Which statement about pressure gauges is true?

• A. Gauges must be installed in a locked cabinet.
• B. Gauges are optional in NFPA 13R.
• C. Gauges may be placed anywhere in the building.
• D. Pressure gauges must be accessible and freeze-proof.

Answer: (D)

The main point here is that pressure gauges must be easy to read and protected from freezing so you can reliably monitor the sprinkler system. NFPA 13R requires gauges to be accessible for inspection and testing, and if located in spaces that could get cold, they must be freeze-proof. This ensures you can verify system pressure during routine checks or in an emergency without climbing into locked spaces or dealing with damaged or unreadable gauges caused by freezing. Gauges in a locked cabinet would be inaccessible; treating gauges as optional would defeat the purpose of monitoring pressure; and placing gauges anywhere in the building could put them out of reach or in locations where readings aren’t accurate or readable.