Fire Sprinkler Design Information

Bulbs or Links

• Fire sprinklers can be closed via a two-part metal link comprised of a fusible alloy or via a heat-sensitive glass bulb. The link or bulb applies pressure to a plug that prevents the flow of water until the activation temperature is reached. The link or bulb is designed by color, which classifies its temperature rating. A blue glass bulb, for example, has a temperature classification of high, and is designed to break and release water at a temperature between 250 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Automatic

• Automatic fire sprinklers contain a deflector, which produces a specific spray once impacted by a water stream. This spray is designed to follow a downward pattern, but spray nozzles can be attached that enable the flow to spray in various patterns or directions. Automatic fire sprinklers act individually or independently based on temperature readings in each sprinkler's vicinity.

Open Orifice

• Open orifice sprinklers are considered deluge sprinkler systems. All sprinklers activate and spray water simultaneously. Open orifice sprinklers do not use a heat sensitive element, and spray when water is sent to the piping system that connects to the open sprinkler.