How is a "sprinkler system" defined according to NFPA 13?

A "sprinkler system," as defined by NFPA 13, refers to an integrated system of piping and sprinklers specifically designed to deliver water to a fire. This definition emphasizes the system's primary function of automatic fire suppression through the controlled application of water directly at the heat source. The design includes components such as pipes, sprinkler heads, valves, and often a water supply source, which work collectively to detect and suppress fires effectively.

This definition is integral to understanding how sprinkler systems operate as part of a broader fire protection strategy in various types of buildings. By delivering water in a timely and targeted manner, these systems serve to minimize fire damage and enhance overall safety for occupants.

In contrast, other options listed do not fit the established definition of a sprinkler system. Fire hoses represent a manual firefighting tool rather than a fixed automatic system, automatic fire doors serve a different purpose related to compartmentalization in fire safety, and manual systems do not entail the automated features present in sprinkler systems. The focus of NFPA 13 is on the integrated and automatic nature of sprinkler systems as essential elements in fire protection engineering.