FIRE SPRINKLER

A 'fire sprinkler' is the part of a fire sprinkler system that discharges water when the effects of a fire have been detected, such as when a predetermined temperature has been reached.

Contents

History

US regulatory requirements

Types

References

History

In the 1870s, the Parmelee sprinkler head was introduced in the United States.

US regulatory requirements

Fire sprinkler application and installation guidelines, and overall fire sprinkler system design guidelines, are provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13, (NFPA) 13D, and (NFPA) 13R.

Types

Temperature		Colour
°C	°F
57	135	Orange
68	155	Red
79	174	Yellow
93	200	Green
141	286	Blue
182	360	Mauve
227 260	440 500	Black

This chart from the

New Zealand fire

safety standards

indicates the color

of the bulb and the

respective operating

temperature.

Fire sprinklers can be automatic or open orifice. Automatic fire sprinklers operate at a predetermined temperature, utilizing a fusible link, a portion of which melts, or a frangible glass bulb containing liquid which breaks, allowing the plug in the orifice to be pushed out of the orifice by the water pressure in the fire sprinkler piping, resulting in water flow from the orifice. The water stream impacts a deflector, which produces a specific spray pattern designed in support of the goals of the sprinkler type (i.e., control or suppression). Modern sprinkler heads are designed to direct a spray downward. Each individual automatic fire sprinkler operates individually in a fire. Contrary to as often shown in movies, the entire sprinkler system does not activate, unless the system is a special deluge type.
Open orifice sprinklers are only used in water spray systems or deluge sprinklers systems. They are identical to the automatic sprinkler on which they are based, with the heat sensitive operating element removed.
Automatic fire sprinklers utilizing frangible bulbs follow a standardized color coding convention indicating their operating temperature. Activation temperatures correspond to the type of hazard against which the sprinkler system protects. Residential occupancies are provided with a special type of fast response sprinkler with the unique goal of life safety.

Maximum Ceiling Temperature	Temperature Rating	Temperature Classification	Color Code (with Fusible Link)	Glass Bulb Color
100°F / 38°C	135-170°F / 57-77°C	Ordinary	Uncolored or Black	Orange (135°) or Red (155°)
150°F / 66°C	175-225°F / 79-107°C	Intermediate	White	Yellow (175°) or Green (200°)
225°F / 107°C	250-300°F / 121-149°C	High	Blue	Blue
300°F / 149°C	325-375°F / 163-191°C	Extra High	Red	Purple
375°F / 191°C	400-475°F / 204-246°C	Very Extra High	Green	Black
475°F / 246°C	500-575°F / 260-302°C	Ultra High	Orange	Black
625°F / 329°C	650°F / 343°C	Ultra High	Orange	Black

From Table 6.2.5.1 NFPA13 2007 Edition indicates the maximum ceiling temperature, nominal operating temperature of the sprinkler, color of the bulb or link and the temperature classification.

References

★ American Fire Sprinkler Association

★ National Fire Sprinkler Association

★ National Fire Protection Association