Fire sprinkler heads are the particular component of your fire sprinkler that discharges the water once a fire has been detected. This usually occurs once the temperature in the area surrounding the system has exceeded a preset temperature. It is the most important part of the sprinkler system, since it is the one that is responsible for preserving property and possibly saving lives.
Fire sprinklers fall into one of four categories. There are pendants, which hang from the ceiling; uprights, which shoot water towards the ceiling; sidewalls, which are mounted on walls; and concealed sprinklers, which are hidden against the ceiling. Fire sprinkler heads, however, come in many different designs, depending on how the trigger mechanism is employed and how the water is released.
Here is a rundown of the three main types of fire sprinkler heads and how they work:
1. Spray Irrigation Heads and Spray Rotary Sprinkler Heads
A fixed spray irrigation head is designed with the intention of producing a consistent fan of water that sprays in a fixed pattern from a central nozzle. It remains stationary at all times, and can reach a width of 3 – 15 feet and a radius of 40 – 360 degrees. Of course, this is all dependent on its specific nozzle.
Conversely, a spray rotary irrigation head delivers a singular stream of water or multiple streams that spray over surfaces as it is rotating. It is common to find impact rotary sprinkler heads that pivot around firing out short bursts of water, but gear driven rotary sprinkler heads are more effective. They spray water evenly by moving at a predetermined uniform speed.
It should be noted that rotary sprinkler heads use a higher pressure rate than stationary sprayers. This means they deliver water much slower than spray heads, but they have the advantage of covering a larger radius.
2. Bubbler Irrigation Heads
Bubbler fire sprinkler heads flood surfaces by allowing water to seep down and soak an entire area of a room. They are specially made to flood a space rather than simply spray it. They are built to release water at a fixed rate of speed, and they can be adjusted to pour anywhere from ¼ gallon to two gallons per minute. There are different sizes of bubbler irrigation heads, including the petite micro-bubblers, the average-sized flood bubblers, and the largest variety, the stream bubbler, which can reach about a five-foot wide area of coverage.
3. Drip or Soaker Systems
Drip or soaker irrigation fire sprinkler heads are what are called micro-irrigation systems, which work by utilizing much lower pressure than a typical fire sprinkler head. The drip fire sprinkler head instead delivers a local flow that is consistent and lower in volume. However, it is directed straight to its intended target. This is done through a maze of pipes, tubes, valves, and emitters.
Drip irrigation fire sprinkler heads are preferred by many for their ability to lower energy costs by saving water in the event of a fire. By dripping and soaking a fire exactly where it is, a drip head is seen as very efficient.
Contact Us Today
Each fire sprinkler head has its own advantages if a fire breaks out in your home or commercial space. As a leader in fire suppression systems in Lancaster County, Keystone Fire & Security believes that there is a preferred fire sprinkler head for every property, and would gladly take the time to come out and recommend which of these options may be best for your needs. We can even perform fire alarm repair in Berks County to further secure your property. Give us a call or come by to learn more about what we can do for you.