The 2025 Edition of NFPA 13 added a new provision, Chapter 8.2.7.5.2, which states:
“Where an air compressor is dedicated for the sprinkler system, the air compressor shall be listed for protection.”
The problem that this listing requirement addresses is that retail compressors, value engineered down to the lowest possible price point regardless of longevity or performance, were regularly being pulled off the shelf at home good stores, and permitted for use in these critical applications where quality and performance are essential. UL 1450 was the only standard available that would offer a base level of quality control however the listing was initially too broad in scope for fire sprinklers and even included vacuum pumps, pressure washers and other equipment.
Through work with the UL 1450 technical committee, the listing was rewritten to incorporate a supplement that is specific to our fire sprinkler application. Now all you need to look for is UL 1450, Supplement SC to know that the compressor you are using is suitable for dry and pre-action systems. As of April 2025, UL 1450, Supplement SC sets specific construction, performance, testing and marking standards that ensure listed air compressors are prepared for their job in a fire sprinkler system.
How can you determine if an air compressor is listed under UL 1450, Supplement SC? According to UL, listed air compressors will be marked with the following statement:
“This Air Compressor Has Been Evaluated for Fire Sprinkler Use according to UL 1450, SUPPLEMENT SC.”
Any air compressor that does not explicitly state it is UL 1450, Supplement SC listed, does not meet the standard set in the 2025 Edition of NFPA 13.
