A fire sprinkler head is a critical component of automatic fire suppression systems, designed to detect and control fires in their early stages. Unlike fire alarms, which only alert occupants, sprinkler heads actively extinguish or contain fires, minimizing damage to property and lives. Each sprinkler operates independently, activated by heat from a fire exceeding a pre - set temperature (typically 68°C/155°F for standard applications). This triggers a heat - sensitive element, such as a glass bulb filled with liquid or a fusible link, to break or melt, allowing water to flow through the nozzle. The water is dispersed in a specific pattern (e.g., spray, mist, or foam) to maximize coverage and cooling. Sprinkler heads are categorized based on their design and application: pendant (hanging from ceilings), upright (mounted vertically), side - wall (for confined spaces), and concealed (aesthetically hidden). Specialized types include dry sprinklers (for freezing environments), quick - response models (faster activation), and ESFR (Early Suppression Fast Response) sprinklers for high - hazard areas like warehouses. By rapidly controlling fires before they spread, sprinkler systems significantly reduce the risk of fatalities and property loss, making them an indispensable part of modern fire safety infrastructure.