In an occupancy with high ceilings, which type of sprinkler would typically be preferred?

In facilities with high ceilings, high temperature sprinklers are typically preferred due to their design and operational characteristics. These sprinklers are engineered to activate at higher temperature thresholds, which is essential in spaces where heat rises and can accumulate at the ceiling level. In high-ceiling environments, the heat from a fire needs to elevation before the sprinkler can effectively detect it.

High temperature sprinklers help prevent unnecessary activation during non-fire-related heat events, such as those caused by facility operations or building systems, which can occur in large, heated spaces. This helps to minimize water damage and ensures that the sprinklers only respond to genuine fire events, thus maintaining the integrity of the facility and the operations within it.

Additionally, the activation of these sprinklers at elevated temperature limits may also contribute to enhancing the performance of the system by allowing more effective cooling and containment of a fire before it escalates, particularly in settings with substantial overhead space.