Red Seal Sprinkler Fitter Practice Exam

Which type of sprinkler head is typically used in residential applications?

1. Wet pipe sprinkler heads

2. Deluge sprinkler heads

3. Pre-action sprinkler heads

4. Dry pipe sprinkler heads

The correct answer is: Wet pipe sprinkler heads

Wet pipe sprinkler heads are indeed typically used in residential applications because they are designed to provide immediate protection against fires. In these systems, the pipes are filled with water at all times. When a fire occurs and a sprinkler head is activated by heat, water is released directly from that head, enabling a quick response to control the spread of the fire. In residential settings, where the environment is generally conducive to the use of water-filled pipes (like being heated to prevent freezing), wet pipe systems are preferred for their simplicity and effectiveness. They require less maintenance and are easier to install compared to other systems. Other types of sprinkler heads, such as deluge, pre-action, and dry pipe heads, are more suited for industrial or specialized applications. Deluge systems, for example, release water from all heads simultaneously and are typically used in high-hazard environments. Pre-action systems combine features of wet and dry systems and are generally used where the risk of accidental discharge must be minimized. Dry pipe systems are designed for areas where pipes might be subject to freezing, and they maintain air pressure until activation occurs, making them less common in typical residential setups.