
2
The glass bulb consists of an accurately controlled amount of 
special fluid hermetically sealed inside a precisely manufactured 
glass capsule. This glass bulb is specially constructed to 
provide fast thermal response.
At normal temperatures, the glass bulb contains the fluid in 
both the liquid and vapor phases. The vapor phase can be seen 
as a small bubble. As heat is applied, the liquid expands, forcing 
the bubble smaller and smaller as the liquid pressure increases. 
Continued heating forces the liquid to push out against the 
bulb, causing the glass to shatter, opening the waterway and 
allowing the deflector to distribute the discharging water.
Model F1FR Series sprinklers provide a wide range of options 
where quick-response, glass bulb sprinklers are used:
• Pendent, recessed pendent, upright, horizontal 
sidewall, and vertical sidewall deflectors
• K-factors of 2.8 (40 metric), 4.0 (57 metric), 4.2 
(60metric), and 5.6 (80 metric)
• Flush, recessed, and concealed installations
See the Design and Installation Information table in this 
Bulletin for information on the approvals and availability of 
specific Model F1FR series sprinkler configurations.
Model F1FR Recessed Pendent and Recessed Horizontal 
Sidewall sprinklers are required to be used with Reliable Model 
F1, F2, or FP recessed escutcheons. See the Recessed 
Escutcheon Data table in this Bulletin for listing and approval 
information with each specific Model F1FR series sprinkler. 
Model F1 and F2 recessed escutcheons, shown in Fig. 1 and 
3, are a friction fit assembly allowing for 3/4" (19 mm) and 1/2" 
(12.7 mm) of adjustment, respectively. Model FP recessed 
escutcheons, shown in Fig. 2, provide a 1/2" (12.7 mm) 
threaded adjustment.
Model F1FR56 Concealed Pendent and Model F1FR56LL 
Concealed Pendent sprinklers are required to be used with 
Model CCP cover plates. A standard profile Model CCP cover 
plate is available that provides up to 1/2" (12.7 mm) of cover 
plate adjustment. In addition, a low profile Model CCP cover 
plate is also available that provides up to 5/16" (8.0 mm) of cover 
plate adjustment. See the Design and Installation Information 
and Listed and Approved Temperature Ratings tables in this 
Bulletin for further information on approved cover plate options.
Application
Model F1FR Series sprinklers are intended for use in 
accordance with NFPA 13, FM Property Loss Prevention 
Data Sheets, and the requirements of the Authority Having 
Jurisdiction. Care must be exercised that the K-factor, 
temperature rating, deflector style, and sprinkler type are in 
accordance with the requirements of the applicable design 
and installation standards. In addition, Model F1FR Series 
sprinklers must be used in accordance with their listings and 
approvals, as well as the information provided in this Bulletin.
Installation 
Glass bulb sprinklers have orange bulb protectors or 
protective caps to minimize bulb damage during shipping, 
handling and installation. Reliable sprinkler installation wrenches 
are designed to install sprinklers with bulb protectors in place. 
Remove the bulb protector at the time when the sprinkler 
system is placed in service for fire protection. Removal of the 
bulb protector before this time may leave the bulb vulnerable 
to damage. Remove bulb protectors by undoing the clasp by 
hand. Do not use tools to remove bulb protectors.
Model F1FR Series sprinklers must be installed with the 
Reliable sprinkler installation wrench identified in the Design 
and Installation Information table in this Bulletin. Any other 
wrench may damage the sprinkler. A leak tight sprinkler 
joint can be obtained with a torque of 8 to 18 lb-ft (11 
to 24 N-m). Do not tighten sprinklers over the maximum 
recommended installation torque. Exceeding the maximum 
recommended installation torque may cause leakage or 
impairment of the sprinkler.
Recessed Sprinklers
Model F1FR Series Recessed sprinklers are to be installed 
as shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, or Fig. 3, as applicable to the specific 
model being installed. The Recessed Escutcheon Data table 
in the Bulletin identifies the only recessed escutcheons that are 
permitted to be used with each Model F1FR Series Recessed 
sprinkler. The use of any other recessed escutcheon will void 
all approvals and negate all warranties.
Concealed Sprinklers
Model F1FR Series Concealed Pendent sprinklers are to 
be installed as shown in Fig. 4 or Fig. 5, as applicable to the 
selected cover plate. Model F1FR56 Concealed Pendent 
and Model F1FR56LL Concealed Pendent sprinklers have a 
factory-installed Model CCP cup. A protective cap is installed 
at the factory that should remain on the sprinkler until the 
sprinkler is installed and should then be reinstalled on the 
sprinkler until the cover plate is installed. The concealed 
sprinkler assemblies are completed by the installation of a 
Model CCP push-on/thread-off cover plate assembly. The 
cover plate and sprinkler cup assemblies are joined using a 
cover plate skirt with flexible tabs for threaded engagement. 
A choice of two Model CCP cover plate assemblies provides 
either 1/2" (13 mm) or 5/8" (8 mm) of cover adjustment. Do 
not install Model F1FR Series Concealed Pendent sprinklers 
in ceilings which have positive pressure in the space above.
Model F1FR Series Concealed Pendent sprinklers require 
a 2
-
5/8" (67 mm) diameter hole to be cut in the ceiling. 
The Model RC1 wrench is used to engage the sprinkler 
wrenching surfaces and to install the sprinkler in the fitting. 
Remove the protective cap to install the sprinkler, then 
reinstall the protective cap until the cover plate is installed. 
When inserting or removing the wrench from the sprinkler/
cup assembly, care should be taken to prevent damage to 
the sprinkler. Do not wrench any other part of the sprinkler/
cup assembly. Installation is completed by removing the 
protective cap from the sprinkler and pushing the cover plate 
onto the cup. Final adjustment is made by hand turning the 
cover plate until the skirt flange makes full contact with the 
ceiling. Cover plate removal requires turning the cover plate 
in the counter clockwise direction. After installation, inspect 
all sprinklers to ensure that there is a gap between the cover 
plate and ceiling and that the four cup slots are open and free 
from any air flow impediment to the space above.
Concealed cover plate/cup assemblies are listed only for use 
with specific sprinklers. The use of any concealed cover plate/
cup assembly other than the Reliable Model CCP with Model 
F1FR56 Concealed Pendent and Model F1FR56LL Concealed 
Pendent sprinklers or the use of the Model CCP Concealed