What characterizes a wet pipe system?

A wet pipe system is characterized by having water stored in the pipes, making it readily available for immediate discharge when a sprinkler head is activated. In this system, the pipes are filled with water at all times and are kept under pressure. When a sprinkler head opens, the water flows out directly from the pressurized pipes, providing an almost instantaneous response to a fire.

This immediate availability of water is crucial for effective fire suppression, as it allows for rapid delivery of water to the areas where it is needed most. The design of a wet pipe system makes it a common choice for buildings that are heated, as it minimizes the risk of freezing and maintains functionality throughout cold weather.

Other system types that involve different mechanisms, such as dry pipe systems or pre-action systems, do not have water constantly available or rely on pressurized air, resulting in different operational characteristics compared to a wet pipe system.