4 Types Of Fire Sprinkler Heads (With Photos)

Smoke alarms are useful, but they don’t do anything to extinguish a fire. Fire sprinkler systems are the opposite in that they don’t react to smoke, but they release water in extreme temperatures. You can stop fires before they become deadly with a fire sprinkler system, so how do fire sprinkler heads differ?

Upright, concealed, pendent, and sidewall heads are the main types of fire sprinkler heads. Upright, concealed, and pendent heads descend from the ceiling and spray water down. Sidewall fire sprinkler heads are used when there isn’t space for water pipes in the ceiling, and they spray water in a crescent shape.

There are several options, sizes, shapes, and temperatures sensitivities within each type of fire sprinkler head. Fire sprinkler heads react to hot temperatures and release water when a predetermined temperature is reached. Follow along as we explore the different types of fire sprinkler heads and see what makes them unique.

Most types of fire sprinkler heads contain bulbs, and they are a vital component of the system. The bulb effectively plugs the water so that it doesn’t shoot out of the head until it is activated. Fire sprinkler head bulbs are weighted with liquid that helps the part stay in place.

Bulbs both plug the water and can detect dangerous temperatures and respond appropriately. Manufacturers typically fill fire sprinkler head bulbs with glycerin, and glycerin reacts to extreme temperatures. Glycerin swells with heat, and that causes the bulb to shatter which allows water to spray from the head.

Deflectors are directly responsible for the water getting where it needs to go. Sprinkler heads contain deflectors so that the water can spray outward, and water won’t get trapped in the ceiling or walls. A fire sprinkler head’s deflector is made of metal, and it essentially acts as a springboard for the water.

Water releases from within the sprinkler system and hits the deflector so that it can spray down and extinguish a fire. Each type of fire sprinkler head has a unique deflector because of the angle that it needs to spray water from. Without a deflector, there is no way to guarantee that water will spray from the head and put out a flame.

A heat sensor, or heat-sensing element, is a common alternative to bulbs in a fire sprinkler head. They are more practical in bulbs in many ways and require no bulb to shatter to activate the system. Instead, heat sensors feature a fusible link that contains metal filaments that react to high temperatures.

Similar to the glycerin in a bulb, the metal filament in a heat sensor undergoes a reaction in extreme heat. The metal filament gradually melts under extreme heat until it drops and kicks the sprinkler system into high gear. Water rushes out of the system, hits the deflector, and sprays out of the head to extinguish the fire.

If you have an open ceiling, then you probably have an upright fire sprinkler head. An upright fire sprinkler head comes out from the top of the water pipe and they rain down from above. It is common to find upright fire sprinkler heads in warehouses or large office spaces with open and unfinished ceilings.

Upright fire sprinkler heads are perfect for high ceilings, and they can cover a lot of ground. Fires that break out in large open spaces can be easily extinguished with an upright fire sprinkler head. There are several shapes and sizes to choose from with upright fire sprinkler heads to accommodate different spaces.

They are the opposite of standard fire sprinkler heads that come down through the ceiling. Upright fire sprinkler heads have the most protection from dust, debris, and ice during the winter. Water sprays down in a dome shape when the plug is released, and that’s why upright heads cover so much ground.

As the name suggests, concealed fire sprinkler heads are difficult to spot until they are activated and spray water. Concealed fire sprinkler heads are just as effective as standard pendent heads, but they are flush with the ceiling. That makes concealed fire sprinkler heads the perfect option for those that don’t want their sprinkler to be easily detectable.

Decorative caps cover concealed fire sprinkler heads and drop when they are activated. The caps drop out when the sprinkler system gets near the temperature that causes the sprinkler system to release water. Your decorative caps act almost as secondary plugs, but they don’t hold any water back.

Instead, the caps drop out and the fire sprinkler heads themselves lower to let water out of the pipes. It is possible to replace the decorative caps if your sprinkler system is activated or if the caps are damaged. Never paint or tamper with your concealed fire sprinkler head, or it may not lower and activate in the event of a fire.

Sidewall fire sprinkler heads are necessary if you don’t have access to an overhead water pipe or upright head. They are ideal for small spaces, and sidewall fire sprinkler heads cannot cover a lot of ground like an upright head. The deflector on a sidewall fire sprinkler head is unique and designed to project water downward and away from the ceiling.

Instead of the water coming out like a dome with an upright sprinkler head, sidewall sprinklers spray water in a crescent shape. You can use sidewall sprinkler heads in conjunction with upright and concealed heads if you need to cover tight spaces. Sidewall sprinkler heads are perfect for closets or narrow storage spaces without overhead pipe access.

The most common type of fire sprinkler head is the traditional pendent, or pendant, head. Water descends from a pendent sprinkler head in a cone shape spraying evenly from each side. The even water coverage of pendent sprinkler heads is what makes them the ideal protection against fires.

You can find pendent fire sprinkler heads in industrial buildings, office spaces, and even residences. They require an overhead water pipe that sends water to the deflector and down the sides of the head. Individual pendent sprinkler heads vary based on temperature activation, shape, size, and spray pattern.

Upright and traditional pendent heads are the most effective. They can cover large spaces evenly and have fast response times. Sidewall sprinklers are the best option if you need to cover a small, cramped space.

Concealed sprinkler heads are just as effective as upright and pendent heads. Some business and property owners prefer concealed heads because they are flush with the ceiling. Upright fire sprinklers are ideal because water rains down in a dome shape along the sides of the head to cover the most ground.

Wet pipe systems are ideal because they utilize water to extinguish a fire. A dry fire sprinkler system is effective, but they use nitrogen and pressurized air. Dry systems simply don’t work as well because water is more reliable and can quickly put out flames.

Related Questions

Do fire sprinklers detect smoke?

No, fire sprinklers do not detect smoke, and they only activate due to high temperatures. Fire sprinkler heads are sensitive to extreme temperatures and often release water before smoke appears. They are the most effective way to extinguish a fire because they often turn on before the fire department can arrive.

Should fire sprinklers be inspected?

Yes, you should have your fire sprinkler system inspected every 10 years to be safe. It is also common to inspect fire sprinklers if they have recently been activated to make sure that they will work again. Inspect your fire sprinklers during the winter to check for signs of frost and ice damage.

Are fire sprinklers required in apartments?

Fire sprinklers are required in apartment buildings, but not within individual apartments. Large apartment buildings often have fire sprinklers throughout the property. Any building over 5,000 square feet or over 55’ tall must have fire sprinklers on the premises.

Upright and pendent heads are the most common types of fire sprinkler heads. Concealed fire sprinkler heads work the same way, but they have decorative caps that make them flush with the ceiling. Sidewall fire sprinkler heads spray in a crescent shape and are primarily ideal for small spaces.

Upright, concealed, and pendent fire sprinkler heads all require an overhead water pipe. You can use sidewall sprinkler systems for additional coverage in spaces that have upright and pendent sprinkler heads. Fire sprinkler heads react to extreme temperatures and do not activate when smoke is present.

Water rushes out of the pipe, hits the deflector, and sprays out of the fire sprinkler head. Fire sprinkler heads either use bulbs filled with glycerin or fusible links to detect spikes in temperature.