What is the primary purpose of a sprinkler system?

The primary purpose of a sprinkler system is to control or extinguish fires. Sprinkler systems are designed to automatically activate when a fire is detected in their vicinity, typically indicated by heat. Upon activation, they release water to suppress the flames, which can significantly reduce the intensity of the fire and often extinguish it before the fire department arrives. This early intervention can save lives, reduce property damage, and minimize the risk of fire spreading.

While detecting smoke, providing a water supply for firefighting, and ensuring safe evacuation are all important aspects of fire safety, they are not the primary function of sprinkler systems. Smoke detection is usually the role of smoke alarms or detection systems. The water supply for firefighting is typically managed through hydrants and other water sources rather than directly through sprinkler systems, which utilize a pre-installed system of pipes and nozzles. Ensuring safe evacuation is also critical in fire safety planning but is not a direct function of the sprinkler system itself. Thus, the control or extinguishing of fires directly addresses the core function of sprinklers in mitigating fire hazards.