In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about cable on sprinkler pipe.

Q: We have some sprinkler piping that runs the length of the hall, with multiple wires wrapped around the pipe. There is no way of removing the wiring from the pipe unless we perform some major sprinkler pipe removal and reinstallation. This has been identified in a mock survey and we need to come up with a plan of action. Is it acceptable to create a six-year Plan for Improvement similar to a PFI for a smoke damper stating that this will be corrected with future renovations?

A: No, creating a PFI without intending to resolve the problem is not acceptable.

Here is one possible solution: Do a risk assessment to determine what risks exist to the sprinkler pipe that has cable surrounding it. (I suspect you will find there are no, or at the most minimal, risks.)  

Read the complete answer.