Control Valves and Drains

Automatic sprinklers are the most reliable and effective fire-protection devices available today — provided they operate correctly. To determine if a sprinkler system can adequately protect a property, underwriters should be familiar with the components, operation, and testing of the systems, as well as potential causes for failure.

A sprinkler system consists of the following components:

• a water supply and fire department connection 
• underground and aboveground pipes
• valves and drains
• alarms and test connections
• sprinklers

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Typical fire sprinkler system in a commercial building