[edit] Operation

Each closed-head sprinkler is held closed by either a heat-sensitive glass bulb (see below) or a
two-part metal link held together with fusible alloy such as Wood's metal[1] and other alloys with
similar compositions.[2][3] The glass bulb or link applies pressure to a pip cap which acts as a plug
which prevents water from flowing until the ambient temperature around the sprinkler reaches
the design activation temperature of the individual sprinkler. Because each sprinkler activates
independently when the predetermined heat level is reached, the number of sprinklers that
operate is limited to only those near the fire, thereby maximizing the available water pressure
over the point of fire origin.

The bulb breaks as a result of the thermal expansion of the liquid inside the bulb.[4] The time it
takes before a bulb breaks is dependent on the temperature. Below the design temperature, it
does not break, and above the design temperature, it takes less time for higher temperatures. The
response time is expressed as a response time index (RTI), which typically has values between
35 and 250 m½s½, where a low value indicates a fast response.[5] Under standard testing
procedures (135 °C air at a velocity of 2.5 m/s), a 68 °C sprinkler bulb will break within 7 to 33
seconds, depending on the RTI.[6] The RTI can also be specified in imperial units, where 1 ft½s½ is
equivalent to 0.55 m½s½.

Maximum Ceiling Temperature Temperature Color Code (with Glass Bulb

Temperature Rating Classification Fusible Link) Color

135-170°F / 57- Uncolored or Orange (135°F)

100°F / 38°C Ordinary
77°C Black or Red (155°F)

175-225°F / 79- Yellow (175°F)

150°F / 66°C Intermediate White
107°C or Green (200°F)

250-300°F / 121-
225°F / 107°C High Blue Blue
149°C

325-375°F / 163-
300°F / 149°C Extra High Red Purple
191°C

400-475°F / 204-
375°F / 191°C Very Extra High Green Black
246°C
 500-575°F / 260-
475°F / 246°C Ultra High Orange Black
302°C

625°F / 329°C 650°F / 343°C Ultra High Orange Black

From Table 6.2.5.1 NFPA13 2007 Edition indicates the maximum ceiling temperature, nominal
operating temperature of the sprinkler, color of the bulb or link and the temperature
classification.

[edit] Sprinkler types

[edit] ESFR

ESFR, or ESFR Sprinkler, denotes a special type of fire sprinkler. Early Supression Fast
Response sprinkler heads were developed in the 1990s to take advantage of the latest fast-
response fire sprinkler technology to provide fire suppression of specific high-challenge fire
hazards. The sprinklers are specifically designed to fully suppress a fire that is within the design
limits of the piping system. Prior to the introduction of these sprinklers, protection systems were
designed to control fires until the arrival of the fire department.