Fire sprinkler heads are the core component of automatic fire sprinkler systems, and the fire sprinkler head color design is far from cosmetic—it’s a standardized marker of the nominal activation temperature mandated by global fire safety codes.. Choosing the correct sprinkler head by color is non-negotiable for ensuring rapid fire response, preventing false activation, and safeguarding lives and property in every commercial, residential, and industrial space. At Leyon Piping System Co. Ltd (LPS), a leading manufacturer of fire protection products, we engineer high-quality glass bulb sprinkler heads and fusible alloy sprinkler heads that comply with GB 5135.1-2019, ISO 6182-1:2014, and NFPA 13 standards. Our sprinklers feature precise, fade-resistant color coding and reliable thermal sensitivity, designed to integrate seamlessly with our full range of fire piping systems—valves, fittings, fire pumps, and more—for a one-stop fire protection solution.
Fire Sprinkler Head Color Code: The Universal Temperature Standard
Fire sprinkler color coding is a global safety standard, with the color of the glass bulb (or fusible alloy yoke marking) directly indicating the temperature at which the sprinkler activates. This standardization ensures consistency across projects, maintenance, and fire safety compliance worldwide—a critical detail for architects, contractors, and facility managers.
A golden rule for selection: the sprinkler’s activation temperature must be at least 30°C (54°F) higher than the space’s maximum ambient temperature. This eliminates false activation from normal temperature fluctuations and guarantees the sprinkler triggers only when a fire occurs.
Glass Bulb Sprinkler Head Color Chart (°C/°F) – The Most Widely Used Type
LPS glass bulb sprinkler heads use a heat-sensitive liquid-filled bulb as the activation element; when heat expands the liquid, the bulb shatters, and water sprays immediately. The liquid’s color follows the universal ISO/NFPA standard—our bulbs feature high-visibility, permanent coloration that resists fading, dust, and minor wear for long-term reliability:
- Orange: 57°C / 135°F – For low-temperature environments: cold storage, freezers, unheated warehouses, and refrigerated facilities
- Red: 68°C / 155°F – The most common sprinkler head color – Ideal for standard spaces: offices, shopping malls, residential buildings, hotels, schools, and retail stores
- Yellow: 79°C / 175°F – For slightly elevated temperature areas: server rooms, small mechanical rooms, and electrical closets
- Green: 93°C / 200°F – For high-temperature zones: commercial kitchens, drying workshops, boiler rooms, laundries, and food processing areas
- Blue: 141°C / 286°F – For special industrial sites: metal processing workshops, paint factories, and welding areas
- Purple: 182°C / 360°F – For heavy industrial high-temperature environments: manufacturing lines with continuous heat output
- Black: 227°C+ / 441°F+ – For extreme heat scenarios: industrial furnaces, foundries, and high-temperature production facilities
Fusible Alloy Sprinkler Head Color Markings – For Harsh Environments
For spaces where glass bulbs are at risk of damage—warehouses with heavy cargo movement, parking lots, construction sites, and industrial yards—LPS fusible alloy sprinkler heads are the durable solution. These sprinklers use a low-melting-point alloy link as the activation element, with color markings on the yoke arms (per ISO/BS EN 12845 standards). Our alloy sprinklers feature scratch-resistant color coating for long-term readability:
- Unpainted/Metallic: 57-77°C / 135-170°F – Standard low-to-moderate temperature use for general industrial and commercial spaces
- White: 80-107°C / 175-225°F – Slightly elevated temperature areas: mechanical rooms and utility closets
- Blue: 121-149°C / 250-300°F – Industrial high-temperature zones: factory floors and processing areas
- Red: 163-191°C / 325-375°F – Extra high-temperature industrial use: smelting and forging areas
- Green: 204-246°C / 400-475°F – Ultra high-temperature applications: industrial ovens and heat treatment facilities
Critical Fire Safety Rules for Sprinkler Head Color Coding (Non-Negotiable!)
Following these rules is essential for fire system compliance and performance—violations can lead to failed safety inspections, delayed fire response, and even liability risks. LPS recommends strict adherence to these guidelines for all projects using our sprinkler heads:
- Never paint over color-coded parts: Painting the glass bulb or fusible alloy yoke blocks heat transfer, delays activation, or prevents the sprinkler from working entirely—this is a violation of all global fire safety codes (NFPA 13, ISO 6182).
- Special sprinklers follow the same color rules: Concealed sprinklers, quick-response sprinkler heads, extended coverage (EC) sprinklers, and sidewall sprinklers from LPS all use the identical color-temperature coding. Special functions are marked with additional clear labels (e.g., “QR” for quick-response, “EC” for extended coverage), with color remaining the primary temperature indicator.
- Inspect color clarity during regular maintenance: Faded, scratched, or unreadable color markings mean the sprinkler head must be replaced immediately. LPS offers cost-effective replacement sprinklers and professional maintenance guidance to keep your system compliant.
- Match sprinkler color to the space’s actual temperature: Avoid using standard red sprinklers in high-temperature areas (e.g., kitchens)—this leads to premature activation or failure. LPS’s fire safety experts can help you assess your space’s temperature and select the exact color-coded sprinkler for optimal performance.
LPS Fire Sprinkler Heads: Precision Color Coding, Reliable Fire Protection, Full System Compatibility
At LPS, we don’t just manufacture color-coded sprinkler heads—we engineer fire protection products that work together seamlessly for maximum reliability. Our sprinkler heads are designed to integrate perfectly with our full range of fire piping system components, including:
- Fire valves: Gate valves, check valves, butterfly valves (all ISO/NFPA compliant)
- Fire fittings: Elbows, tees, couplings, and adaptors for all pipe types
- Fire pumps: Centrifugal fire pumps, booster pumps, and fire pump sets (customizable for project size)
Key Selling Points of LPS Fire Sprinkler Heads
- Global standard compliance: GB 5135.1-2019, ISO 6182-1:2014, NFPA 13, and BS EN 12845 certifications—accepted for projects worldwide.
- Permanent, high-visibility color coding: Fade-resistant glass bulb liquid and scratch-resistant fusible alloy coating—no lost color over time.
- Superior thermal sensitivity: Precise activation at the rated temperature—no delayed or premature response.
- Durable construction: High-quality brass and stainless steel components for corrosion resistance and long service life (ideal for humid, industrial, or coastal environments).
- Full range of color/temperature options: From orange (57°C) for cold storage to black (227°C+) for extreme heat—we have the exact sprinkler for your space.
- One-stop system compatibility: Our sprinklers fit perfectly with LPS fire valves, fittings, and pumps—eliminating compatibility issues and simplifying project installation.
Whether you need standard red sprinkler heads for a residential building, green high-temperature sprinklers for a commercial kitchen, or fusible alloy sprinklers for a warehouse, LPS has the high-quality, color-coded solution you need.
Why Choose LPS for Your Fire Sprinkler Head and Fire Piping System Needs?
Leyon Piping System Co. Ltd is a trusted manufacturer of fire protection products with global supply and after-sales service. We combine precision engineering, strict quality control, and customer-centric design to deliver fire sprinkler heads and piping systems that meet the most demanding project requirements. Our fire safety experts are available to guide you through every step—from selecting the correct color-coded sprinkler head to designing a full fire piping system for your commercial, residential, or industrial project.
Get in Touch with LPS Today
Need help selecting the right color-coded sprinkler head for your project? Or want to learn more about our full range of fire protection products (sprinklers, valves, fittings, fire pumps)? Our team of fire safety experts is ready to provide professional, customized recommendations tailored to your project’s unique needs.
Final Note
Understanding fire sprinkler head color codes is the first step to effective fire safety design and maintenance. Choosing the correct color (temperature) for your space ensures your sprinkler system works as intended, while high-quality, standard-compliant sprinkler heads are the foundation of reliable fire protection.
With LPS color-coded fire sprinkler heads and full fire piping system solutions, you can rest assured that your project is protected by precision engineering, global compliance, and seamless system compatibility. Fire safety is non-negotiable—choose LPS for products you can trust.
About LPS
Leyon Piping System Co. Ltd (LPS) is a leading manufacturer of fire protection and piping system products, specializing in fire sprinkler heads (glass bulb and fusible alloy), fire pumps, valves, fittings, and complete fire sprinkler system solutions. All our products are certified to international (ISO, NFPA, BS EN) and national (GB) standards, with a focus on quality, durability, and system compatibility. We serve commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructure projects worldwide, providing one-stop fire protection solutions from design to supply.
