Although they may all seem the same, fire sprinkler heads come in many different sizes and shapes.
Fire sprinkler systems are very easy for most people to take for granted. But, have you ever noticed the different sprinkler heads that you see in retail, residential, and commercial properties? Although they may all seem the same, fire sprinkler heads come in many different sizes and shapes, and these differences are not just all based on looks. Understanding how and why sprinkler heads are different is important in helping to understand how sprinkler systems work. Read on for a helpful guide on some different types of fire sprinkler heads!
Pendant Fire Sprinklers
The pendant fire sprinkler head is one of the most common types that you will see. These sprinkler heads descend from the ceiling with a circular, convex, gapped deflector plate located on the bottom. Sprinklers contain a heat-sensitive element or liquid that melts or expands at a given temperature. Once this temperature is reached, an orifice opens that sends a stream of water downward onto their deflectors, which then disperses the water in a conical pattern into the room. These sprinklers cover surprisingly large areas as they extend from the ceiling. Upright sprinklers operate in a similar manner, except the deflector directs the water downward.
Concealed Pendant Head
When a pendant sprinkler head is recessed into your ceiling and covered by a decorative cap that blends in with the decor, this is known as a concealed pendant head. Where aesthetics are a concern, concealed pendants are a good choice. While it might seem like these decorative caps would hinder the sprinkler from operating, they’re designed to fall away once the temperature reaches 20 degrees below the sprinkler’s activation temperature. This plate will no longer be in the way if and when the temperatures become high enough to activate the system.
Sidewall Fire Sprinkler Heads
Sidewall sprinkler heads protrude horizontally out of your walls parallel towards the floor, instead of descending from the ceiling. Sidewall sprinklers are ideal for smaller spaces, like hallways, areas with obstructions, or where ceiling piping isn’t available. The sidewall sprinkler head has a solid, semi-circular, or rectangular deflector plate that helps to disperse the water away from ceilings and down and out in a crescent-shaped spray, toward the area it’s protecting.
For more information on different fire sprinkler heads, and which one fits your building best, give the fire protection professionals from Fireline a call today!
Fire Protection Services from Fireline
Whether you need smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or an automatic sprinkler system installed at your commercial property, Fireline has you covered. We have been protecting people and property from fire damage since 1947—and our experience shows in our excellent work! We are known for our superb customer service, our expertise, and our reliability. For more information on how we can help your residential or commercial property, visit us online or give us a call at (800) 553-3405. We are located in Baltimore, MD, with a second office in Leesburg, VA. For more fire safety tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.