While Jim was examining the clapper valve of a failed fire s

While Jim was examining the clapper valve of a failed fire suppression system on the loading dock, he started to wonder whether he installed the right fire suppression system. The facility is unheated and located in a major city in the northeastern United States. Based on this information, which system would you recommend to Jim?

A. Deluge

B. Wet pipe

C. Preaction

D. Dry pipe

Solution

D. A dry pipe system is the preferred fire suppression method for locations that are unheated or subject to freezing. Dry pipe systems are unique in that they use pressurized air or nitrogen. In the event of a fire, the sprinkler head opens and releases the pressurized air. Although these systems do typically use a clapper valve, the term is used here because it might be unfamiliar to many readers. The exam might also use terms that you are not familiar with. All other answers are incorrect because deluge systems release a large amount of water in a very short period of time, wet pipe systems hold water in the pipe, and preaction systems release water into the pipe only when a specified temperature or separate detection device triggers its release