What does the term "waterflow alarm" indicate in NFPA 13?

The term "waterflow alarm" in NFPA 13 refers specifically to a notification system that activates when water begins to flow through the sprinkler system. This alarm is crucial for alerting occupants and firefighters that a sprinkler has been activated, indicating that there may be a fire or emergency situation requiring immediate attention.

In a functioning sprinkler system, the waterflow alarm is an essential safety feature because it ensures that the presence of water, which signifies system operation, is detected and communicated to monitoring entities. This notification permits an prompt response to the incident, allowing for coordinated fire suppression efforts and helping to ensure the safety of building occupants.

Understanding the function of a waterflow alarm is fundamental to the design and assessment of sprinkler systems as per NFPA 13, where such alarms are categorized under life safety measures.