What are they?
A fire sprinkler escutcheon is a metallic trim plate used to cover the annular space around a sprinkler head. It is also known as ring, rosette, canopy, cup or skirt in the field. According to NFPA 13 and NFPA 15 codes, sprinkler heads in ceilings or walls must have proper fitting escutcheons. Why?
Why are they required?
There are two main purposes.
1. The escutcheons are installed between the sprinkler head and the ceilings/walls for a pleasing appearance. This decorative purpose might be the more apparent one.
2. Actually, the key purpose is to block heat and smoke from rising into ceilings or walls and avoid any activation delay of sprinkler heads.
How to choose the right escutcheons?
Now that the escutcheons are a necessary part of fire sprinkler systems, it’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of them. There are three primary styles of fire sprinkler escutcheons: FLAT, RECESSED and ADJUSTABLE.
Flat Escutcheon
Flat escutcheons are meant to cover the gap for flush sprinkler heads which are neither recessed or extended from ceilings or walls. They are always in a one-piece design.
Recessed Escutcheon
Recessed escutcheons are made to allow for minor adjustments due to pipe or ceiling pitch. The outer ring covers the gap while the inner ring holds at a specific depth fixing with the recessed sprinkler head. They are the most widely used.
Adjustable Escutcheon
Adjustable escutcheons are commonly used when the distance between the ceiling/wall and the branch lines is varied. It’s composed of a cup and a skirt. A standard cup allows for up to 2” adjustment to fit the sprinkler head, while a skirt covers the gap.
Retrofit Escutcheon
If the escutcheons become damaged or rusted, they need to be replaced. How to replace them economically and simply? Retrofit escutcheons will be a good choice. They are split with two detachable halves which allow for separation to install around the sprinkler head and fasten in place. It’s easy to install after removing the bad ones. There are three styles of retrofit escutcheons: flat, recessed and adjustable.
Once the escutcheon type is confirmed, the rest is just a piece of cake.
Size: 1/2” or 3/4” according to the sprinkler head models.
Surface finish: chrome plated or white coated or others according to the specific project demands.
