
Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. is a global leader in the fire protection industry, and Reliable fire sprinkler heads are widely trusted to protect lives and property. The company manufactures fire sprinklers of the highest quality, ensuring dependable performance in both residential and commercial applications. At QRFS, we stock a wide range of Reliable models to meet the needs of a variety of fire sprinkler systems and occupancies that demand different design objectives.
Every sprinkler system depends on expertly engineered sprinkler heads that meet specific requirements. Reliable fire sprinklers include standard response, quick response, ESFR, and residential fast response models, making them suitable for a diverse range of settings—from warehouses and storage facilities to schools and homes. With options in multiple finishes, K-factors, and temperature ratings, Reliable makes a sprinkler for your application.
A Reliable automatic sprinkler activates with consistency and precision during a fire, discharging water when and where it’s needed to protect people and property. These sprinklers are manufactured to rigorous quality standards and achieve UL Listings and FM Approvals, providing fire protection professionals, system owners, and occupants with confidence that a fire suppression system will perform its intended function in an emergency.
As a distributor of the highest-quality fire protection products, QRFS offers direct access to Reliable’s product line, supported by our knowledgeable customer support staff.
Choosing sprinklers with the right performance characteristics is essential during system installation and the ongoing inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of the system. Reliable makes sprinklers in a variety of:
By working with QRFS, customers benefit from our industry expertise, professional support, and fast order fulfillment. Our business is helping you stay compliant and keep people and property safe.
We offer a vast online selection, along with exceptionally fast shipping and expert customer support. And if we don't have something you need, we'll help you source it—just contact us!
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How do I choose the right Reliable sprinkler head for my system?
The right Reliable sprinkler head is determined by the type of building, its hazard classification, the fire sprinkler system’s design specifications, and the performance characteristics required in a sprinkler, including its orientation, response type, and K-factor. For example, a light hazard office space—a setting that demands the use of quick response models and has moderate design density requirements—might use a Reliable RA1414 quick response pendent with a 5.6 K-factor, whereas a warehouse might require the greater flow of an ESFR 25.2 K-factor model for high-density storage protection. Essentially, the system design specifies the performance characteristics needed in new systems, which in turn narrows down the choices of sprinklers. If you need help replacing existing sprinklers, QRFS can also assist you in identifying the right models.
What is a sprinkler SIN (sprinkler identification number) and why is it important?
Sprinkler identification numbers (SINs) are alphanumeric codes displayed on the deflectors of sprinklers manufactured after 2000, which identify specific fire sprinkler models and their corresponding characteristics. If you know the SIN, you can use it in conjunction with manufacturers’ data sheets, QRFS product pages, or the QRFS QuickFinder to identify a specific sprinkler and its accessories.
How can I figure out which Reliable sprinkler model I have installed?
You can identify a Reliable sprinkler model by examining the markings stamped on the deflector, which typically include the SIN, K-factor, activation temperature, and other relevant info. Additional details such as the bulb color, which also indicates temperature rating, and the sprinkler's orientation—pendent, upright, or sidewall—can help confirm the exact sprinkler needed. Usually, the SIN (see the FAQ above or read this blog to learn more) tells you most of what you need to know to ID a model if the sprinkler was manufactured after 2000. If the sprinkler was made before 2000 and doesn’t have a SIN on the deflector, look for various markings on the deflector or frame—QRFS can help you ID it!
How do I match the right cover plate to my Reliable concealed sprinkler?
To match the correct cover plate to your Reliable concealed fire sprinkler, you need to identify the sprinkler's sprinkler identification number (SIN) and temperature rating. This information is typically stamped on the sprinkler's deflector. Once you have this info, you can consult Reliable's technical data sheets (“bulletins”), enter the SIN in the search bar on the QRFS homepage, or use the QRFS QuickFinder to find a compatible cover plate.
What does K-Factor mean?
The K-factor is a discharge coefficient that defines how much water a sprinkler releases at a given flow and pressure. It is calculated using the formula K = Q / √P, where Q is the flow in gallons per minute and P is the pressure in pounds per square inch. Selecting the correct K-factor is essential to meet the density and coverage requirements in NFPA 13 system design. The system's designer specifies the K-factors that sprinklers require in the design documents, along with other key sprinkler characteristics. So, individuals should never replace sprinklers with other models that have different K-factors or other crucial performance characteristics, unless doing so is one of the rare exceptions overseen by a qualified fire protection professional.
How do I know if my Reliable sprinkler is a pendent, upright, or sidewall?
You can tell the orientation of a Reliable sprinkler by looking at the frame and deflector. A pendent sprinkler hangs downward and has a deflector that is usually shaped like a flat plate, designed to throw water downward in a semi-circular pattern. An upright sprinkler stands above the pipe with a concave deflector that directs water downward and outward. A (horizontal) sidewall sprinkler is mounted against or within a wall, and its deflector usually has a half-moon shape that projects water out, sideways, and down, covering the room in a fan pattern. If you know a sprinkler’s SIN, the orientation is listed on QRFS product pages and in the sprinkler’s technical bulletin.