At what temperature do standard sprinkler heads typically activate?

Standard sprinkler heads typically activate at a temperature of 155°F (68°C). This activation temperature is chosen to balance the need for a prompt response to fire while minimizing false activations due to thermal fluctuations in the environment.

Sprinkler systems are designed to respond quickly to fires, and the temperature threshold of 155°F allows the sprinklers to activate before very rapid fire growth occurs, thereby controlling the fire early on and reducing damage. Additionally, this temperature is part of the standard for most ordinary hazard applications within commercial and residential buildings.

While other temperatures are listed, those correspond to specific types of sprinklers or to different hazard classifications. For instance, 180°F (82°C) is often used for higher hazard areas, while 200°F (93°C) might be used in environments where higher heat is anticipated, and lower temperatures like 125°F (52°C) could be applicable in specific situations where rapid response is needed but not typically for standard systems. Understanding the specific activation temperatures helps in selecting the right type of sprinkler for a given application, ensuring they function effectively in fire control scenarios.