A well-maintained and properly installed fire sprinkler system is one of the most effective ways to protect a building and its occupants from the dangers of an uncontrolled fire. While many people assume that all fire sprinkler systems have the same basic design, different fire sprinkler heads are specialized to tackle certain scenarios and challenges.
From concealed head fire sprinklers with a more discreet and aesthetically pleasing profile to sidewall fire sprinkler heads, which are useful in locations where ceiling installation would be impractical, you can find sprinkler heads that will offer efficient and effective fire suppression for your property.
Today, we will explore upright sprinkler heads. More specifically, we will explain how they work and how they can offer practical and efficient fire suppression for your property’s unique needs.
We will also introduce the Shutgun, an essential tool for quickly and easily deactivating fire sprinkler heads so you don’t need to deal with the costly consequences of widespread water damage.
What Are Upright Fire Sprinkler Heads?
As the name suggests, upright fire sprinkler heads are specialized sprinkler heads designed to be installed in an upwards-pointing direction. Unlike more traditional pendant fire sprinkler heads, which are pointed downwards and hang from pipes along the ceiling, upright sprinkler heads are designed to project water upwards and outwards.
How they expel water makes them more effective in scenarios where obstacles like beams, ducts, or vents obscure piping along the ceiling. Since the sprinkler head is pointed upwards, the water is propelled upwards, then cascades down in a more widespread pattern, giving the ejected water more opportunity to extinguish any flames in the vicinity.
What Are the Benefits of Upright Sprinkler Heads?
Like other sprinkler heads, upright sprinkler heads have advantages that can make them better suited for certain situations. The following are just some of the features that make them a practical and functional option for the needs of certain fire sprinkler systems:
1. Widespread Water Distribution
As mentioned, upright sprinkler heads are designed to disperse water upwards so that it falls in all directions. The dome-shaped pattern of the cascading water helps cover a wide area. In addition to covering more of the ground than other types of sprinkler heads, the water is forced upwards, extinguishing any flames that may cover the ceiling.
If you have a large room that requires more comprehensive coverage than a space with smaller dimensions, like a hallway, a series of upright fire sprinkler heads might be a more practical solution than traditional downward-facing fire sprinkler heads.
2. Versatile Installation Capabilities
Upright fire sprinkler heads can be a practical workaround for ceilings with various obstructions, like ventilation shafts, industrial fans, or exposed HVAC systems. This partially explains why they are commonly used in industrial properties like factories and warehouses.
Since they spread water out in a wider direction, they are also a good option for higher ceilings. Fewer sprinkler heads can cover more floor space when you choose upright sprinkler heads. Not only does this mean they provide better coverage, but they can also do so without using as much water, making them a more water-efficient option in certain types of buildings.
3. Ease of Installation
Since they are mounted on the top of water supply pipes rather than beneath them, they are much easier to install and maintain, especially if the ceiling is crowded with other structural elements.
Top-mounted sprinkler heads are also easier to inspect and maintain in buildings with high ceilings. Again, this makes them a more practical option for industrial buildings with high ceilings.
Preventing Water Damage with Upright Sprinkler Heads
While upright fire sprinkler heads can certainly offer effective and efficient fire suppression capabilities, it is always worth mentioning that they can also cause property damage when they are allowed to run at inappropriate times.
Whether they are expelling water as a result of a misfire or accidental activation, leaking due to impact damage or corrosion, or simply running after a fire has been successfully extinguished, the uncontrolled flow of water can lead to significant and extremely costly water damage to the property and its contents.
When left uncontrolled, the water flowing from any type of sprinkler head, including upright fire sprinkler heads, can cause serious structural damage to ceilings, walls, floors, and more. Not only can the immediate damage to the property and the equipment and inventory housed within be costly, but the unseen long-term damages can be just as bad.
Pooling water can cause mold and mildew to spread, compromising the structural integrity of the entire building and leading to health and safety issues for those working inside of it.
How Can the Shutgun Help?
The Shutgun offers a reliable and affordable solution to the destructive and costly water damage an uncontrolled fire sprinkler head can cause.
This relatively simple tool immediately shuts off the flow of water from the activated or leaking sprinkler head, putting a rapid stop to water that would otherwise be destructive and expensive to clean up.
The Shutgun is designed for straightforward, one-hand operation, meaning it can even be used from a ladder or scissor lift. This makes deactivating even the most hard-to-reach upright fire sprinkler heads possible.
Shutguns are also incredibly versatile, with models explicitly designed to handle various fire sprinkler heads, including concealed and upright head models. To help ensure that you have the correct number and types of Shutguns for your property’s unique needs, we highly recommend building your own Custom Shutgun Case.
Once you have the correct Shutguns for your needs, you can distribute them throughout the building by mounting one within reach of every fire extinguisher. This way, you will know where they are at all times, and they will always be within close reach in an emergency.
We recommend using the Shutgun Wall Mount and the Laminated Instruction Cards to make this easier. Rather than scrambling to locate the Shutgun and its instructions, you will always be able to reach both quickly. Given that a single fire sprinkler head can release upwards of 60 gallons of water per minute, you do not want to waste precious minutes searching for your tools!
Final Words
Upright sprinkler heads can offer unique advantages, but it is also important to remember that each type of sprinkler head can be useful for different situations. To ensure that you are using the correct type of sprinkler heads for your property’s fire protection needs, we always recommend scheduling a professional fire sprinkler system inspection and assessment.
We also highly recommend mitigating the risks of serious water damage by investing in the Shutgun today! Get yours by clicking the link below: