What are the Differences Between Fusible Link vs Glass Bulb Sprinkler Heads?
Both fusible link and glass bulb sprinkler heads activate independently. When these fire sprinkler’s heat-sensitive elements reach a certain temperature, they break, and this allows them to release water. What are the differences between fusible link vs glass bulb sprinkler heads? The distinctions between fusible link and glass bulb sprinkler heads are their heat-sensitive elements, temperature rating color designation, and application.
Heat-Sensitive Elements
A fusible link fire sprinkler head has two metal plates fused together by solder. The solder acts as the heat-sensitive element of a fusible link sprinkler. When it reaches its’ designated temperature, it melts, and the two metal plates detach from each other. Then the pip cap releases and allows water to flow from the head. In a glass bulb sprinkler, the liquid inside the glass bulb is heat sensitive. The liquid expands and breaks the glass once it heats to its’ specified temperature. Like a fusible link sprinkler, this action discharges the pip cap and releases the water to extinguish the fire.
Temperature Rating
Both types of fire sprinklers have 7 different temperature ratings ranging from 135-650 degrees Fahrenheit. The difference between fusible link vs glass bulb sprinkler head’s temperature rating is the heat-sensitive element’s color designation.
Common Applications
There’s very little difference between fusible link vs glass bulb sprinkler heads when it comes to common applications. These types of fire sprinklers can protect the same types of hazards and are installed in the same kind of facilities. However, facilities often select glass bulbs over fusible links for aesthetic reasons. The fusible link has more of an industrial appearance and is suitable for exposed areas. Whereas glass bulbs come in a variety of colors and finishes enabling them to blend seamlessly into the environment.
Both fire sprinkler heads are used in the same types of facilities and are designed for the same temperature ratings. They are different in terms of their heat-sensitive element’s color designation and available colors and finishes. But the key difference between them is the heat-sensitive element that activates the fire sprinkler head.
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