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Upright fire sprinkler heads are an essential part of many fire sprinkler systems, designed to protect buildings by delivering water in a domed spray pattern from an upright position. These sprinkler heads are installed above piping and direct water upward against their deflectors, which then disperse the flow back downward across a specific coverage area. This design makes uprights ideal for systems with open spaces and exposed piping, especially where sprinkler heads must be closer to a ceiling to ensure proper heat collection.
At Quick Response Fire Supply (QRFS), we carry a complete selection of upright sprinklers for commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Whether you’re outfitting a warehouse, retail space, office, home, multi-family building, or another type of building, our upright sprinkler heads deliver reliable performance and code-compliant fire protection.
We offer upright sprinklers from leading manufacturers, including Senju, Tyco, Viking, Reliable, and Victaulic, all of which produce high-quality products designed to meet demanding performance and safety standards. Available in quick response, standard response, ESFR (early suppression, fast response), and residential fast response models, these sprinklers are engineered to react on time to rising temperatures and activate automatically to help control or suppress fires.
Our selection includes specialized designs, such as storage sprinklers and dry sprinklers, for challenging environments. Whether you're designing a new system, retrofitting an existing one, or simply replacing sprinklers for maintenance, QRFS makes it easy to find the right type, temperature rating, finish, and orifice size for your project.
Selecting the correct upright sprinkler head depends on your system’s design and the specific requirements of your space.
When designing a new system, a system designer evaluates numerous factors, including occupancy classification, design area calculations, the type of storage arrangement (if applicable), and others, to ensure optimal response, coverage, and flow. Individuals purchasing new upright sprinklers must select models that closely match the distinct sprinkler performance characteristics specified in the system's plans.
If you need to purchase replacement sprinklers for an existing system, you can simply choose sprinklers with the same sprinkler identification number (SIN), activation temperature, and finish for heads made after 2000. For older sprinklers without a SIN, buyers must identify the sprinkler through other markings or system documentation and match its key performance characteristics with a newer model.
QRFS product pages feature detailed specifications for each sprinkler, enabling you to select the ideal one for your specific needs. And if you require assistance, our team of fire protection experts is here to help!
Quick Response Fire Supply is your trusted source for fire protection equipment. We carry thousands of sprinkler heads and related components ready to ship fast, with competitive pricing and expert support. Our commitment to quality and customer service makes us the go-to choice for contractors, building owners, and facility managers nationwide and beyond.
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What is an upright fire sprinkler?
An upright fire sprinkler is a type of sprinkler head installed on top of a water supply pipe, typically above the hazard it protects. It sprays water upward into a deflector, which then distributes it downward in a circular pattern. This design makes it suited for exposed piping systems and specific design scenarios.
How do upright sprinklers work?
Upright sprinklers activate when heat causes their thermal element—either a glass bulb or fusible link—to break. Once activated, water flows upward from the pipe and strikes the deflector, which disperses it evenly over the protected area. This spray pattern is designed to control or suppress fires effectively.
Where are upright sprinklers typically installed?
Upright sprinklers are commonly installed in warehouses, industrial facilities, parking garages, and many other spaces with exposed ceilings. They are ideal for environments where piping runs above the sprinkler and obstructions like beams or ducts may be present. Their positioning helps minimize interference with the water distribution pattern and ensures they are close enough to ceilings so that heat will collect and activate the sprinkler effectively.
How are upright sprinklers different from pendent sprinklers?
The main difference is orientation: upright sprinklers are mounted above the pipe, while pendent sprinklers hang below it. Uprights spray water upward into a deflector, whereas pendents spray water downward directly. Uprights are often used in unfinished or industrial spaces.
Are upright sprinklers available for different hazard levels?
Yes, upright sprinklers are available in standard spray, extended coverage, and special application designs for light, ordinary, and extra hazard occupancies. Manufacturers like Viking, Tyco, Reliable, and Victaulic offer models tailored to different fire risks. Selecting the right type depends on the specific hazard classification and building and system designs.
What temperature ratings are available for upright sprinklers?
Upright sprinklers come in a range of temperature ratings, indicated by the color of the glass bulb or a dot on the frame of a fusible element sprinkler. Common ratings include ordinary (such as 155°F) and intermediate (such as 200°F), with higher ratings and specific activation temperatures (such as 286°F) available for high-temperature environments. The correct rating is specified in the system’s design and should match the expected ambient conditions.
Do upright sprinklers come in corrosion-resistant options?
Yes, many upright sprinklers are available with corrosion-resistant coatings such as polyester paint or specialty materials and finishes. These are designed for use in harsh environments like chemical plants, food processing facilities, and coastal locations. Corrosion-resistant models help extend the life and reliability of the sprinkler and its system.
What is the difference between standard spray and special application upright sprinklers?
Standard spray upright sprinklers provide general fire protection for a wide range of occupancies. Special application sprinklers, such as ESFR (Early Suppression Fast Response) or CMSA (Control Mode Specific Application), are engineered for specific hazards like high-piled storage. Specific designs offer distinct performance for more or less demanding fire protection needs.