinkler system. Learn about the documentation we need to evaluate a property. image: https://www1.wsrb.com/hubfs/images/blog/2018/WSRB-sprinkler-rating.jpg --- [![Go to WSRB](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/wsrb-logo-white.png?width=120&height=20&name=wsrb-logo-white.png "Go to WSRB")](https://www1.wsrb.com/) [![Go to BuildingMetrix](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs-fs/hubfs/buildingmetrix/logo/inactive-BMI-1.png?width=140&height=23&name=inactive-BMI-1.png "Go to BuildingMetrix")](https://www.buildingmetrix.com/) [![Washington Surveying & Rating Bureau logo](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/wsrb-horiz-logo-rgb.png?width=150&height=51&name=wsrb-horiz-logo-rgb.png "Washington Surveying & Rating Bureau logo")](https://www1.wsrb.com/) [![CREATE AN ACCOUNT](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2459360/aa915923-2069-489f-ac4c-7946d6a68368.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2459360/aa915923-2069-489f-ac4c-7946d6a68368) [![LOG 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ACCOUNT](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2459360/aa915923-2069-489f-ac4c-7946d6a68368.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2459360/aa915923-2069-489f-ac4c-7946d6a68368) [![LOG IN](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2459360/04bb3ea0-778f-4261-b716-8cb51be8b93c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2459360/04bb3ea0-778f-4261-b716-8cb51be8b93c) ** ** ** #### [About the Company](https://www1.wsrb.com/about) Who we are and how we serve insurers, agents, and Washington state residents.  #### [CEO Perspective](https://www1.wsrb.com/ceo-perspective-wsrb) Engaging thought leadership on key insurance industry issues from our CEO.  #### [Meet the Team](https://www1.wsrb.com/meet-the-team) Get to know the team behind WSRB’s trusted data and excellent customer service.  #### [Careers](https://www1.wsrb.com/careers) Learn about the benefits of working at WSRB and apply for open positions.   #### [Underwriting Property](https://www1.wsrb.com/resources/underwriting-property-risks) A guide to key risks in Washington state: fire, wildfire, and earthquakes. --- #### [Video Hub](https://www1.wsrb.com/video) Expert webinars, timely discussions, and in-depth conversations with industry leaders..  #### [Commercial Property](https://www1.wsrb.com/risk-assessment-guide) Information on loss costs, policy rating, and assessment tools.   --- #### [Industry Toolkit](https://www1.wsrb.com/resources/industry-toolkit) Links to help you work smarter and serve your customers.   #### [Protection Classes](https://www1.wsrb.com/resources/public-protection) The evaluation process explained from start to finish. --- #### [WSRB Blog](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog) News on emerging risks as well as our latest products.  #### [Library](https://www1.wsrb.com/library) In-depth content on essential insurance topics. --- #### [InsuranceEDGE](https://www1.wsrb.com/insuranceedge) Weekly newsletter covering the P/C industry, curated by our experts.  Search **Search filters** Website pages Blog posts Help Center articles Include results from BuildingMetrix.com [![wsrb_white-logo](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs-fs/hubfs/wsrb_white-logo.png?width=100&height=17&name=wsrb_white-logo.png "wsrb_white-logo")](https://www1.wsrb.com/) ** ** ![](https://www1.wsrb.com/hubfs/images/blog/2018/WSRB-sprinkler-rating.jpg) [Sprinklers](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/tag/sprinklers) | 2 min read # WSRB Sprinkler Rating [![Robert Lacy](https://www1.wsrb.com/hubfs/Robert%20Lacy%20-%20Author-1.jfif)](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/author/robert-lacy) By [Robert Lacy](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/author/robert-lacy) September 24, 2012 WSRB evaluates automatic fire sprinkler systems for fire insurance rating credit according to our filed rating schedule. In order to ensure a system is properly designed for the occupancy, is being adequately maintained for insurance purposes, and was properly installed, we need the following: 1. Complete set of “As-Built” sprinkler plans. 2. Hydraulic calculations for each sprinkler system (if applicable). 3. Completed Contractor’s Material and Test Certificates, signed and dated, for the Underground and Above-ground piping. This includes the results of the main drain test (static and residual pressures), local alarm test indicating maximum time to operate, and a full trip test using the inspector’s test outlet if there is a dry pipe valve (normal air pressure, trip time, trip point air pressure, time of discharge at the inspector’s test outlet). If we get the above information, we can better evaluate a system and believe with confidence that it will perform as expected. This will result in a higher possible mechanical grade and more advisory rating credit.   #### Related: [WSRB's Essential Guide to Commercial Property Risk Assessment](https://www1.wsrb.com/risk-assessment-guide)   ## What happens if the required documentation isn't available? Because we often don’t rate buildings until they are several years old, the above documentation is sometimes hard to come by. Fire sprinkler systems commonly fail because they are improperly designed for the current occupancy or they are not adequately maintained and tested. So, we have adjusted our criteria for classifying buildings as sprinklered. If we get a copy of a recent confidence test (annual inspection, testing, and maintenance on the sprinkler system) done within the last year, showing the appropriate main drain test, any trip tests done on dry systems, the local alarm test, and we can determine the design and demand of the sprinkler system through a placard at the riser, plans, or partial hydraulic calculations, we will evaluate it for credit as a sprinklered building. If we get a copy of a recent confidence test, along with an application to survey the building, we will go out and try to determine if there is enough information on site to grade the system. In some cases, there won’t be (no design information, the system isn’t designed for the current occupant, conflicting information on the system), in which case we will continue to classify the building as non-sprinklered. Installation methods or designs which do not meet minimum NFPA standards, systems that are designed for life safety (i.e.  NFPA 13R systems), systems that are not properly maintained and/or systems that have inadequate water supplies will receive little or no credit on their fire insurance loss costs and will not be coded as sprinklered. Note: Hotels are sometimes installed in accordance with NFPA 13 (property protection, eligible for coding as a sprinklered building) and sometimes in accordance with NFPA 13R (life safety, not eligible for coding as a sprinklered building). Rating credit is always subject to verification of the sprinkler installation and conditions existing at the time of our inspection. [![NO SPRINKLER LEFT BEHIND](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2459360/interactive-188877956417.png) ](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK454YbQTFgywe8DV%2B0OZYf%2FNCaqjB8ZX6vN6TANIKxn14kZ33ZfholYJ0v8Tk9s7DI4G4H5%2BuPhJM9veVf%2FDAk6zE47J9vu5basM1IrrczZJiwX%2BMPpL69LP1ANDKd%2B0EmIqBoL1N4m%2BUvgTLJnk5MMUP8n94TvHq%2Fz2Czq8TTOcw%3D&webInteractiveContentId=188877956417&portalId=2459360) --- Robert Lacy, WSRB's Vice President, Inspection Services & Professional Development, oversees our team of commercial property analysts as they produce advisory loss costs, commercial property reports, and automatic fire sprinkler system evaluations. He is involved in the annual evaluation of our loss cost levels, ensuring we are current on coding and rating issues for commercial property. Additionally, Robert works to encourage professional development throughout the organization. Connect with me on [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/robert-lacy/b/266/421) ![Guy-reading-insuranceEDGE](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20Website/images/CTA/Guy-reading-insuranceEDGE.jpg?width=657&name=Guy-reading-insuranceEDGE.jpg "Guy-reading-insuranceEDGE") ### InsuranceEDGE Like our blog? Check out InsuranceEDGE. We curate the week’s must-read stories from top industry sources. You stay informed and save time. [![SIGN UP TODAY!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2459360/95c94a44-1d9d-4c6b-bf4e-408fb500cfe0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2459360/95c94a44-1d9d-4c6b-bf4e-408fb500cfe0) ## You May Also Like These stories on Sprinklers [![](https://www1.wsrb.com/hubfs/cinema-1.png) ](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/busting-hollywood-fire-sprinkler-myths) [Sprinklers](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/tag/sprinklers) ### [Busting Hollywood Fire Sprinkler Myths](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/busting-hollywood-fire-sprinkler-myths) July 7, 2020 | 3 min read [![](https://www1.wsrb.com/hubfs/sprinkler%20system-1.png) ](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/one-size-sprinkler-system-does-not-fit-all) [Sprinklers](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/tag/sprinklers) ### [One Size Sprinkler System Does Not Fit All](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/one-size-sprinkler-system-does-not-fit-all) January 29, 2020 | 3 min read [![](https://www1.wsrb.com/hubfs/sprinklered%20home.png) ](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/home-sprinklered-home) [Sprinklers](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/tag/sprinklers) ### [Home, Sprinklered Home](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/home-sprinklered-home) July 24, 2018 | 2 min read Previous Story [← Tsunami Inundation Maps for Insurance Underwriting](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/tsunami-inundation-maps-for-insurance-underwriting) [** ](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog) Next Story [Educating Clients about Insurance Loss Costs and Loss Control Inspections →](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/educating-clients-about-insurance-loss-costs-inspections) ![blog listing blog sign up](https://www1.wsrb.com/hubfs/images/website/blog%20listing%20blog%20sign%20up.jpg "blog listing blog sign up") ### Sign up for our blog ![Washington Surveying & Rating Bureau logo](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs-fs/hubfs/wsrb_white-logo.png?width=200&height=34&name=wsrb_white-logo.png "Washington Surveying & Rating Bureau logo") Phone: 206-217-0101 Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM   [Site Map](https://www1.wsrb.com/vis-sitemap) COMPANY RESOURCES FROM OUR BLOG Copyright © 1911 – 2026 WSRB. 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