Which type of sprinkler head is designed to hold water until activated?

The deluge sprinkler head is specifically designed to hold water in the piping until it is activated. This type of sprinkler system operates with open sprinkler heads that do not have thermal elements to detect heat. Instead, they are used in conjunction with a deluge valve that releases water when activated by a fire detection system or another triggering mechanism. This design enables a large volume of water to be distributed simultaneously over a wide area in the event of a fire, suitable for locations with high hazard classification or where rapid fire spread is a concern.

In contrast, the quick response sprinkler head is designed to activate at lower temperatures than standard sprinkler heads, making it suitable for protecting life and property with faster response times. The upright sprinkler head is typically installed with the convex deflector facing upwards and is used in various types of installations but does not inherently hold water. The dry pendant sprinkler head is used in unheated areas, and it contains a liquid-filled bulb that discharges water only when the bulb bursts due to high temperature, so it doesn’t hold water waiting for activation in the same manner as the deluge system. Understanding the role of each type of sprinkler head highlights why the deluge sprinkler head is distinct in its function of holding water until needed.