What is cold flow in sprinkler heads?

What is cold flow in sprinkler heads?

• A. Airflow in ducts
• B. Pressure drop in piping
• C. The creeping or sliding of the fusible link of a sprinkler head caused by repeated heating
• D. Rapid water release from sprinkler head

Answer: (C)

Cold flow is the slow deformation of the sprinkler head’s fusible link caused by repeated heating. Over time, thermal cycling can make the link creep or slide, gradually changing its position or how tightly it’s held. This isn’t an immediate actuation like when the element reaches its rated temperature; it’s a gradual process that can lead to premature activation or leaks if the link has moved enough. It’s not about airflow in ducts or pressure loss in the piping, and it’s not the sudden release that happens when a sprinkler actually responds to heat.

Cold flow is the slow deformation of the sprinkler head’s fusible link caused by repeated heating. Over time, thermal cycling can make the link creep or slide, gradually changing its position or how tightly it’s held. This isn’t an immediate actuation like when the element reaches its rated temperature; it’s a gradual process that can lead to premature activation or leaks if the link has moved enough. It’s not about airflow in ducts or pressure loss in the piping, and it’s not the sudden release that happens when a sprinkler actually responds to heat.