A Guide To The 4 Main Types Of Fire Sprinkler Heads
The four main types of fire sprinkler heads are Pendent, Upright, Sidewall, and Concealed. Each type is designed for a specific orientation and application, ensuring optimal water distribution to suppress a fire effectively. Choosing the correct head is a critical part of designing a domestic fire sprinkler system that is both safe and aesthetically pleasing.
At QSD Fire, we specialise in designing and maintaining sprinkler systems for homes. This guide will walk you through the different types of sprinkler heads, explaining what they are, how they work, and how we help you select the perfect ones for your property.
What Are Fire Sprinkler Heads?
A fire sprinkler head is the component of a fire sprinkler system that discharges water when the effects of a fire have been detected. Most domestic sprinkler heads feature a small glass bulb containing a heat-sensitive liquid. When the ambient temperature rises to a specific level, the liquid expands, shattering the bulb. This action releases a plug, allowing pressurised water to flow out and onto a deflector, which distributes it over the fire source. The colour of the liquid in the bulb shows the temperature at which the head activates, which we explain in our guide to fire sprinkler temperature ratings and bulb colours.
What Are The Main Types Of Fire Sprinkler Heads?
What Is A Pendent Sprinkler Head?
This is the most common type of sprinkler head, designed to be installed on a pipe hanging downwards from the ceiling.
Water exits the head and strikes a convex deflector plate, spraying in a cone-shaped pattern to cover the area below. Pendent heads are the standard choice for most domestic settings with finished, flat ceilings, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, providing excellent coverage and reliability.
What Is An Upright Sprinkler Head?
An upright sprinkler head is designed to point upwards, sitting on top of the pipework.
When activated, it sprays water upwards onto a concave deflector, which then distributes the water in a dome-shaped pattern. These are typically used in areas with exposed ceilings or obstructions, such as garages, basements, or utility rooms, where pipework is often visible. The design helps prevent debris from accumulating on the head.
What Is A Sidewall Sprinkler Head?
A sidewall sprinkler head is installed on the wall, near the ceiling, rather than on the ceiling itself.
It features a unique deflector that sprays water away from the wall in a crescent-shaped pattern. Sidewall heads are an ideal solution for rooms where ceiling access is difficult or undesirable, such as in corridors, rooms with sloped ceilings, or in hotel rooms and other residential spaces where the pipework can be concealed within the walls.
What Is A Concealed Sprinkler Head?
A concealed sprinkler head is a type of pendent head that is hidden from view by a decorative cover plate.
The cover plate is designed to fall away at a slightly lower temperature than the sprinkler head’s activation point, allowing the head to drop down and operate as normal. These are the preferred choice for homeowners who want effective fire protection without compromising on interior design, making them perfect for modern and minimalist homes.
How Do You Choose The Right Sprinkler Head?
Selecting the appropriate sprinkler head involves more than just picking a type. As fire safety design specialists, we analyse several factors to ensure your system is compliant, effective, and suits your home’s unique layout and style.
Does Ceiling Type Affect The Choice?
Yes, the ceiling height, style, and any potential obstructions are critical factors in sprinkler head selection.
A flat, finished ceiling is perfect for standard pendent or concealed heads. For a room with exposed beams or very high ceilings, an upright sprinkler might be necessary for proper water distribution. In spaces with intricate designs or sloped ceilings, a sidewall installation often provides the most effective coverage.
Are Aesthetics Important?
Yes, for domestic properties, aesthetics are a key consideration for many homeowners.
While safety is the number one priority, the visual impact of a sprinkler system is also important. This is why concealed heads have become exceptionally popular. At QSD Fire, our design process integrates fire safety seamlessly into your home’s architecture, ensuring the system is barely noticeable until the moment it’s needed.
Your Domestic Fire Safety Partner
Understanding the different types of fire sprinkler heads is the first step towards a safer home. At QSD Fire, we specialise exclusively in the design, sale, and maintenance of domestic fire prevention systems. Our focused expertise means we provide solutions tailored perfectly for residential properties, ensuring your family and home are protected by the best system for your needs.
Please note that our specialism is in integrated sprinkler systems, and we do not supply or service portable fire extinguishers.
by QSD Fire
We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. All projects benefit from the extensive technical expertise of our highly trained team. We hold ISO 9001, are iOSH and CHAS accredited, and have received third-party accreditation from the IFC for sprinkler systems. We have invested heavily in the latest calculation software, enabling us to design systems that are as effective as possible and provide reliable fire protection for years to come.
