Which Fire Sprinkler Heads Do You Need For Your Building?
Though all buildings, no matter commercial or residential, should be installed with sprinklers, it can be hard to know which fire sprinkler type to use. It all depends on the type of building, what obstructions may be in place and how you want the overall space to look. These can all affect which fire sprinkler heads you choose.
Find out which buildings would benefit from specific styles of sprinkler heads here.
Sprinkler Systems in Residential Homes
The most typical fire sprinkler system in homes would be the concealed sprinkler head. These fire sprinkler heads are concealed by a decorative cap which in turn, blends with its surroundings. Homeowners may be concerned about the inclusion of sprinklers in their homes due to the worry it will ruin their aesthetics. Or, they will attract too much attention from guests.
Instead, these hide the actual sprinkler head away from prying eyes. When looking for fire sprinkler heads, talk to your sprinkler installation company to discuss what type of colour you are wanting so that it matches your ceilings. The decorative caps may look as though the sprinkler heads cannot operate, however, they are made to fall away when they detect a temperature 20° below the activation point. For more information on the concealed fire sprinkler head, click here.
Other buildings that can benefit from concealed sprinkler heads include:
- Care homes
- High-rise apartment complexes
Commercial Businesses
Unlike residential homes, commercial businesses may want an overt sprinkler system to showcase to staff and customers that there are fire protection systems in place. Hence, pendant fire sprinkler heads. These hang from above-ceiling pipes and use a deflector to release the water into the surrounding areas.
Pendant fire sprinkler heads come in a wide variety since they are the most common. There are several changes in size, finish, and other aspects. There are also, in addition to the practical differences, in activation temperature, the volume of water produced, and spray size/pattern. Find out more about pendant sprinklers here.
Other industries that can benefit from concealed sprinkler heads include:
- Education
- Medical
Buildings With Open Ceilings
Upright sprinkler heads are as their name would suggest, differing from the pendant and concealed heads that point downwards. These are ideal for buildings with high and open ceilings. In certain cases, they are installed to get around any design obstructions and to protect the systems from elements such as dust and ice.
For open ceilings, upright fire sprinkler heads are ideal. Uncovered or recessed upright sprinkler heads are obviously not an option, but they can be concealed by the sprinkler hose itself so they blend in with the surrounding ductwork, pipes, wiring, etc.
Examples of buildings that may have open ceilings include:
- Modern restaurants
- Offices
- Warehouses
Tight Spaces
In certain rooms, there isn’t enough space on the ceiling for a sprinkler system to be fitted. In these cases, sidewall heads should be considered. They are attached in smaller areas like hallways and closets; attached to the walls or to beams.
They can dispense water in a half-circle for improved coverage in such a small area thanks to their half-deflector. They are also perfect for spaces where other fire sprinkler systems are ineffective due to aesthetic issues or obstructions.
Examples of areas that may require sidewall heads include:
- Hallways
- Rooms without ceiling piping
Our Fire Sprinkler Systems
At RAD Fire Sprinklers, we provide the installation of fire sprinkler heads throughout residential and commercial buildings across the UK. Our experts understand which fire sprinkler types work the best for each individual property and the benefits these systems can have.
For more information, or to receive a quote on our fire sprinkler heads, fill in our online form here. Or, give us a call on 01892 680 090.
