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NASCO SUPPLY
FIRE PREVENTION
JUN 25, 2025
Sprinkler Heads Color Codes
Table of content
When it comes to fire safety, every detail matters—including the color of a sprinkler head’s glass bulb. These colors aren’t just for looks; they serve a critical purpose by indicating the temperature at which the sprinkler will activate. Choosing the wrong color can lead to delayed response or unnecessary water damage. This article breaks down sprinkler heads color codes so you can quickly identify the right sprinkler for the right environment and stay compliant with fire protection standards.
- Understanding Sprinkler Heads Color Codes: What Do the Colors Mean?
- Why Sprinkler Head Color Matters
- Sprinkler Bulb Color Codes and Temperature Ratings
Understanding Sprinkler Heads Color Codes: What Do the Colors Mean?
When you look closely at fire sprinkler heads—especially the type with small glass bulbs—you may notice they aren’t all the same color. These colors are more than aesthetic: they’re actually vital indicators of the sprinkler's temperature rating. Understanding sprinkler heads color codes is essential for ensuring that fire protection systems are matched correctly to the conditions of a space.
Why Sprinkler Head Color Matters
I'd say it's more grounded in hobbies and crafts as opposed to jobs and who you know," she tells me. France dreamt of taking over an old 1950s garage that at the time housed a local bar and turning it into some sort of co-working space. The dream came true: At the end of 2019, the lease became available and she started negotiations. Then, Covid hit — but instead of trying to get out of the project, she decided to go full steam ahead.
1/2" PENDENT SPRINKLER, Quick Reaction, Brass (Date Code: 2023), UL/FM Listed
1/2" PENDENT SPRINKLER, Quick Reaction, Brass (Date Code: 2023), UL/FM Listed
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1/2" PENDENT SPRINKLER, Quick Reaction, Chrome (Date Code: 2023), UL/FM Listed
1/2" PENDENT SPRINKLER, Quick Reaction, Chrome (Date Code: 2023), UL/FM Listed
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1/2" PENDENT SPRINKLER, Standard Reaction, Brass, (Date Code: 2023), UL/FM Listed
1/2" PENDENT SPRINKLER, Standard Reaction, Brass, (Date Code: 2023), UL/FM Listed
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Sprinkler Bulb Color Codes and Temperature Ratings
"I'd say it's more grounded in hobbies and crafts as opposed to jobs and who you know," she tells me. France dreamt of taking over an old 1950s garage that at the time housed a local bar and turning it into some sort of co-working space. The dream came true: At the end of 2019, the lease became available and she started negotiations. Then, Covid hit — but instead of trying to get out of the project, she decided to go full steam ahead. "Obviously, trade shows were taking a little bit of a hiatus," she says.
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Color Coding Beyond the Bulbs
In addition to the bulb color, some sprinkler heads also feature arm or frame color coding, which further helps in identifying activation temperature or sprinkler type, especially in older or non-glass bulb models.
It’s also worth noting that irrigation sprinkler systems, such as those made by Rain Bird, use color coding as well—but for a different reason. In irrigation systems, color coding is used to indicate spray radius and arc pattern, not temperature. For example, Rain Bird’s MPR spray nozzles have top color codes that help identify whether a nozzle is full-circle, half-circle, or quarter-circle.
Choosing the Right Sprinkler Head
Selecting the proper sprinkler head with the appropriate color code is crucial for system performance and code compliance. Fire sprinkler systems must be designed with considerations for:
Ambient ceiling temperature
Occupancy classification (e.g., office, kitchen, warehouse)
NFPA code requirements
Choosing the wrong bulb could result in a sprinkler either failing to activate when needed—or activating too soon, causing unnecessary water damage.
Understanding sprinkler heads color codes isn’t just for fire safety professionals—it’s useful for anyone involved in facility management, construction, or building maintenance. Whether you're specifying new equipment or inspecting an existing system, paying attention to the color of sprinkler bulbs helps ensure that your fire protection measures are correctly matched to the environment.
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