tyco sprinkler heads

The Essential Guide to Tyco Sprinkler Heads

Tyco offers a massive variety of commercial fire sprinkler heads

Buying a fire sprinkler can feel overwhelming, but it’s not. We continue our series of commercial sprinkler products and major manufacturer features to help readers understand what each company has to offer. We’ve already introduced the Vikings. Now, let’s see what Tyco brings to the table.

When it comes to firefighting, Tyco is serious. With the company’s large portfolio and international reach, it offers fire professionals plenty of options.

Tyco International (now Johnson Controls International) was founded in 1960 as an experimental laboratory for government programs. The company’s fire division was born in 1976, when it acquired the Australian fire company Wormald International, which gave it the Grinnell trademark (Grinnell was one of the first names for fire sprinklers). Tyco also acquired Star, Gem, and Central Sprinkler companies, and still sells many of the old sprinklers bearing the Tyco logo. If you need to replace a Star, Gem, Grinnell sprinkler head, it’s probably part of the Tyco line.

Tyco maintains several lines of commercial fire sprinklers, and this article examines the core functionality of these products. First, though, let’s explain some of the key characteristics of Tyco as a manufacturer of sprinkler heads. In short, there are three main reasons why someone might choose Tyco over another manufacturer:

They provide an enormous amount of (often highly specialized) options
Their sprinklers frequently have approvals that apply in jurisdictions outside the US and Canada
They are a source of otherwise discontinued types of sprinklers that need to be replaced

Feel free to use this table of contents to skip to an explanation of each sprinkler line, plus an overview of the Tyco catalog:

Understanding Tyco’s catalog
Series TY-B
Series TY-FRB
Series TY-L
Series TY-FRL
Series RF-II, RF-III, Illusion, and CHEC
Series ELO-SW

Shop commercial fire sprinkler heads from Tyco, including pendent, upright, sidewall, and concealed pendent sprinklers, on our website. Don’t hesitate to contact us to get help finding the exact part you need.

Understanding Tyco’s catalog

Before we dig into Tyco’s sprinkler selection, make sure you understand how to navigate Tyco’s international approvals and the relationship between discontinued sprinklers and Tyco’s catalog.

Also, learn which sprinkler finishes and coatings provide listed corrosion resistance. Finally, make sure you understand SIN numbers and how Tyco organizes its inventory into series.

Tyco’s international approvals

As a global leader in the fire protection industry, it is only natural that Tyco’s products are regularly tested and recognized by international organizations. UL and FM Global are the gold standard for certification in North America, and Tyco’s products are almost always listed on UL in the United States and Canada (” cULus “) and are FM certified. Their sprinklers usually also have the following markings:

LPCB, the Loss Prevention Certification Board, is recognized globally, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, and Europe.
VdS, a German certification agency belonging to the German Insurance Association.
CE, a mark indicating that a product meets the health, safety, and environmental requirements of the European Economic Area (EEA) single market.
NYC, indicating approval under New York City’s Fire Code.

As an international giant, Tyco has a large selection of sprinklers, so Tyco models sometimes don’t get unanimous approval, even in the same area. Different test standards may conflict with different specifications. For example, VdS generally does not approve inset sprinkler heads rated at 286°F(141°C) or above. They also do not endorse wax, lead, or wax-lead finishes. Be sure to consult the technical data sheet to determine if a specific temperature rating, finish, or installation option is approved in your area.

Because of its global presence, we’ll give Tyco’s specs in Imperial units for our United States readers and in SI units in parentheses for everyone else.

Some Tyco finishes and coatings provide corrosion resistance

Tyco offers several different aesthetic and functional finishes for their commercial sprinkler heads. These are:

Plain brass
Chrome-plated
Polyester paint (black and white)
Poly-stainless
Lead coating
Wax coating
Wax-over-lead coating

Different finishes make sprinklers aesthetically pleasing, and some can provide valuable corrosion resistance to extend the useful life of sprinklers in corrosive environments. Tyco’s poly-stainless coating is its proprietary corrosion-resistant coating. Besides this coating, the polyester, wax, lead, and wax-over-lead coatings are approved corrosion-resistant coatings whenever they are UL-listed or FM-approved. Learn more about

Understanding SIN numbers and series to navigate a complicated catalog

Because Tyco’s catalog is so big, it’s critical to know how fire sprinkler part numbers work. Remember, every sprinkler manufactured from 2001 on has a sprinkler identification number (SIN) with an alphabetic prefix indicating the manufacturer. Tyco SINs begin with “TY.” The rule is that every uniquely constructed sprinkler gets a unique SIN number. When orientation (upright, pendent, etc.), K-factor (orifice size), thread size, response speed (depends on the size of the bulb), or aspects of the size and shape of the sprinkler change, the SIN number changes.

Because they offer so many different features, Tyco’s catalog is long. The company sorts sprinklers into these different series:

TY-B: Standard-response bulb sprinklers (“B” stands for “bulb”)
TY-FRB: Quick-response bulb sprinklers (“FR” stands for “fast response”)
TY-L: Standard-response fusible link sprinklers (“L” stands for “link”)
TY-FRL: Quick-response fusible link sprinklers
RF-II, R-FIII, Illusion, and CHEH: concealed-head sprinklers
ELO-SW: Extra-large-orifice sidewall sprinklers

You can choose from fusible-link or bulb-type sprinklers. For niche hydraulic applications, you can pick sprinklers with very small or very large K-factors (a number describing the pressure and flow involved in sprinklers). The company offers uncommon finishes like lead, wax, and wax-over-lead coatings. There are rarely-seen sprinkler styles, including vertical sidewall and concealed horizontal sidewall sprinklers. Tyco even has MRI-safe sprinklers. The list goes on.

corrosion-resistance in sprinklers by reading this blog.

Tyco carries sprinklers that are otherwise discontinued

Several sprinkler brands are no longer available. However, this doesn’t always mean that you can’t find replacements. Tyco has acquired the following companies and includes their sprinkler designs in its catalog:

Central Sprinkler (formerly with a SIN prefix of “C”)
Gem Sprinkler Company and Grinnell Corporation (formerly with a SIN prefix of “G”)
Star Sprinkler Incorporated (formerly with a SIN prefix of “S”)

Some sprinklers from these companies have been re-designated with “TY” SINs. In our overview of Tyco’s sprinkler lines, we’ll note which sprinkler can replace discontinued lines from Central, Gem, Grinnell, and Star. It is also possible to replace discontinued fire sprinklers with different models, as long as they share the same crucial performance characteristics. For more information on replacing old sprinkler heads, read these blogs.

Series TY-FRL sprinklers are quick-response link sprinklers

Just as TY-FRB is the quick-response counterpart to TY-B, TY-FRL is the quick-response option for Tyco fusible-link sprinklers. This series has standard-coverage and extended-coverage options, is approved for light and ordinary hazards (with the sidewall sprinklers approved only for light hazards), and has the following specification options:

Orientations: Upright, pendent, horizontal sidewall
Available K-factors: 2.8 (4), 5.6 (8.1), 8 (11.5)
Available thread sizes: 1/2 in. (15 mm), 3/4 in. (20 mm)
Available temperatures: 165 °F, 212 °F (74 °C, 100 °C)
Available finishes: Brass, chrome
Approvals: cULus, FM, LPCB, NYC

Gem and Grinnell FR-1 quick-response sprinklers were incorporated into the TY-FRL line.

Series TY-B includes Tyco’s everyday sprinklers

For most applications, Tyco’s Series TY-B is a likely choice. These standard-coverage, standard-response bulb sprinklers are generally rated for all hazards (except the sidewall sprinklers, which are rated for light and ordinary hazards) and have the following specs:

Orientations: Upright, pendent, horizontal sidewall, vertical sidewall
Available K-factors: 2.8 (4), 5.6 (8.1), 8 (11.5)
Available thread sizes: 1/2 in. (15 mm)
Available temperatures: 135 °F, 155 °F, 175 °F, 200 °F, 286 °F, 360 °F (57 °C, 68 °C, 79 °C, 93 °C, 141 °C, 182 °C)
Available finishes: Brass, white polyester, black polyester, chrome, poly-stainless, wax, lead, wax-over-lead
Approvals: cULus, FM, LPCB, NYC, VdS

Standard-response sprinklers from Gem and Grinnell’s previous Model A line were incorporated into Series TY-B.

Series TY-L sprinklers are multipurpose link sprinklers

Tyco’s Series TY-L provides the same general utility as the TY-L line, but with fusible links instead of bulbs. These standard-coverage, standard-response sprinklers are generally approved for all hazards (with one approved for light and ordinary hazards) and have the following specification options:

Orientations: Upright, pendent, horizontal sidewall
Available K-factors: 5.6 (8.1), 8 (11.5)
Available thread sizes: 1/2 in. (15 mm), 3/4 in. (20 mm)
Available temperatures: 165 °F, 212 °F, 280 °F (74 °C, 100 °C, 138 °C)
Available finishes: Brass, chrome, lead coat, wax coat, wax-over-lead
Approvals: cULus, FM, LPCB

Some of Star’s LD-2 sprinklers can now be had as part of Series TY-L. Some Gem and Grinnell standard-response link sprinklers from their FR-1 line were re-designated as part of TY-L.

Series TY-FRB is the quick-response option

Series TY-FRB has quick-response, standard-coverage bulb sprinklers for most applications. They are rated for light and ordinary hazards and have the following general specifications:

Orientations: Upright, pendent, horizontal sidewall, vertical sidewall
Available K-factors: 2.8 (4), 5.6 (8.1), 8 (11.5)
Available thread sizes: 1/2 in. (15 mm), 3/4 in. (20 mm)
Available temperatures: 135 °F, 155 °F, 175 °F, 200 °F, 286 °F (57 °C, 68 °C, 79 °C, 93 °C, 141 °C)
Available finishes: Brass, white polyester, black polyester, chrome, poly-stainless, lead
Approvals: cULus, FM, LPCB, NYC, VdS

Quick-response sprinklers from Gem and Grinnell’s previous Model A line were incorporated into Series TY-FRB. Star’s SG-QR was also re-designated as TY-FRB.

Series RF-II, RF-III, Illusion, and CHEC are concealed-head sprinklers

The RF-II and RF-III sprinklers are concealed sprinklers rated mostly for light-hazard environments. They are available with standard-response and quick-response options as well as standard-coverage and extended-coverage. Series RF-II has a SIN that is safe for MRI rooms. These sprinklers have the following specification options:

Orientations: Concealed pendent, concealed horizontal sidewall
Available K-factors: 5.6 (8.1), 8 (11.5)
Available thread sizes: 1/2 in. (15 mm), 3/4 in. (20 mm)
Available temperatures: 155 °F, 160 °F, 200 °F (68 °C, 71 °C, 93 °C)
Approvals: cULus, NYC, VdS, LPCB, FM

For cleanroom applications, an air and dust seal is available for RFII sprinklers.

Central’s Royal Flush concealed sprinklers were re-designated as Tyco’s RF-II and RF-III series (“RF” for “Royal Flush”).

Illusion sprinklers are concealed pendent sprinklers providing quick-response and producing high water density with an extra-large-orifice. Standard-coverage and extended-coverage options are available. They are designed to meet the special standards imposed by Las Vegas for the high open ceilings in casinos, atriums, and exhibit halls. Illusion sprinklers can have the following specifications:

Orientation: Concealed pendent
Available K-factors: 11.2 (16.1)
Available thread sizes: 3/4 in. (20 mm)
Available temperatures: 160 °F, 212 °F (71 °C, 100 °C)
Approvals: cULus, NYC

Series CHEC is Tyco’s line of concealed horizontal sidewall sprinklers that provide extended coverage. They are approved for light hazard occupancies, are quick-response, and have the following specifications:

Orientations: Concealed horizontal sidewall
Available K-factors: 8 (11.5)
Available thread sizes: 3/4 in. (20 mm)
Available temperature: 155 °F (68 °C)

Approvals: cULus, NYC

Tyco has numerous concealed-head sprinklers, including the RF-II and RF-III (with an option for MRI rooms). The Illusion concealed pendent was built for the high ceilings in Vegas casinos, and the CHEC-series concealed sidewall sprinklers provide extended coverage. Shop Tyco concealed head sprinklers and aesthetic cover plates on our website, and contact us about ordering custom-painted cover plates.

Series ELO-SW—Tyco’s extended-coverage sidewall sprinklers

Series ELO-SW contains Tyco’s extra-large-orifice, extended-coverage, horizontal sidewall sprinklers. They are approved for ordinary hazard occupancies, provide standard response, and have the following specs:

Orientation: Horizontal sidewall
Available K-factors: 11.2 (16.1)
Available thread sizes: 3/4 in. (20 mm)
Available temperature: 155 °F, 200 °F (68 °C, 93 °C)
Approvals: cULus, NYC
eries ELO-SW has sidewall sprinklers that provide high-density water from extra-large-orifices.

Find Tyco sprinkler heads for any application

Tyco is a massive company, and its size allows it to offer a tremendous amount of choice in fire sprinkler heads. From extra-large-orifices and small K-factors to rarer styles like MRI-safe sprinklers, they genuinely have a sprinkler for every application. Moreover, Tyco sprinklers have approvals in jurisdictions all over the world, not just the US and Canada.

Tyco is also the go-to manufacturer for sprinkler parts that have been discontinued or would otherwise be unavailable. If you need parts that used to be sold by Star, Central, Gem, and Grinnell, they may be a part of a Tyco series.

Shop our selection of Tyco commercial fire sprinkler heads—plus cover plates, escutcheons, and wrenches—on our website. If you don’t see the exact part you need, call us at +1 (888) 361-6662 or email support@qrfs.com, and we’ll help you get it.