In practice, as systems are sized from the heads back to the main-regardless of whether they are hard pipe or flexible-the friction loss values can impact the size of the mains. Both the inside diameter and the material used affect friction loss, which can vary among different brands by more than 350% over a six-foot hose length. The most obvious feature, and an important delta, is the corrugated hose. Usually, the brackets also allow for vertical adjustments of the heads to achieve consistent, specified exposure through the ceiling tile. The mounting brackets are designed so that the sprinkler head accurately hits center-of-tile with no adjustments or calculations required of the installer. Typically, the units consist of a threaded pipe nipple to connect to the main or the branch feeder line, flexible connecting hose in standard lengths, a reducing fitting that the sprinkler head is attached to, and a mounting bracket that attaches to the ceiling grid (Figure 1). Currently, a handful of manufacturers offer flexible sprinkler connections that employ various designs, materials and construction approaches. Several years ago, the technology was adapted for use in suspended ceilings commonly found in commercial projects. The high-quality, welded stainless steel construction and a custom-designed fit-up also contributed to eliminating particulate generation, which is an important concern in the ultra-filtered cleanroom environment. The flexibility of the connection eliminated concerns about armover joint leaks or particulate generation caused by building shifts or seismic activity, as well as providing fast-track construction and the ability to easily accommodate future space changes. Initially designed for exhaust-duct protection, the technology was then adapted for suspended ceilings in cleanrooms. The first viable flexible fire sprinkler connections were developed by FlexHead Industries of Holliston, MA, for semiconductor manufacturing facilities. History of Flexible Fire Sprinkler Connections
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