The TYCO TY3231 is the pendent / recessed pendent model of the TY-FRB series, with a K 5.6 discharge coefficient and 1/2″ NPT thread, quick response and standard coverage, operated by a glass bulb 3 mm. It is designed for light and ordinary hazard commercial occupancies such as banks, hotels and shopping malls. Installed hanging below the pipe; it can also be recessed into a finished ceiling with its specified recessed escutcheon. For where the sprinkler sits in the whole system, see the complete guide to sprinkler systems in Saudi Arabia.
In short
- Model (SIN): TY3231 — Pendent / Recessed Pendent.
- Discharge coefficient K 5.6, 1/2″ NPT connection.
- Glass bulb 3 mm, quick response.
- Temperature ratings in the datasheet: 57 / 68 / 79 / 93 / 141 °C.
- Maximum working pressure: Per Table E of the datasheet (175 psi; 250 psi under UL for some models).
- Series approvals: UL, C-UL, FM, LPCB, VdS (per Tables A–D). The approval of each model, finish and rating is in the approvals table of datasheet TFP171.
How this sprinkler works
The glass bulb contains a fluid that expands when exposed to heat. When the rated temperature is reached, the fluid expands enough to shatter the bulb, the sprinkler opens and the deflector spreads the water over the fire area.
Installed hanging below the pipe; it can also be recessed into a finished ceiling with its specified recessed escutcheon. Quick response means the thermal element reacts faster, so the sprinkler operates earlier than a standard-response sprinkler of the same rating.
Models in the series
| SIN | Orientation | K-factor | Thread |
|---|---|---|---|
| TY1131 | Upright | 2.8 | 1/2″ NPT |
| TY1231 | Pendent / Recessed Pendent | 2.8 | 1/2″ NPT |
| TY2131 | Upright | 4.2 | 1/2″ NPT |
| TY2231 | Pendent / Recessed Pendent | 4.2 | 1/2″ NPT |
| TY3131 | Upright | 5.6 | 1/2″ NPT |
| TY3231 — this model | Pendent / Recessed Pendent | 5.6 | 1/2″ NPT |
| TY4131 | Upright | 8.0 | 3/4″ NPT |
| TY4231 | Pendent / Recessed Pendent | 8.0 | 3/4″ NPT |
| TY4831 | Upright | 8.0 | 1/2″ NPT |
| TY4931 | Pendent | 8.0 | 1/2″ NPT |
Links to the other models are in the “Similar models” table below. The choice of model comes from the hydraulic calculation, hazard classification and installation method in the project design.
Application notes
- Quick response with a 3 mm bulb, so it operates earlier than standard-response sprinklers of the same temperature rating.
- Corrosion-resistant finishes are available per the datasheet for corrosive atmospheres; the datasheet notes that corrosion tests do not represent every possible atmosphere, so suitability for the actual environment should be checked.
Technical data
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Model (SIN) | TY3231 |
| Orientation | Pendent / Recessed Pendent |
| Discharge coefficient | K 5.6 gpm/psi½ (80.6 L/min/bar½) |
| Thread | 1/2″ NPT |
| Element and response | Glass bulb 3 mm — Quick Response |
| Coverage | Standard Coverage |
| Temperature ratings | 57 / 68 / 79 / 93 / 141 °C |
| Maximum working pressure | Per Table E of the datasheet (175 psi; 250 psi under UL for some models) |
| Installation torque | 7 – 14 lb-ft (9.5 – 19.0 N·m) |
| Wrench | W-Type 6 (W-Type 7 for recessed) |
| Escutcheon | Recessed pendent: Style 10 / 20 (1/2″) or Style 30 / 40 (3/4″) |
| Approvals | UL, C-UL, FM, LPCB, VdS (per Tables A–D) |
| Datasheet | TYCO TFP171 |
The critical point: wrench and torque
Tighten only with the specified wrench on the wrench flats, within the torque for its thread. Higher torque can distort the inlet and cause leakage or impairment.
Do not compensate for too little escutcheon adjustment by under- or over-tightening; readjust the sprinkler fitting.
Installation steps
- Inspect before installing: never install a sprinkler whose bulb is cracked or has lost liquid.
- Install the sprinkler in its correct orientation (Pendent / Recessed Pendent) as shown in the datasheet — never reversed.
- Apply pipe-thread sealant to the threads, then hand-tighten the sprinkler.
- Finish with the specified wrench (W-Type 6 (W-Type 7 for recessed)) within 7 – 14 lb-ft (9.5 – 19.0 N·m). Higher torque can distort the inlet and cause leakage.
- With an escutcheon, use only the specified one (Recessed pendent: Style 10 / 20 (1/2″) or Style 30 / 40 (3/4″)) and never compensate for adjustment by changing the torque.
Common mistakes
- Compensating for too little recessed escutcheon adjustment by under- or over-tightening instead of readjusting the fitting.
- Installing a sprinkler that was dropped, struck or slipped by the wrench. The datasheet requires any such sprinkler to be replaced.
- Painting or coating sprinklers on site. Sprinklers must not be altered after leaving the factory; altered sprinklers are replaced.
- Hanging objects from sprinklers, or cleaning them with anything other than a gentle feather duster.
Maintenance
Sprinklers that leak or show visible corrosion must be replaced, as must sprinklers exposed to corrosive products of combustion that cannot be fully cleaned. The owner is responsible for inspection, testing and maintenance to NFPA 25 and the authority having jurisdiction, preferably by a qualified inspection service. Before closing a main control valve for maintenance, obtain permission from the proper authorities and notify everyone affected.
Files and ordering
TYCO datasheet TFP171 and the available approval certificates are in the files section of this page. When ordering, state the model TY3231, temperature rating and finish, escutcheon. The datasheet lists the part numbers (P/N) for each combination.
How to order
Use the “Build your order” section on this page: add every model and quantity, then send the whole order by email or WhatsApp. It reaches us as a tidy PDF request sheet and we contact you with the quotation.
FAQ
What does TY3231 mean?
It is TYCO’s Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN). It identifies the exact model — orientation, K-factor and thread. The sprinkler is ordered by this number together with temperature rating and finish.
How do I choose the temperature rating?
From the highest expected ceiling temperature and the rating classes in the project’s governing standard, within the ratings available for this model in the datasheet.
Do all models in the series carry the same approvals?
Not always. The approvals table in datasheet TFP171 gives each model’s approvals by rating and finish, so check it when the project requires a specific approval.
What is the benefit of quick response?
The thermal element reacts faster, so the sprinkler operates earlier and limits heat and smoke spread; standards require it in some occupancies such as light hazard.
References
- TYCO TFP171 — Series datasheet (attached)
- NFPA 13 — Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
- NFPA 25 — Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
- TYCO TFP700 — Installer warning for handling and installing sprinklers
This page is general information to help with selection and ordering, taken from the attached TYCO datasheet. Final design is set by the project’s approved designer; the project specification, the consultant’s drawings and the latest datasheet revision govern.
