00 — How sprinklers work
How fire sprinklers work.
Not like the movies: only the head over the fire opens.
165°F opens one head.
A liquid-filled glass bulb or a solder link holds the head closed until the heat reaches its operating point.
01
The network
Considered the most reliable fire protection system available, fire sprinklers are made up of a network of piping which carries pressurized water to sprinkler heads. The water is waiting; the heads decide when to let it go.
02
One head at a time
Contrary to what is often depicted in movies, automatic fire sprinkler systems do not release water throughout the entire building all at once. Sprinkler heads are activated individually by the fire. According to NFPA, the vast majority of fires are contained with just one or two sprinkler heads.
Watch it happen
The fire starts. One head opens.
01
The operating point
When the heat of a fire raises the ceiling temperature to the head’s operating point, usually 165°F, a solder link melts or a liquid-filled glass bulb shatters. That opens that single head and releases water directly over the source of the heat.
02
The alarm
As the system activates, an alarm sounds to alert the building occupants and the fire department, if the system is monitored.
FAQ
Quick answers
Usually 165°F, though heads are made for different operating points.
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