What is the temperature range for sprinkler heads to activate?

The temperature range of 135-160 degrees Fahrenheit is standard for the activation of many types of sprinkler heads used in fire suppression systems. This range is designed to balance effectiveness and safety; it allows the sprinkler system to respond quickly enough to effectively suppress a fire while also minimizing unnecessary activation from high temperatures that are not indicative of fire, such as those caused by common heat sources in buildings.

Sprinkler heads are typically calibrated to activate at specific temperatures influenced by the rating of the glass bulb or fusible link, which holds back the water in the system until a fire causes these components to melt or break. The temperatures in this range are commonly found in areas where an appropriate level of risk exists, ensuring that sprinklers are activated in the event of a fire while also remaining reliable under regular conditions.

In contrast, other options reflect temperatures outside the typical activation range, either too low for effective fire suppression or too high, which could lead to delayed responses in case of a fire emergency, thereby increasing the risk to life and property.