5.5 Fire Sprinklers
An automatic sprinkler is a
fi
re suppression or control device that
operates automatically when its heat-actuated element is heated to its
thermal rating or above. When activated, water discharges over the
speci
fi
c area on
fi
re.
Only residential sprinklers that have been tested and listed for
residential
fi
re protection service may be used. The sprinklers must be
installed in accordance with their listing and limitations.
NOTICE
Nothing in this manual supersedes national or local code requirements
or the recommendations of other manufacturers regarding their
components. Observe all applicable national, state and local laws,
regulations, standards, codes and ordinances. If you believe REHAU
product information con
fl
icts with applicable code requirements,
industry standards, or the recommendations of other manufacturers
regarding their components, contact the REHAU distributor in your
area and consult with the building authority having jurisdiction before
installation.
There are four types of recommended sprinklers:
fl
at plate concealed
pendent, domed concealed pendent, recessed pendent and horizontal
sidewall.
5.5.1 Flat Plate Concealed Pendent Sprinklers
Flat plate concealed pendent sprinklers have a cover plate that is
installed
fl
ush to the ceiling. During
fi
re conditions, when the tempera-
ture around the sprinkler approaches its operating temperature, the
cover plate detaches and falls away.
Continued heating of the now exposed sprinkler causes the sprinkler’s
heat responsive element to disengage, releasing the sealing assembly,
allowing water to
fl
ow.
Fig. 5.22: Flat plate concealed pendent sprinkler
WARNING
Do not paint the cover plate of the concealed sprinkler. Paint may
interfere with the operation of the sprinkler, preventing it from
achieving its life safety function.
5.5.2 Domed Concealed Pendent Sprinklers
Domed concealed pendent sprinklers have a cover plate assem-
bly that when installed, protrudes below the ceiling. During
fi
re
conditions, when the temperature around the sprinkler approaches its
operating temperature, the cover plate detaches and falls away.
Continued heating of the now exposed sprinkler causes the
sprinkler’s heat responsive element to disengage releasing the sealing
assembly. This allows water to
fl
ow from the sprinkler.
Fig 5.23: Domed concealed pendent sprinkler
WARNING
Do not paint the cover plate of the concealed sprinkler. Paint may
interfere with the operation of the sprinkler, preventing it from
achieving its life safety function.
5.5.3 Recessed Pendent Sprinklers
Recessed pendent sprinklers are visible in the ceiling and do not have
a cover plate. During
fi
re conditions, continued heating
of the exposed sprinkler causes the heat responsive element to
disengage. This allows water to
fl
ow from the sprinkler.
Fig 5.24: Recessed pendent sprinkler
19
