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Fire Sprinkler Plunge Test Equipment

The device used for plunge testing is called a "plunge test apparatus." It is used to plunge a sprinkler, or other device, which is at room temperature into a heated air stream of known constant temperature and velocity.

  1. Oven

    • The primary component of a plunge test apparatus is the oven which is heated to a desired temperature well above the normal operating temperature of the sprinkler. This oven is also sometimes referred to as the "heat plenum."

    Tubes and Fan

    • A set of tubes in a U shape connect the oven, at one end of the U to a fan on the other end. The fan is used to push or pull air through the tubes from the oven. This creates the constant temperature and velocity required for the plunge test.

    Test Section

    • The test section of the plunge test apparatus is located near the bend in the U tubing. A small door is attached to the test section and the sprinkler is attached to the door so when it closes the sprinkler is plunged into the test section. The plunge test measures the response time of the sprinkler to the increase in temperature.

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