Red Seal Sprinkler Fitter Practice Exam

Which component alerts occupants to a fire in a sprinkler system?

1. Flow switch

2. Main valve

3. Sprinkler head

4. Check valve

The correct answer is: Flow switch

A flow switch plays a crucial role in a sprinkler system by detecting the flow of water and triggering alarms to alert occupants to a potential fire. When the system is activated by heat, the sprinkler head releases water. This flow of water activates the flow switch, which then sends a signal to the alarm system. The alarm serves to notify occupants of the building that there is a fire, allowing for timely evacuation and response. On the other hand, the main valve is responsible for controlling the water supply to the system but does not provide direct alerts. The sprinkler head itself releases water when a fire is detected but is not designed to alert occupants. Similarly, the check valve ensures that water flows in the correct direction within the system but does not serve an alert function. Therefore, the flow switch is the correct component responsible for alerting occupants of a fire in a sprinkler system.