Loaded Sprinkler Heads: A Guide to Their Function and Benefits

Understanding Loaded Sprinkler Heads

A loaded sprinkler head refers to a type of sprinkler head that is "loaded" or pre-filled with a material that helps extinguish fires. This gives them an advantage over standard dry sprinkler heads. When a fire occurs, the heat from the flames causes the sprinkler head to activate, releasing the extinguishing agent pre-loaded inside.

How Loaded Sprinkler Heads Work

Loaded sprinkler heads contain a glass bulb or fusible link filled with a liquid such as glycol or silicone oil. This liquid expands when heated and shatters the glass bulb, opening the sprinkler head. The extinguishing agent pre-loaded inside then discharges out of the sprinkler.

The most common types of loaded sprinkler heads include:

• Water mist sprinklers - Filled with water
• Foam sprinklers - Filled with foam concentrate
• Dry chemical sprinklers - Filled with dry chemical powder
• CO2 sprinklers - Filled with liquid CO2

Loaded sprinkler heads react and operate faster than standard dry heads because they don't need to wait for water to fill the piping. The pre-loaded material is discharged immediately when the head opens.

Benefits of Using Loaded Sprinkler Heads

There are several benefits to using loaded sprinkler heads:

• Faster activation: They discharge extinguishing agent immediately without waiting for piping to fill with water.
• Effective on specific fire types: Certain loaded fill materials are tailored to fighting Class A, B, or C fires.
• Require less water: Water mist or foam sprinklers require less water than wet pipe sprinklers.
• Prevent pipe freezing: Glycol or oil filled heads prevent freezing in unheated areas.
• Flexible installation: They can be installed in spaces with limited water supply.

Common Applications of Loaded Sprinkler Heads

Loaded sprinkler heads are commonly used in these situations:

• Cold storage and freezer facilities - Glycol filled heads prevent freezing.
• Server rooms and data centers - Water mist heads effectively suppress electrical fires.
• Warehouses - Foam or dry chemical sprinklers control Class B fires involving combustible liquids.
• Commercial kitchens - Wet chemical sprinklers extinguish cooking oil and grease fires.
• Public spaces - Fast-acting water mist or CO2 sprinklers protect occupants and property.

Installation Considerations

Proper installation is important when using loaded sprinkler heads:

• Use only lab-tested and approved sprinkler heads from reputable manufacturers.
• Select the appropriate type of loaded sprinkler for the hazard being protected.
• Install sprinklers in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and NFPA standards.
• Locate sprinklers per their listing and spacing requirements.
• Connect to an adequate water supply or supplemental agent supply.
• Inspect, test, and maintain systems regularly.

In Conclusion

Loaded sprinkler heads provide faster fire protection and greater flexibility compared to standard wet pipe systems. When properly selected and installed, they can be an effective fire protection solution for a wide range of hazards and environments. With a variety of fill agents to choose from, loaded sprinklers can be customized to suppress specific fire risks and handle challenging installation locations that can't accommodate traditional wet pipe systems.

FAQs

What is a loaded sprinkler head?

A loaded sprinkler head is filled with a fire suppressing agent like water, foam, dry chemicals, or CO2. When heat activates the head, the agent discharges immediately to extinguish a fire.

How do loaded sprinkler heads activate?

Loaded sprinkler heads contain a glass bulb filled with liquid. When the liquid expands due to heat, it shatters the glass and opens the sprinkler, releasing the loaded agent inside.

What types of fires are loaded sprinklers used for?

Loaded sprinklers can be optimized for Class A fires (solid combustibles), Class B fires (flammable liquids), or Class C fires (electrical). The loaded agent matches the type of fire risk.

Where are loaded sprinkler heads commonly installed?

Typical applications include cold storage, freezers, data centers, warehouses, commercial kitchens, and public spaces.

Do loaded sprinklers require a water supply?

Most still require a water supply for the suppression system. However, the loaded agent discharges immediately, buying time until water flows through the pipes.