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What is the typical service life of an air compressor for sprinkler systems?

A question that we are frequently asked is “How long would you expect a fire sprinkler air compressor to last?” The correct answer is – it varies… a lot. There are so many variables at play that will affect the overall service life of a fire protection air compressor in a dry pipe sprinkler system that there is no way to put a number on the hours or years a unit will last. These variables can be electrical, mechanical or environmental.

That being said, it is not uncommon for us to hear about a General Air Products fire protection air compressor lasting several decades in a well maintained system.

Last week a fire protection contractor sent in this picture from an installation in Santa Rosa, California stating, “This unit has been on this riser for 20 years but it’s finally given out – time for a replacement.” The customer, when talking about maintenance, mentioned this in his email, “Also, that compressor has NEVER been serviced, great product!”

We pride ourselves on making fire protection air compressors of the highest quality and technical support to match. We love to see examples of the reliability and longevity of our products. If you see an interested installation of a fire protection air compressor or see one that you believe to be very old – tell us, send us pictures, we want to hear from you!