Fire Sprinklers: Standard Response vs. Quick Response

Different types of sprinkler are designed for different types of buildings, and choosing the right type is essential for maximizing your fire protection. There are six primary characteristics that define a sprinkler’s ability to control or extinguish a fire:

• Thermal sensitivity
• Temperature rating
• Orifice size
• Installation orientation
• Water distribution characteristics
• Special service conditions

In addition, there are two types of sprinkler heads: standard response and quick response. In this post, we are going to compare the two types of sprinkler heads.

To learn more about fire sprinklers for your building in New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, or Northern Delaware, give us a call at 888-228-0917.

Standard Response (SR) Sprinkler Heads

Standard response sprinkler heads are the most common types of sprinkler heads. They are designed to pre-wet nearby materials before the fire reaches them while simultaneously cooling adjacent areas to prevent the spread of fire.

Because the fire is contained to a limited area, these heat-activated sprinklers only sprinklers directly above the fire operate.

Quick Response (QR) Sprinkler Heads

Quick response fire sprinkler heads are primarily used in light hazard applications and have a higher discharge pattern than standard response fire sprinkler heads. By discharging water higher up on the ceiling, QR sprinkler heads keep the ceiling at a lower temperature, preventing flash-over and increasing your chance of survival during the fire.

QR fire sprinkler heads are now the standard for installation in health care facilities, assisted living facilities, and residential occupancies.

Is a QR sprinkler system needed in your building? Get a free estimate from Confires for fire sprinkler installation in New Jersey!

Differences Between Standard & Quick Response Sprinkler Heads

The biggest difference between a quick response and a standard response sprinkler head is the temperature at which the sprinkler head activates. Quick response sprinkler heads activate at slightly lower temperatures than standard response head, suppressing the spread of fire more quickly.

Other than that, the only difference between a standard and quick response fire sprinkler head is the size of the bulb—standard response sprinklers have a 5 mm glass bulb, while quick response fire sprinklers have a 3 mm glass bulb.

Ceiling height is a key factor and you should always take into consideration the temperature of the environment during all the seasonal months of the year. The size of the spray area should be a primary concern when you install a specific type of sprinkler head.

Depending on what type of building you are outfitting, sometimes substituting several standard response sprinkler heads for a fewer amount of quick response sprinkler heads may be more of a cost-effective approach depending on how large or small of an area you are working in.

Call Confires for Fire Sprinkler Service

Confires has over 40 years of experience providing complete fire protection services for businesses, organizations, government buildings, and restaurants in New Jersey. Our number one focus is your safety—we want to make sure your employees, property, and valuables are safe from the dangers of potential fires.

We take pride in our “customer first” reputation, and we will do whatever it takes to make sure your property and valuables are protected from fire hazards and that your building meets fire safety codes.

The best thing about partnering with Confires is that we are your single-source solution for all fire protection services. Our experienced fire safety professionals specialize in all aspects of fire protection, including:

• Commercial kitchen fire suppression
• Fire alarms
• Fire suppression systems
• Fire extinguishers
• Emergency exit lighting
• Contained gases
• And more!

Are you located in New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, or Northern Delaware and want to learn more? Call us today to speak with one of our experienced fire safety professionals and discover why top names in business and the government consistently recommend Confires.

Contact us online or by phone at 888-228-0917 for more information on fire sprinklers.