Red Seal Sprinkler Fitter Practice Exam

What function does a flow switch serve in a sprinkler system?

1. Activates the water supply to the system

2. Detects water flow and activates alarm systems

3. Controls the direction of water flow

4. Maintains pressure within the system

The correct answer is: Detects water flow and activates alarm systems

A flow switch plays a crucial role in a sprinkler system by detecting water flow within the piping. When the sprinkler system is activated due to a fire or emergency situation, water begins to flow through the pipes. The flow switch senses this movement and triggers the alarm systems, notifying occupants and emergency services about the presence of water flow indicative of a potential fire. This function is essential for safety, as it helps ensure that alarms are activated in real-time, allowing for a prompt response. The flow switch acts as a reliable indicator that can differentiate between normal system operation and an actual alarm condition. The other choices relate to functions that are not performed by a flow switch. For instance, while controlling the water supply or pressure is integral to the system, those tasks are managed by valves and pressure regulators rather than flow switches. Similarly, controlling the direction of water flow is conducted through the layout of the piping and valves rather than the flow switch itself. Thus, the primary role of the flow switch revolves around the detection of water flow to activate alarm systems effectively.