Problem
Fire sprinklers are reliable, but they are also pretty fragile—especially the heat-sensitive soldered links or glass bulbs that hold the water in until it’s time to activate during a fire. Minor bumps can break those, while harder hits can smash deflectors or even shear sprinklers off entirely at the base.
Just one false activation can cost thousands of dollars in water damage, lost goods, cleanup, and a system reset. Standard head guards that are compatible with your fire sprinkler usually work well and are the first choice for protection. But what if they aren’t strong enough for the environmental risks?
Whether it’s a hurtling basketball or a sloppy forklift operator, sometimes sprinklers in certain settings need extra protection.
Why this matters
NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems mandates putting listed head guards on sprinklers wherever they are “subject to mechanical injury” (2025 edition: 16.2.6).
But if the listed standard guards can’t withstand the level of possible abuse in your facility—like heavy impacts from equipment or fast-moving sports balls—they can fail to do their job. And when they do, the consequences aren’t theoretical: broken sprinklers, water-soaked inventory, shut-down operations, and costly cleanups.
The price tag of an improperly activated sprinkler is often in the thousands of dollars—even six figures, depending on damaged goods.
The fix
When standard head guards aren’t enough, you may need heavy-duty head guards. These guards are larger and made of welded mild steel, which is strong enough to protect against many hard hits while also creating a large crumple zone before something really heavy hits the fragile sprinkler.
Unlike standard guards that mount to the sprinkler itself, heavy-duty models attach to the pipe, making them more stable and the sprinkler much harder to shear off.
These heavy-duty guards are commonly used in factories, gyms, and other places where hard-impact risks are higher.
Important: NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 require the use of listed head guards, and most heavy-duty guards are not listed—usually, only the standard guards made by the sprinkler manufacturer are. However, NFPA standards give local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) discretion to approve alternative methods that achieve fire protection goals. Check with your local AHJ before using heavy-duty guards.
Buyer’s guide
1. Pick the pipe mounting style: Horizontal, Side, or Vertical:

2. Match to the pipe size:
Pipe Circumference | Pipe Outside Diameter | Head Guard Size |
5.215 in. (132.5 mm) | 1.66 in. (42.2 mm) | 1-1/4 in. (31.75 mm) |
5.969 in. (151.6 mm) | 1.9 in. (48.3 mm) | 1-1/2 in. (38.1 mm) |
7.461 in. (189.5 mm) | 2.375 in. (60.3 mm) | 2 in. (50.8 mm) |
9.032 in. (229.4 mm) | 2.875 in. (73 mm) | 2-1/2 in. (63.5 mm) |
10.996 in. (279.3 mm) | 3.5 in. (88.9 mm) | 3 in. (76.2 mm) |
14.137 in. (359.1 mm) | 4.5 in. (114.3 mm) | 4 in. (101.6 mm) |
3. Choose a finish: Black, Red, White, or Yellow.
4. Need custom protection? QRFS can take custom orders that adjust the cage’s spacing or other design characteristics to meet special requirements—for example, to ensure a baseball can’t get through the cage to hit the sprinkler. Just contact us!
5. Get AHJ approval: Heavy-duty head guards are not listed, so approval is essential before use.
Product recommendations
Find sprinkler guards at QRFS
If you need sprinkler guards, check out our selection of:
- Standard head guards, including listed models and guards with baffles
- Heavy-duty head guards
Have questions or need help placing an order? Contact us!
FAQs
Are QRFS’s heavy-duty head guards listed?
No, only our standard sprinkler manufacturer guards are listed. Heavy-duty guards offer stronger protection but require AHJ approval.
Can I use heavy-duty guards in any setting?
Yes, with AHJ approval. But they are best for high-impact environments like gyms, warehouses, construction sites, and factories.
How do I choose the right guard size?
Measure the pipe’s nominal diameter (NPS) and match it to the sizing chart provided above.
Can I get a guard that stops specific objects, like smaller projectiles?
Yes. QRFS can get custom-manufactured options for specific threats—just ask.