A pendent (sometimes spelled "pendant") fire sprinkler hangs from

above-ceiling pipes and distributes water in a domed or conical pattern

using a convex deflector. Unlike concealed pendent sprinklers which hide
behind decorative plates, the head of a traditional pendent fire sprinkler
remains visible after installation.

Major manufacturers offer pendent fire sprinklers in a range of K-factors,

orifice sizes, and spray patterns to protect buildings of all kinds, from
multi-level warehouses to daycares. The most common pendent fire
sprinkler has a 1/2" (12.7 mm) thread connection and a 5.6 K-factor, like
those found in Viking’s VK302 and VK102, Tyco’s TY-B family of
sprinklers, Victaulic's V27 FireLock, and Senju’s ZN-QR model
sprinklers.

Upright fire sprinklers spray water upward to a concave deflector,

producing a dome-shaped spray pattern. They install deflector-up to
cover specific areas and to prevent ice and debris from collecting in
the head. Upright sprinklers are installed where obstructions interfere
with coverage and in dry-pipe systems facing freezing temperatures.

Upright fire sprinklers are often used in warehouses or industrial

spaces, along with renovated open-ceiling structures such as modern
office buildings and chic restaurants. For industrial, commercial, and
storage spaces, most suitable upright sprinklers feature a 3/4" (19.05
mm) thread connection with an 8.0 K-factor, such as those found
in Viking's VK200 series and Victaulic's V34 series. Many upright
sprinklers are also available with the smaller 5.6K orifice,
including Tyco's TY-FRB series and Victaulic's V27
series and VK300 models

Sidewall fire sprinklers install along walls or

beneath beams where ceiling piping is
unavailable, or where aesthetic concerns or
obstructions weigh against the use of other
sprinkler types. Most are designed to protect
small rooms, closets, or hallways and have a
semicircular deflector that produces a
crescent-shaped spray pattern.

Horizontal sidewall sprinklers should only be

installed below smooth, flat, horizontal ceilings
in accordance with their listings, approvals, and NFPA guidelines. They are used in hotels, restaurants,
churches, and a range of commercial structures and most sidewall fire sprinklers utilize a 1/2" (12.7 mm)
thread connection and feature a 5.6 K-factor.

Standard finishes for most manufacturers' 5.6K horizontal sidewall sprinklers – such as Tyco TY-FRB
series fire sprinklers, Viking's Microfast and Micromatic series, and Victaulic's V27 series – include white,
black, brass, and chrome. Each manufacturer offers a slightly different variation on the sidewall sprinkler.
These differences, including those listed below, can streamline installation and extend product life.
Flush Pendent Sprinkler is a small high-sensitivity fusible element sprinkler designed for installation on
concealed pipe systems where the appearance of a smooth ceiling is desired.

The two-piece design of the

sprinkler and ceiling ring allows
installation and testing of the
sprinkler prior to ceiling
installation. The ceiling ring
allows for up to 5/8” (16 mm) of
vertical adjustment and can be
removed and re-installed,
allowing access above removable
ceiling panels without shutting
down the sprinkler system
and removing the sprinkler.

Concealed models install in walls or ceilings and fully cover a pendent or sidewall sprinkler head using a
concealed fire sprinkler cover
plate. This heat-sensitive plate
detaches at temperatures
roughly 20 degrees lower than
the fire sprinkler head,
allowing the concealed
sprinkler's deflector to drop
and the head to activate.

Like pendent, upright, and

sidewall sprinklers, most
concealed models have a 1/2"
(12.7 mm) thread connection
and a 5.6 K-factor,
including Victaulic's V38
series, Senju's CN-QR
sprinklers, and Tyco's RFII
(Royal Flush) series. Fire
sprinkler cover plate
temperatures vary with the
head's activation temperature
but are often set at 139F (59 C) for 155F (68C) sprinklers and 165F (74C) for 200F (93C) sprinklers.