What determines the spray pattern of a sprinkler head?

The spray pattern of a sprinkler head is primarily determined by the shape of the deflector. The deflector is a crucial component of the sprinkler head that manipulates the water flow, causing it to spread in a specific pattern upon discharge. This design allows the sprinkler to achieve uniform coverage over the area needing protection.

When water flows from the sprinkler, the deflector's shape interacts with that water, guiding it to create various spray patterns—such as mist, spray, or stream—depending on the requirements for effective fire suppression. Different sprinkler heads with unique deflectors can be tailored to provide specific coverage for a given environment, maximizing both efficiency and effectiveness in controlling potential fire hazards.

While other factors like water flow rate, angle of installation, and water pressure can influence the overall performance of the sprinkler system, they do not directly dictate the fundamental spray pattern as the shape of the deflector does. The deflector's design is what ultimately determines how and where the water will land in relation to the fire hazard.