In the installation of an automatic fire extinguishing system, selecting the type of head sprinkler proper is a crucial step to ensure effective protection of the building and its occupants. Sprinkler head types have different functions depending on their installation location, water spray direction, and room design. Choosing the wrong sprinkler can cause the system to fail to function optimally in the event of a fire.
Therefore, it’s important to understand the types of sprinkler heads available on the market and how to match them to the needs and physical conditions of a building. This article will discuss the types of sprinkler heads and how to choose the right one for optimal fire protection system performance.
Why is Choosing the Right Sprinkler Head Types Important?
Each building has different characteristics, both in terms of interior design, ceiling height, and level of fire risk.
Therefore, selecting the appropriate type of sprinkler head is very important to ensure that water can be sprayed evenly and precisely to the area affected by the fire.
Choosing the wrong sprinkler type can have fatal consequences. For example, installing a pendant sprinkler in an area with an open ceiling can reduce the water spray’s reach. As a result, a fire can spread further before it can be extinguished.
Additionally, misplacement can cause property damage due to ineffective water flow.
Sprinkler Head Types and Their Functions
Upright Sprinkler Head
Upright sprinkler heads are mounted facing upward and are typically used in areas with exposed overhead plumbing. Water is sprayed upward and directed back down through a deflector to cover a wide area. This type is suitable for warehouses, factories, or technical spaces without false ceilings.
Pendant Sprinkler Head
Pendant sprinkler heads are the most common type found in office buildings, shopping malls, hotels, and high-rise residential buildings. Mounted downward from the ceiling, these sprinklers effectively disperse water over a wide area below.
Sidewall Sprinkler Head
Sidewall sprinklers are mounted on walls and spray water horizontally. This type is ideal for narrow corridors, hotel hallways, or rooms with low ceilings where installing sprinklers on the ceiling is difficult. Its design allows for maximum coverage in confined areas.
Concealed Sprinkler Head
Concealed sprinklers are a pendant variant equipped with a cover plate to disguise the sprinkler’s appearance. This plate detaches when the room temperature rises due to fire, allowing the sprinkler to activate.
This type is very suitable for public spaces such as lobbies, meeting rooms, or places with high aesthetic standards.
Tips for Choosing a Sprinkler Head Types According to Building Needs
Consider Building Type and Room Height
Determine the type of sprinkler head based on the room’s function and ceiling height. Uprights are suitable for open ceilings, pendants for rooms with closed ceilings, sidewalls for narrow hallways, and concealed sprinklers for aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Follow NFPA or SNI Standard Guidelines
Ensure the sprinkler product you choose meets international standards such as the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) or the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). Compliance with these standards ensures the system will operate effectively when needed.
Consultation with Experienced Contractors
Selecting and installing sprinklers should be done with an experienced fire protection contractor. A professional consultant will help design a system based on the room layout, activity type, water pressure, and potential fire risks.
Other factors to consider include the sprinkler material’s resistance to high temperatures and corrosion, as well as water flow capacity. This will ensure the sprinkler system will last and perform well in the long term.
Determining the right type of sprinkler head is not just a matter of choosing a model, but also concerns the safety of occupants and the protection of building assets.
Each type of sprinkler has its own advantages, and the selection must be adjusted to the characteristics of the building and applicable safety standards.
If you need professional assistance for planning and installing a sprinkler system, Adiwarna is ready to be your trusted partner.
As a specialist fire protection contractor, Adiwarna is experienced in providing efficient, standard-compliant, and effective sprinkler system solutions for various types of buildings.
