A fire sprinkler head is the first thing you will notice in fire sprinkler systems. They act as the first line of defense that is responsible for dispersing water effectively in a fire outbreak.

Depending on the fire suppression system, the sprinkler heads either release water or other extinguishing agents like foam to control the spread of fire. Looking at their high stake functionality, it can be said that sprinkler heads are crucial components in a fire sprinkler system.

In this detailed blog, we will be covering how these devices work, different types of sprinkler heads available and their effectiveness.

 

The Basics of Fire Suppression Systems

 

Before we jump in to discuss the working mechanism of sprinkler heads, let’s see the basics of the system within which these devices operate. These are the following fire suppression system components typically found —

  • Sprinkler Heads: They are the most visible part of the system.
  • Control Valves: They serve the purpose of regulating water flow.
  • Piping System: A piping network that passes water to reach sprinkler heads.
  • Pressure Systems: They help in keeping the pressure in check and result in effective fire suppression performance.

The sprinkler heads are the only component that function directly for water dispersion or fire retardants.

 

How Fire Sprinkler Heads Work?

 

The working mechanism of sprinkler heads commence with its fire detection capacity. Many believe that it is the smoke that triggers the sprinkler heads but really it is the heat that activates them.

The heat-sensitive activator is the key component that detects fire and lets out the water. Each sprinkler head has this element in the form of a glass bulb or fusible metal link that gets triggered when exposed to set temperature.

Sprinkler heads are designed to get activated individually. This means the sprinkler heads that are in the direct vicinity of fire will be in action. It helps in minimising water wastage.

The next part of sprinkler head mechanisms is water dispersion. Once the heat-sensitive element is triggered, it releases water by the opening of the valve. This valve is found within the sprinkler head that opens to disperse water.

There is a fan-shaped element located at the end of the sprinkler head. These are deflector plates which are essential for sprinkler heads to function properly. Without them, the water would spray out of the head like a hose. 

The deflector plates help the water to spread out over the space ensuring maximum coverage of the fire. The deflector is particularly designed to cover a certain amount of area with a certain amount of water. 

 

Types of Fire Sprinkler Heads

 

Depending on the level of fire risks, there are different types of sprinkler heads available. Some of the most common ones are —

 

Pendent Type Sprinkler Heads

These are the standard type of sprinkler heads that are commonly in use. They hang directly from the sprinkler pipe and are visible when installed. They are good at efficiently dispersing water in a wide pattern making them a go-to choice for general applications such as residential buildings, offices, schools, etc.

 

Upright Type Sprinkler Heads

As their name itself suggests, these types of sprinkler heads point upwards facing out of the top of the sprinkler pipe. Due to this position, they can navigate any obstructions in the building/room design. They also disperse water upwards before the water directs its way downwards which allows better coverage.

 

Sidewall Type Sprinkler Heads

This type of sprinkler head is mounted on its side, on the wall instead of the ceiling. They have a half-moon or solid rectangular shaped design and a deflector to match their function. They are commonly used in narrow or small spaces like halls.

 

Concealed Type Sprinkler Heads

Concealed type sprinkler heads have a recessed design along with a decorative cover or cap to completely hide sprinkler heads from view. This unique design allows sprinklers hidden behind the provided cover plate.

 

Conclusion

 

A fire sprinkler head is a crucial device in the sprinkler system that matters extensively for fire suppression. If you are looking for high-quality sprinkler heads then we at Dutco Tennant supply different types of products to meet your requirements.

Check out our offered products and make the right choice.