--- title: What are the Different Types of Fire Sprinkler Heads? description: Understanding how and why sprinkler heads are different is an important step before selecting a new or replacement fire sprinkler system for your building. image: https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/fire%20sprinkler%20heads.jpg --- [![Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&height=50&name=koorsen-logo.png "Koorsen Fire & Security")](https://www.koorsen.com/) [CONTACT US](https://www.koorsen.com/contact-us/) [BILL PAY](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) [1.866.311.7753](tel:8663117753) - [About Us](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/) - [History](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/history/) - [Case Studies](https://blog.koorsen.com/case-studies) - [Koorsen Companies](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/companies/) - [Koorsen Training Center](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/training-center/) - [Kasey Program](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/kasey-program/) - [Pay Bill](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) - [Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/) - [Fire Protection](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/) - [Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/) - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/) - [Mobile Equipment Solutions](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/mobile-equipment-solutions/) - [Additional Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/#additional) - [Industries](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/) - [Healthcare](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Industrial](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/industrial/) - [Education](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/education/) - [Restaurants](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/restaurants/) - [Property Management](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/property-management/) - [Hospitality](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/hospitality/) - [Retail](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/retail/) - [Construction](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/construction/) - [Locations](https://www.koorsen.com/locations/) - [News](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen In The News](https://www.koorsen.com/in-the-news/) - [Kasey the Dog Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com/kaseys-adventures) - [Careers](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/) # What are the Different Types of Fire Sprinkler Heads? Posted May 28, 2020 by [Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security) ![fire sprinkler heads](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fire%20sprinkler%20heads.jpg?width=1200&name=fire%20sprinkler%20heads.jpg) [Fire sprinkler systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/) are easy for most to take for granted. But have you ever noticed the wide variety of fire sprinkler heads that you see in the commercial, [retail](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/retail/), and residential spaces you visit? Though they may seem the same to you, [fire sprinkler system](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/) heads come in different shapes and sizes, and these differences are not purely looks. Understanding how and why sprinkler heads are different is an important step before selecting a new or replacement [fire sprinkler system](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/) for your building. [![Fire Sprinkler Questions? Click to Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/cf5f04ea-68ca-4b85-b16f-cb89039244b7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/cf5f04ea-68ca-4b85-b16f-cb89039244b7) ## The Basics: Sprinkler Head Common Components There are four main types of fire sprinkler heads on the market. But, before diving into the descriptions of those, it’s helpful to understand the basic components common to all sprinkler heads and how they work: - **Sealing Assembly:** also known as the “plug,” the sealing assembly on a fire sprinkler head helps prevent water from seeping out and escaping. - **Heat-sensitive element:** all sprinkler heads have a heat-sensitive element that plays the primary role in activating the fire sprinkler system. In some sprinkler heads, a glass bulb is used, while in others, a fusible metal link is used. - **Glass bulbs:** the glass bulbs used in some fire sprinkler heads act as a plug holding back the water in the system. The bulbs typically contain a glycerin-based liquid. As the air around the sprinkler head reaches the target temperature – usually 155F or 200F – the glycerin-based liquid expands. Once the target temp is reached, the liquid expands enough to burst the glass bulb. With the bulb out of the way, water begins to escape from the sprinkler head, flowing toward the sprinkler head deflector (discussed momentarily). - **Fusible link:** sprinkler heads using a fusible link have metal filaments that are secured to the sprinkler with a heat-sensitive alloy. The alloy will melt as the temperature rises and, when the temperature reaches its target, it will melt away sufficiently to allow the metal filament to fall and activate the fire sprinkler, sending water towards the deflector. Glass bulbs and fusible links can be designed to respond to different temperatures. Thus, the heat-sensitive element chosen for a sprinkler head will depend on the needs and environment of the facility it is protecting. - **Deflectors:** sprinkler head deflectors are the metal plates that direct the flowing water in the direction it needs to go. When water is released from the sprinkler head at activation, the stream hits the deflector and sprays outward. Deflectors do vary depending on the type of sprinkler head because each type of head needs to disperse water in different directions. The deflectors for each sprinkler head will be discussed in further detail below. - **Frame:** the frame is the metal casing that surrounds/holds the heat-sensitive element, sealing assembly, and deflector. - **Fire sprinkler escutcheon:** though not present with all fire sprinklers, the [fire sprinkler escutcheon](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-are-escutcheons-and-are-they-required-for-fire-sprinklers) is a common addition to many pendant sprinkler heads. Sometimes confused with caps, the escutcheon is a ring used with fire sprinkler pendants to cover the hole in the ceiling that had to be cut to allow the sprinkler head through. The escutcheon does not cover over the sprinkler head, but fits around it, filling the gaps between the sprinkler head and the ceiling to give it a more finished and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The escutcheon also plays an important role in preventing heat from escaping and failing to activate the sprinkler head. It is important only to get escutcheons that were made specifically for your [fire sprinkler system](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/), as they are designed to help with controlling the heat and activating the sprinkler accurately. Pairing the wrong escutcheon with a sprinkler head could prevent it from activating when needed. ## 4 Different Types of Fire Sprinkler Heads Now that the basic components of all fire sprinkler heads have been discussed, here are the four main types that you will come across and a bit about what makes each one of them different: - **Fire Sprinkler Pendants:** the pendant fire sprinkler head is the most common type that you will see. Pendant sprinkler heads descend from the ceiling with a convex, circular, gapped deflector plate on the bottom. When the sprinkler heads activate, they send a stream of water downward onto their deflectors, which then disperse the water widely, side to side, throughout the room in a conical pattern. Because the pendants extend from the ceiling, they provide the greatest amount of coverage of the space. There are many variations of the pendant, and it can be very effective in protecting a variety of buildings and spaces, from industrial buildings to daycares. - **Concealed Pendant:** when a pendant sprinkler head is recessed into the ceiling and concealed by a decorative cap that blends in flush with the ceiling, this is called a concealed pendant head. For those who are concerned about fire sprinkler pendants messing with their aesthetic, concealed pendants are an excellent option. While it may seem like the decorative caps would hinder the sprinkler heads from operating, they are designed to fall away from the sprinkler head when the temperature reaches 20 degrees below the sprinkler system activation temperature. The plate will no longer be in the way if and when the temperatures are high enough to activate the system. - **Upright Sprinkler Heads:** upright sprinkler heads are pretty much what they sound like – sprinkler heads that point upward toward the ceiling with a circular, concave deflector plate on top (think umbrella). Rather than descending through the ceiling, these sprinkler heads are usually mounted on pipes just below the ceiling. When activated, the water shoots up out of the pipe, hits the deflector, and is sent out and down in a dome-shaped pattern. Upright sprinkler heads are efficient at dispersing water between obstructions. Thus, they are frequently used for rooms that are inaccessible, such as mechanical rooms, and in warehouses and industrial spaces. They are also often applied in structures with open ceilings. An additional benefit to upright sprinkler heads is that since the deflector covers over the sprinkler head, it also protects it from debris and ice collecting. - **Sidewall Sprinkler Heads:** sidewall sprinkler heads protrude horizontally out of the wall parallel to the floor, rather than descending from the ceiling or mounted on a pipe pointing upward. Sidewall sprinklers are ideal for small spaces, such as hallways, spaces with obstructions, and/or where ceiling piping is not available. The sidewall sprinkler head has a solid, rectangular, or semi-circular deflector plate that helps to disperse the water away from the ceilings and down and out in a crescent-shaped spray, directly towards the open space it is protecting. While the above are the four main types of fire sprinkler heads on the market, there is still a wide variety to be found within each type, and there are also other types of sprinkler heads for unique applications. ## What Fire Sprinkler Heads Does Your Facility Need? While there are certainly elements of aesthetic appeal that play a role in choosing the fire sprinkler heads used in your building, you must remember that each type of sprinkler head is designed to fulfill slightly different purposes and meet different needs. Some will activate faster than others, some will be much more efficient at suppressing a fire in a room full of obstructions, etc. Before you choose the [fire sprinkler system](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/) for your new building or renovation project, you need to understand the specific functions that each type of sprinkler head plays and know what your unique space will require for efficient fire protection. Don’t be overwhelmed by your options. The experts at [Koorsen Fire & Security](https://www.koorsen.com/) can help walk you through your options and can help identify the unique needs that your facility has. Give Koorsen a call today to get started. [![Fire Sprinkler Questions? Click to Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/cf5f04ea-68ca-4b85-b16f-cb89039244b7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/cf5f04ea-68ca-4b85-b16f-cb89039244b7)   - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Fire Sprinkler Systems](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-sprinkler-systems) ## Contact Us for All of Your Sprinkler Needs! *Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but Koorsen Fire & Security assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. It does not constitute professional advice. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information's accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.*  ### Related posts [Designing a Fire Sprinkler System for Historic or Older Buildings](https://blog.koorsen.com/designing-a-fire-sprinkler-system-for-historic-or-older-buildings) [Enhancing Safety and Mitigating Risks: The Benefits of Fire Sprinklers](https://blog.koorsen.com/enhancing-safety-and-mitigating-risks-the-benefits-of-fire-sprinklers) [Saving Lives and Property: Fire Sprinkler Success Stories](https://blog.koorsen.com/saving-lives-and-property-fire-sprinkler-success-stories) [Navigating Choices: Exploring the Diversity of Fire Sprinkler Heads](https://blog.koorsen.com/navigating-choices-exploring-the-diversity-of-fire-sprinkler-heads) [What Are The Key Components Of Fire Sprinkler Compliance?](https://blog.koorsen.com/navigating-the-regulatory-landscape-ensuring-fire-sprinkler-compliance) [![Questions! Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673) ### SEARCH OUR BLOG This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### Subscribe to Our Blog ### Recent Posts ### CATEGORIES - [Commercial Security (111)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/commercial-security) - [Fire Protection (109)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-protection) - [Fire Extinguisher (77)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-extinguisher) - [Fire Alarm Systems (75)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-alarm-systems) - [Fire Safety & Security (73)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety-security) - [Koorsen News (73)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/koorsen-news) - [Fire Sprinkler Systems (67)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-sprinkler-systems) - [Fire Safety (61)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety) - [Access Control Systems (45)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/access-control-systems) - [Fire Suppression (43)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-suppression) - [Inspection/Testing (43)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/inspectiontesting) - [Small Business Security (39)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/small-business-security) - [Kitchen Fire Suppression (37)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/kitchen-fire-suppression) - [Video Surveillance (30)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/video-surveillance) - [Fire Training (24)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-training) - [Restaurant Industry (24)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/restaurant-industry) - [Emergency/Exit Lighting (22)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/emergency-exit-lighting) - [Monitoring (20)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/monitoring) - [NFPA (19)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/nfpa) - [Education Industry (18)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/education-industry) - [Commercial Kitchen (17)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/commercial-kitchen) - [Training & Education (15)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/training-education) - [Fire Pumps (12)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-pumps) - [Healthcare Industry (12)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/healthcare-industry) - [Property Management Industry (10)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/property-management-industry) - [Bi-Directional Amplifier (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/bi-directional-amplifier) - [Emergency Notification (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/emergency-notification) - [General (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/general) - [Nurse Call System (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/nurse-call-system) - [Kasey Program (8)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/kasey-program) - [Restaurant (8)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/restaurant) - [Education (7)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/education) - [Property Management (7)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/property-management) - [Construction Industry (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/construction-industry) - [Koorsen Family Foundation (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/koorsen-family-foundation) - [Press (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/press) - [Retail Industry (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/retail-industry) - [Mobile Equipment (4)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/mobile-equipment) - [Vehicle Fire Suppression (4)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/vehicle-fire-suppression) - [Awards (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/awards) - [Dry Chem Suppression (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/dry-chem-suppression) - [Engineering (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/engineering) - [Hospitality Industry (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/hospitality-industry) - [Long Term Care (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/long-term-care) - [Podcast (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/podcast) - [Industrial (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/industrial) - [Infographics (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/infographics) - [KnoxBox (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/knoxbox) - [Backflow Preventer (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/backflow-preventer) - [Construction (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/construction) - [Distributed Antenna Systems (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/distributed-antenna-systems) - [Flame Detection (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/flame-detection) - [Government (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/government) - [Home Security (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/home-security) - [The Joint Commission (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/the-joint-commission) - [Underground Services (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/underground-services) see all ### ALL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - [Fire Extinguishers](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-extinguishers/) - [General Fire Products](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/general-fire-products/) - [Emergency/Exit Lighting](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/emergency-exit-lighting/) - [Fire Alarm Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-alarm-systems/) - [Fire Sprinkler Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/) - [Kitchen Fire Suppression](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/kitchen-hood-fire-suppression/) - [Fire Suppression Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-suppression-systems/) - [Commercial Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/commercial-security/) - [Emergency Notification](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/emergency-notification/) - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/) - [Home Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/home-security/) - [Nurse Call Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/nurse-call-systems/) ### OTHER COMPANIES - [KOORSEN ENVIRONMENTAL](https://koorsenes.com/) - [KOORSEN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT](https://www.koorsenfm.com/) ### CONTACT KOORSEN [866-311-7753](tel:8663117753) [info@koorsen.com](mailto:info@koorsen.com) - [FAQS](https://www.koorsen.com/faq/) - [KOORSEN CAREERS](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/) - [MEDIA RELATIONS](https://www.koorsen.com/media-relations/) - [TRANSPARENCY IN COVERAGE](https://www.koorsen.com/transparency-in-coverage/) © 2026 Koorsen Fire & Security | [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.koorsen.com/privacy-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security", "url" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security" }, "dateModified" : "2025-08-26T19:10:25.735Z", "datePublished" : "2020-05-28T19:00:19.000Z", "headline" : "What are the Different Types of Fire Sprinkler Heads?", "image" : [ "https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/fire%20sprinkler%20heads.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-fire-sprinkler-heads", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png" }, "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security - - -" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "", "addressLocality" : "Indianapolis", "addressRegion" : "IN", "postalCode" : "46218", "streetAddress" : "2719 N Arlington Ave " }, "alternateName" : "Koorsen", "description" : "Since 1946, people have trusted Koorsen to protect and secure their businesses and homes.", "email" : "https://www.koorsen.com/", "image" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&name=koorsen-logo.png", "logo" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1973249/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-fire-sprinkler-heads", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "Understanding how and why sprinkler heads are different is an important step before selecting a new or replacement fire sprinkler system for your building." }, "naics" : "238220", "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security Headquarters", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/pages/Koorsen-Fire-Security/173081436052031", "https://twitter.com/koorsenfire", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/koorsen-fire-and-security", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0ncdcrEYAjDHIcGGgJ3KQ", "https://www.instagram.com/koorsenfire/?hl=en" ], "telephone" : "", "url" : "https://www.koorsen.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security" }, "dateModified" : "August 26, 2025, 7:10:25 PM", "datePublished" : "2020-05-28 19:00:19", "description" : "Understanding how and why sprinkler heads are different is an important step before selecting a new or replacement fire sprinkler system for your building.", "headline" : "What are the Different Types of Fire Sprinkler Heads?", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1973249/fire%20sprinkler%20heads.jpg" }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-fire-sprinkler-heads", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1973249/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png" }, "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security Headquarters" } } ```